How to Explain a Low GPA during a Job Interview

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shutterstock_126648725You finally landed a job interview with a great organization for a position you really want. However, you’re worried that at some point you’ll be asked the dreaded question: “Can you explain this low Grade Point Average (GPA) on your transcript?”

Focus on the Facts

If you’re worried about being asked this question, that’s a good thing. You always want to think ahead about what an interviewer may ask. Then prepare yourself with a concise, professional response. So the first tip is to check your facts.

Most transcripts provide a cumulative GPA, or the average of all your classes combined. Transcripts often contain a subject specific GPA as well. For most people, the subject specific GPA is higher because it represents the field you’re interested in and probably pursing with the job interview. If this describes you, clarify in the interview that the subject specific GPA is higher. Calculate your subject specific GPA if your transcript doesn’t show it.

Having a clear head about exactly what type of low GPA may be discussed will help you clarify your response.

Share a Positive Outlook

One skill employers will be impressed with is being able to redirect a problem into a more favorable direction. Use the low GPA to share a positive outlook you have toward life, learning, and work.

For example, you might explain that you thought you wanted to be an accountant before you realized it was not the career choice for you. Therefore, the low GPA represented the need to choose a different career, the one you’re interviewing for now.

Or you might explain that learning to balance adult responsibilities or the pressures of school, family, and work took a semester or two. Acknowledge the low GPA, but clarify you learned a lot about how to better balance your life and priorities so that you can focus on getting the job done.

Sharing the positive outlook you have in relation to a negative outcome will demonstrate to the potential employer how you will handle disappointments related to your job, such as a project that doesn’t have the expected outcome. You’ll be able to proceed in a positive direction for their organization.

Never Let Them See You Sweat

Employers only interview candidates they have handpicked from a much larger pool of applicants. They are interested in you, but they also want to see how you’ll handle difficult situations. Be confident and professional. Make no excuses. No sweating or stammering either.

It may be best for you simply to acknowledge you messed up. Maybe you were young and enjoyed the social scene in college or the freedom of being away from home a bit too much. Maybe you thought the ten years of success you’ve had in sales would allow you to sail right through a marketing class.

The low GPA was a reality check for you, and you now know what you would do differently to have a better outcome. Maybe you would say no to those partying roommates or swallow your pride and ask for help. This sort of approach shows that you’re human, and having a personality may actually help you during the interview.

The above approaches may be combined, too. Whatever you do, stay focused, stay positive, and stay cool. You learned from your mistakes, and you will be a better employee because of the experience.