How to Land a Job with Sub-Par Grades

Contrary to what some might believe good grades in college are important when trying to land that coveted position after graduation. All your life, people have told you that getting good grades in high school will help you get into a great college, and possibly get a scholarship. What they did not tell you was that good grades in college are one aspect that employers care about when determining which candidate will get the job. In fact, some companies require a 3.5 GPA or higher for their positions, including internships. So, what do you do if your grades are less than impressive?

Evaluate Your Situation

If you are a sophomore in college or younger, this is your chance to take charge of your grades and potential career path. Lower level classes are going to be easier in general so if you get good grades then, you will have more flexibility as your grades get harder. If you are a junior, you still have a chance to pull your grades up, depending on where your grades are now. For any seniors, or super seniors, you have an opportunity to make an improvement and any improvement is better than none.

What Your Grades Say about You

Good grades are important because they say more about you than the fact that you are smart. Intelligence will only get you so far and college was not designed to be easy, which is why your grades will make you stand out in a sea of applicants. Above average grades show that you are either a genius or dedicated enough to put in the time and effort to maintain a good grade point average.

If your grades are sub-par, it says that you did not put forth the effort needed to make the grade. Why would an employer high someone who did not want to put forth the effort? How long do you think that person will last?

How to Make Amends

However, everyone has their own story. Perhaps you had something in your life that caused your grades to slip. It could be that you needed those first few years to mature a bit and are ready to handle whatever the world throws your way. Whatever your reason, you need to show employers that you are the right choice.

Instead of pointing out all of that your grades are not your strong point, highlight the things that were. If you are strong in your area of expertise, create a portfolio or way to show your potential employers you know your stuff.

Another key way to land a job with sub-par grades is to be involved with extracurricular activities. By being involved in things other than partying and classes, you show that you are well rounded and that you can adapt to things other than your field. Extracurricular activities are also a great place to build references, which you will need.

Lastly, make a superb first impression. Know what you are going to say before you go in to your interview. Plan, and/or purchase, the perfect interview outfit, which looks smart on you and makes you feel confident. Be prepared and on time. If you wow them on the spot, they will be more forgiving about your sub-par grades.

Ultimately, your GPA might have an impact on if you get an interview, but YOU have the power to control your interview. Give it all you have; and however it works out is how it is suppose to be in the end. Grades matter most on the first job, but after that, your experience and references will help you move up that corporate ladder.