Resume question for those who do the hiring

[donas]

I have been told a few different things and was wondering what the consensus was from those who are responsible for hiring. I am finishing up my master's degree soon and will be seeking out my second career. Should I put my GPA from undergrad/grad degrees on resume? I have been told no by some, 3.7 or higher by others, and lastly only if it's a 4.0.

I'd list it if it matters, but assume it only matters if I have a degree or not.

[herts9]

When reviewing candidates, I never pay attention to GPA if it's listed. They received a diploma. Check.

Years ago, an adage I heard:

Q: "What do you call the person with the lowest GPA that graduated med school?"

A: "Doctor"

[swils8610]

I’ve never taken a GPA into consideration for when hiring.

[Chewbacca]

Wade

Congrats on the move.

It all depends on what job, sector you’re going in to.

[Danny83]

Originally Posted by swils8610

i’ve never taken a gpa into consideration for when hiring.

x2

[PackPride]

I am curious as to the position or field- I hire for exec level positions and it doesn’t change my decision. However, our techincial positions do pay attention.

If your GPA is good no harm in listing- if it’s not great leave it off.

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by swils8610

I’ve never taken a GPA into consideration for when hiring.

Nor have I.

[Andy0331]

Unless it's asked for, I wouldn't put it there.

One thing that stands out to me in resumes is how lengthy they are... anything beyond 2 pages, it better be stellar and relevant, because I'm getting bored. I can't count the number of resumes I've seen that "fluff" it up with extras that really don't have any bearing on the job. More "fluff" is a hint that you're trying too hard to stand out. Relevant experience is far more valuable to me than all of the "color".

[J!m]

I don’t care about GPA. Mine sucked and I still wrote patents...

I look at military service.
I look at degrees and professional citations.
I am far more impressed by patents than degrees. Why? Anyone who studies hard and has a good memory can do well in school if they apply themselves. In general, im looking for that BUT also someone with creativity and ingenuity, generally displayed by patent holders.
And unlike Andy above, I look for diversity in activity. If there is no mention of anything else in a resume I wonder if that person either has zero life beyond the job or they fabricated it specifically to appear “perfect” for the position.

All of the above does not hold for all jobs on earth naturally, but I generally work in aerospace high tech Bla Bla fields. I have no degree and have trained Ph.D.’s.

[VanAdian]

Nope, I generally dont look at it. I hire senior engineers and other broad range of technical folk - I only care if they have the required degree/diploma. I look at grades if it is a summer student, and thats just because they typically tend to put them in. Still doesnt really play a factor for me. I can safely say I haven't hired someone just because of their grades.

[bdex75]

I have never taken that into account when hiring. We have about own tests to determine if candidates can pass the requisite licensing exams we need them to pass.


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[McLovin]

If they are still in school or a recent graduate, sure I’ll consider it, if they’ve been out working a couple years it doesn’t really matter.

[Andy0331]

Originally Posted by J!m

And unlike Andy above, I look for diversity in activity. If there is no mention of anything else in a resume I wonder if that person either has zero life beyond the job or they fabricated it specifically to appear “perfect” for the position.

A clarification, I'm fine with some personal stuff, but I see quite a few where every single course, seminar, continuing education, is listed, pushing the resume into 3-4 pages. Sure, it looks impressive to others, but if I look at it & can see you've been in this field for XX years, I already expect that you've checked those boxes as well. Id' rather see things of substance that I don't, or shouldn't know about you.

[Star Ferry]

I think listing GPA is fine because it takes up minimal space. I would definitely list any latin honors received

[s14roller]

3.5+ / 4 and list any honors. I agree that I don't generally use it for any determination, but being a good student is a slight plus even if unconscious.

[singe89]

When I was at one of the largest financial services firms the internal recruiters would pay attention to GPA, majors and school before they would pass candidates along for interviews. Now that I’m back at my own firm gpa and resumes are far less important. Build the resume for the job and company you are applying to.

[swatty]

It’s your attitude that will get you the job, not what’s written on a piece of paper .

[tyler1980]

no one has even verified i had the degrees i said i had (which i do). If i put my GPA it would probably be the same. I haven't had to prove it and a university isn't going to give out that info to a 3rd party w/o your consent and i know no one has ever asked.

IMO most stuff on a resume isnt verified and the interview is what is the deciding factor. A resume is one way to decide who to interview though.

These days they are more likely to do a social media search of you than to investigate your resume claims and if you have inappropriate stuff posted anywhere they can find, then you are in trouble.

[Burlington]

Nothing is more obvious than a generic application, know what you’re applying for and target your CV and covering letter for that role and company.

Generally - mindset, approach and potential beat academic paperwork.

[The Libertine]

I look for the degree - that’s it. Professional experience since graduation is far more relevant than the GPA.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Danny83

x2

I’ll add a x3

[superdog]

Originally Posted by swatty

It’s your attitude that will get you the job, not what’s written on a piece of paper .

Definitely this.

[Cryten]

Each industry is different. A short one page resume with all qualifications clearly and concisely listed is the norm in my industry. We don't have the time to go through your entire life history.

People who put their interests and hobbies always irked me when I was hiring. Why do I care that you have an interest in grooming miniature poodles?

Leave the GPA out. The degree gets you the interview, you'll get questions on the degree if necessary then......like "why did it take you 6 years to get a 4 year degree?" Or the more common question to someone with two degrees, "why was your first degree in arts?" (the answer is always the same to that one, but it's fun to ask anyway )

[landroverking]

Only if I was hiring a teacher.

[Laszlo]

Every hiring manager cross references your papers against your LinkedIn profile. Put your accomplishments on LinkedIn, GPA, Patents, Clubs, Publications etc. Also make sure you have a photo of yourself on LinkedIn, something professional.

[214270Explorer]

My 40 years of work experience has shown me that hiring personnel "in general" pay almost no attention to delving deeply into resumes unless they are a very small company and not receiving hundreds of applications.

I have had hiring personnel ask me pertinent, very important information that was right there in front of their stupid myopic eyes.

[Please do not complain about my comment; I am actually quite myopic myself. Literally.]

[HobokenRolex]

In my opinion, including GPA makes sense if you’re early in your career (and only if the GPA is good, say 3.6+). Shows you’re a hard worker. Later in your career, it’s not too relevant what you did in school 10+ years ago. Be sure that whatever you include is truthful in case it needs to be verified in a background check.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by HobokenRolex

In my opinion, including GPA makes sense if you’re early in your career (and only if the GPA is good, say 3.6+). Shows you’re a hard worker. Later in your career, it’s not too relevant what you did in school 10+ years ago. Be sure that whatever you include is truthful in case it needs to be verified in a background check.

for a people focused job where social skills are coveted, a high GPA indicates introverted behavior and being a nerd. It might backfire.

[Spoonage]

Last week I spent an entire day interviewing to fill an Enginnering Co-Op position on my team... The best candidates in my eyes had either no GPA listed, or did not have over 3.8 GPA that many seem to think is mandatory to put... GPA isnt everything and more often than not I'm looking at other things than GPA.

[tudorbaja27]

Unless you have a 4.0 with honors, nope.