Why You Don't Have to Be an "A" Student to Get a Job After Graduation

After a dozen years of working with new college graduates to launch careers, I know that college graduates don't have to be "A" students to get a job after graduation. One graduating senior told me years ago that since he knew employers hired "A" students for jobs first, his strategy was to hang back until after the "A" students got their jobs after graduation. Surprisingly, many graduating seniors think this way.

College students hear much about the importance of high GPA and grades. Everyone knows the "A" student with the high GPA makes Dean's Lists, lands scholarships and secures research opportunities with professors.

However, from a practical perspective, graduating seniors should know that employers don't just look for "A" students to hire and that being an "A" student does not always mean you will be the first to find a job after graduation.

Having said that, good grades are important; but not because of the grade itself, but for what it says about the college students' behaviors. Employers want to hire graduating seniors who will help their companies become and remain successful.

If all it required to get a job after graduation was an "A", employers would only require a transcript; not a resume, not letters of recommendation and certainly not the job interview.

Employers look for the following behaviors from new college grads whether "A" student or not. College graduates should know how to demonstrate these four behaviors in a resume, in an interview and through letters of recommendation.

Work Ethic

Can you demonstrate to an employer that you are a hard worker even though you are not an "A" student? Were you a college athlete? Did you have a campus job throughout college? Do you have professional references that will speak to your work ethic?

Good Communication Skills

So you are not an "A" student, but can you read, write and speak without using slang? Could you have a professional, courteous conversation in a business environment? Did you participate in any campus activities where you developed public speaking skills? How you done a mock interview to see and hear how you communicate during a job interview? Job interview communication skills will have greater impact on whether or not you get a job after graduation.

Honesty and Integrity

Are you trustworthy and will others vouch for your integrity through a reference letter? What would your former employers say about your honesty and integrity? Did you participate in any volunteer work while in college? Did you demonstrate academic integrity?

Teamwork

Do you get along well with others? Did you participate in team sports in college? Are you a member of any community organizations? Were you selected to lead any groups or projects in college?

"A" students deserve credit for their hard work, but they do not get all the good jobs after graduations. The ability to execute an effective job search strategy that showcases the positive behaviors employers want, has more impact on how college graduates jobs after graduation.

Resources:
9 Key Elements of a Good Reference Letter
How college students should explain a low GPA
Associated Content articles for college graduates