Your college GPA is not the end all, be all. In fact, in many situations, it is not even taken into consideration. That does not mean, however, that it will never come up in conversation during a job interview or that it is something that should be overlooked. If your GPA is on the lower side, do not automatically accept defeat if a hiring manager questions it. Instead, try using one or more of the following methods to recover and prove that you are the strongest candidate for the position:

  • Remain confident. Don’t allow an interviewer to shake your confidence by simply asking about your low GPA. Remember, you would not have made it to the interview in the first place if you were not considered a serious contender for the position. More often than not, interviewers like to ask test questions to observe how the candidate will react. Show the interviewer that you can respond well under pressure and deserve the position.
  • Sell your strengths. Beware of focusing too much energy on your weaknesses when questioned about your GPA. Think about areas where you excelled. Convey your top strengths, but do not completely ignore areas where you have fallen short, such as a low GPA. Before your interview, devise a plan to handle any tough questions, obstacles, or challenges that may arise.
  • Be honest. Hiring managers do not want to hear excuses. This is why it is imperative to provide valid reasons for your grades when asked. Perhaps you had difficulty grasping nonessential courses to your industry that were required for your degree, you participated in many extracurricular activities, or devoted a good portion of your out of class time to a part-time job or volunteer work. Whatever your reason may be, admit it, then steer the conversation back to your benefit and show the interviewer why you are the right candidate for the job.

Whether you have a low GPA or other weak mark on your resume, never allow one issue or question set you back during an interview. Evaluating yourself and preparing a case to present yourself as the strongest candidate can help steer the conversation back in your favor when an interviewer asks a challenging or uncomfortable question. Staffers, Inc. works hard to prepare candidates for job interviews to help get them placed in some of the leading office administration jobs in Jackson, Mississippi. If you are in need of help in your job search, contact the staffing experts at Staffers, Inc. today!

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