If you are a recent graduate, do you include your GPA on your résumé?
The rule of thumb that I remember being taught is that the GPA should be part of a résumé if it is 3.5 or higher.
Here are some of the opinions I found on the matter while researching this question recently:
From Career Builder: “According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ ‘Job Outlook 2005′ survey, 70 percent of hiring managers do report screening applicants based on their GPA…”
Virginia Tech’s advice is basically, “It depends.” On a webpage in their Career Services section, they say that GPA matters in some industries, but not in others. Sometimes, they advise, it pays to “break out” your GPA for your in-major classes, particularly if the general education courses pulled your grades down.
A post on TheJobBored gives three pieces of advice about the GPA:
- use it if it is 3.0 or above,
- show your GPA for your major if your overall GPA is not so good, and
- remember that your accomplishments and background matter more than grades.
Boston University School of Management also breaks down the GPA question. Here are a few highlights:
- A 3.0 or higher should be used on your résumé if you have your Bachelor’s degree.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.5 is the minimum threshold for individuals with an MBA.
- Your GPA listing should be two decimal places out (e.g. 3.77, not 3.8).
- Be clear if you are including your major GPA (not your overall GPA) on your résumé.
- Don’t lie about your GPA (they cite scholastic reasons for being truthful, but it’s important to not inflate that number while job-seeking, either).
What advice have you been given about using your GPA on your résumé? Has using it helped or hurt your chances with a position?
