One of the most difficult aspects of drafting your resume is deciding on the items to include on the resume. Thus, many people do not know if they should leave out their GPA or put it on their resume.
Putting your GPA on your resume is not compulsory although indicating a high GPA (if you make one) might give you an upper hand over other candidates. Most companies are not interested in your academic performance since it is liable to manipulation. Therefore, your achievements, work experience, and offers tend to be more significant on your resume.
According to most expert suggestions, if your GPA falls between 3.5 and above then you should consider including it on your resume. However, you should be careful about estimating your GPA; for instance, a GPA of 3.49 should not be estimated to be 3.5 as this might be termed “result falsification”.
When Should I Add My GPA On Resume?
Here are some of the circumstances including your GPA might be necessary:
- During work while studying period
As a student, you might find yourself in a situation where you need to take up some jobs to sponsor your education and require a resume to apply. In such a situation, including your GPA is necessary since you do not have the required work experience to qualify you for the job. Hence, when you are situation where your qualifications are needed to supplement your work experience then your GPA also becomes required.
- Possession of a high GPA
As discussed earlier, you can also include your GPA on your resume when you have obtained a high GPA in college, typically above 3.5. A high GPA will inform your employer about your dedication and code of conduct. At times, your employer might particularly ask for the inclusion of GPA on your resume then you should put it regardless of what you have.
- When you have few or no academic achievement
For most people who have attained any high level of academic achievements such as Principal Honour Roll (Summa Cum Laude), Superior Honour Roll (Magna Cum Laude), or Regular Honour Roll (Cum Laude); including GPA on their resume might be irrelevant. But, if you do not fall in this category then you should consider including your GPA to maintain the relevance of your resume among theirs.
How To Include GPA on Your Resume?
To create a logical flow between your GPA and other items on your resume here is how to include your GPA in your resume:
- GPA should be under Education
Your GPA is like every other elementary and high school grade and therefore, should come on the list. Many people mistakenly place it under the achievements and honours section of the resume especially, when they have a very high GPA.
If you have been awarded any honour rolls then they should be placed in the achievements and honours section while your GPA goes to the “Education” section. However, if you feel there is a need to include your GPA in the Achievements and Honours section then it should come in brackets or parenthesis after the honours you have received.
- Do not overemphasize your GPA
You might think writing out the full meaning of GPA, or making it bold than every other grade you have obtained will increase the relevance of the score; however, this does not matter. The simple inclusion of GPA followed by a colon (GPA :) is enough to present your score. Keeping your GPA simple and almost irrelevant make your resume more special.
- Include your overall GPA (CGPA)
Your CGPA is the best to be included on your resume as it encompasses your cumulative GPA in college. It is crucial to do this when your several GPAs are very low compared to the CGPA.
- State the correct GPA
In the long run, your GPA might become unnecessary therefore, you should not be dishonest about it. Include your actual GPA or CGPA on your resume and leave the decision of employing you to your employers.
Now that you know whether or not to put your GPA on your resume, let’s quickly take a look at other essential aspects that should be included on the resume:
- Personal details
This section contains your name, e-mail address, phone number, home address, and social media links (optional).
- Profile
This gives a brief description of the person you are, principles, work ethics, and ambitions.
- Education
It contains your academic histories and certificates you have obtained during your period in school.
- Achievements and Honours
This section tells your employers about your academic and non-academic achievements as well as the honours you have received for your academic excellence.
- Work experience
This section states the number of years you have spent in a particular field of study as a professional and the positions you held in different organizations.
- Skills and Interest
This contains both your professional and other non-professional skills with your interest such as hobbies.
- Optional Sections
Other optional sections you can include on your resume are the watchword section, personal quote, and so on.
Conclusion
The inclusion of GPA on your resume solely depends on you and the nature of the work you are applying for. You should also consider if your work experience or qualifications will be the most significant for the job.
Therefore, there is nothing bad if you do not put your GPA on your resume as it might be insignificant in some situations.
FAQ
- Do I need to put my GPA on my resume?
This is a personal decision and depends on the nature of the job you are applying for.
- Can I get a job with a GPA of 3.3?
Although expert suggestions pointed to 3.5 as the least GPA to be on your resume, a GPA of 3.3 can still get you a job.
- Should I put my GPA or CGPA on my resume?
The highest grade should be on your resume
- When should I include my GPA on my resume?
You can include your GPA if you have a high GPA, to supplement your achievements and honours and if you work while you study.
