We all know that as a student, GPA is the core metric to measure how much you’ve learnt academically throughout the 4 years.
You might not be a great student, but hey, it doesn’t mean you can’t be an outstanding employee right?
Well then, how are you going to explain this to your future employers?
1.Take responsibilities
There could have been many possibilities for your relatively low academic achievement. You might have spent most of your college time in starting businesses, heading student clubs, organising huge cross-cultural events, or working long hours to pay the tuition fees. Or, maybe you ‘ve chosen a wrong major which you simply hate.
For whatever reasons, getting good academically was NOT on the top of your heart’s priority. So, ask yourself, throughout these years in college, what were your TOP PRIORITIES? We all have 24 hours a day, so what have you done exactly? What have you learned from those experiences?
Admit what mistakes you’ve made, and your lessons learnt. It could be poor time management, lack of motivation, or not knowing when and how to ask for help. Take all responsibilities of your current results, not blaming external circumstances. Because life is really what you make it!
2. Dig deep on what else to highlight instead.
Next, we need to find some other “shining objects” in your resume to brag about. The good news is, there are indeed a lot of employers that do not care about GPAs. After all, what they need are job-related skills. Plus many college drop-outs achieved career success. But don’t expect your interviewer will see you as the next Mark Zuckerberg unless you have other
The good news is, there are indeed a lot of employers that do not care about GPAs. After all, what they need are job-related skills and excellent work ethics. Plus, many college drop-outs have achieved career success. But don’t expect your interviewer will see you as the next Mark Zuckerberg unless you have other achievements to prove your capabilities and grit.
For example, you’ve worked 30 hours per week to pay off the tuition fees while studying. You took 5 side jobs throughout the 4 years ranging from Logistics, Food & Beverage, Electronic Sales, and Marketing.
Thus, You’ve polished your interpersonal skills, especially in selling, customer servicing and persuasion.
You’ve observed how businesses operate in various industries and developed insights.
And of course, you’ve improved your multi-tasking, time management planning skills.
These are real work experiences! Comparing to other students who only had summer internships, you have and longer time of work exposures. Highlight this as your strength in your resume and how they are relevant to the job you are applying.
3. Go out of your usual way of career marketing
Many organisations use application tracking system (ATS ) for screening job applications. So it’s possible that your resume will never meet the human eyes if GPA is one of their selection criteria.
There’s nothing you can do with that, so let’s focus on what you can do NEXT.
Career Marketing is referring to the multiple ways you use to let your future employers notice and be interested in you. And sending a resume and online application is the LEAST creative and effective one.
Think creatively to get noticed. The easiest way, to begin with, is building a personal website to highlight your achievements. Or attend every recruitment talks organised by companies you admired and talk to the HR representatives. Submit your resume on the spot when appropriate.
No matter what, find your niche, know what makes you different and stand out from the crowd, and go for it!
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