Explain low GPA on cover letter?
For starters, I am looking to apply for technology analyst positions (I'm a CS major) in the BO at most banks.
My GPA is slightly below a 3.0 and as such, I'm wondering if its better to explain this in a cover letter or leave it off the resume completely?
From what I read initially, the general wisdom was to leave it off the resume and hope for the best but some people have said to just put it on the resume and explain it in the cover letter.
What do you guys think?
Well how would you explain a gpa below 3.0?
I did have some mistakes first 1.5 years and so my GPA was around a 2 then but since then I been averaging above a 3.0 with full course loads. I know that's not saying much, so do you think its better to just not mention the GPA on the resume? As when I apply, I fill in what my GPA is on the application anyway.
when you fill in the GPA on the internet application, that is for the system or HR to weed out the lower GPAs. I am assuming whoever interviews you will ask what your GPA was. At that point I would tell them what your overall GPA is, but then add that what your major GPA is since you say you've been getting over 3.0 in the latter years of your education.
Explaining Low GPA on Resume (Originally Posted: 10/14/2010)
I have a pretty low GPA, and in interviews I can explain that I worked about 30-35 hours per week while in school. As for my resume, while I have some boutique banking experience, a lot of my experience is not finance-related so on my resume it looks like I'm just a lazy bum who not only got a 3.3, but also didn't work work while in school most of the time.
While I can kinda explain the GPA in an interview by saying I worked a lot, I think I lost out on a lot of interviews b/c of my GPA on my resume. So I'm wondering, any way to include the non-finance work-experience to help explain GPA, maybe in a bullet under GPA or under Activities??
How's your major GPA?
Finance GPA is a 3.8 and is on there
3.3 doesn't need to be explained away... it's not drug addict bad. I mean... don't get me wrong - it's bad, and they're not going to interview you at some BB's etc because of that GPA - but it's not going to completely exclude you from having a chance at an interview somewhere. The explanation will not help. I always consider explanations like that "excuses", more than explanations. I think explaining it in the interview would be fine and helpful though, as you mentioned.
just my thoughts - could be wrong
just tell them you didn't realize you'd be so hosed and that you hope not to be so short sighted in the future
Listen, I know a lot of people with shit GPAs working at BBs. Just leverage your experience at the boutique and network.
Also, focus on the skills you do have...no point in mulling over a shit GPA, not like you can go back in time and get better grades.
too bad though
Don't mention it in your cover letter or pure out on your resume. Come up with a good story if they ask you about it in the interview.
How do I address a low GPA? (3.35) (Originally Posted: 01/08/2013)
I have a GPA of 3.35, and I would like to get a job in S&T in Chicago. I do not think a 3.35 is a good GPA so I am not trying to pretend it is (especially from an unranked school) However, I do have great experience in algorithmic trading outside of class, and I am also extremely involved in many clubs on campus. I feel like my GPA does not reflect the amount of knowledge involvement that I actually have. So what is the best way to address this? Should I address it in my cover letter? Or just have an answer ready in my head? I don’t want to come across as making up excuses though.
Any help would be fantastic!!
Thanks!!
Some options:
You could probably round to 3.4. But first off, why do you have a low gpa? what is your story..
Should I explain my GPA in cover letter (Originally Posted: 10/15/2014)
Hi guys, I'm applying for an internship which is due tonight. Since my GPA not very high, should I explain explicitly in my cover letter or should I just do it the normal way, highlighting all the positive facts but not mentioning GPA? Thanks a lot!
Don't "explain" GPA. Don't submit GPA 3.0 in resume, either.
What @"IlliniProgrammer" said. Have your explanation ready for the interviews because they will ask but don't volunteer the info.
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