Getting The Highest Grades Possbie Or Gaining Relevant work Experience: What Do Employers Rank Higher When Selecting Graduates For Interviews

Every year college graduates go out into the work force. It can be hard to get a job right after college so graduates need to position themselves to get the best employment opportunities. Many people ask themselves is it better to have work experience or the highest grades possible to get an interview for a job.

The Highest Grades Do Not Always Equate to Getting a Job Interview

Having a high grade point average can be very helpful when interviewing for a job. It shows potential employers that you are disciplined and worked hard at your college studies. Most employers require that each applicant has at least a four year college degree. The job market is saturated with college graduates so it is important for people to have something to give them something unique that makes them stand out during the interviewing process.

Employers spend less than one minute reviewing resumes so just having educational information listed without any relevant work experience can make the resume appear to be sparse. The best grades in the world are not often the gateway to getting job interviews.

Work Experience Is Vital to Getting a Job

Employers want to hire individuals that have a proven track record of success. Graduates who have work experience or internships have a leg above those individuals that just have a high G.P.A on their college transcripts.

Work experience shows that a graduate has the following traits:

• Ability to multi-task 
• Dedication to work and school 
• Responsible attitude towards earning a living.
• Commitment to completing projects and establishing a career 
• Eagerness to prove worth to employers

Companies Do Not Want to Waste Their Time on Unqualified Employees

It takes a lot of time and money to train new employees. Companies need to make sure that they are investing their resources in individuals who have shown talent and initiative. A college transcript does not say a lot about a graduate. It just provides a list of the classes that were taken and the grades that were earned. This does not paint the same picture that a work history does.

Work histories list the skills and job responsibilities that a graduate has. Employers can also contact references and verify the information. This information is the best litmus test to use when selecting graduates to interview for positions.

In conclusion, graduates should try to amass as much work experience as possible before they apply for employment opportunities. A high grade point average can be helpful but it is not enough for people to make an impact on employers in today’s tough job market.