Should You Include Your GPA on Your Resume, and What Is the Cutoff?

Many consider their high school or college GPA a mark of their academic success but have trouble deciding whether it is a detail they should include on their resume. In some cases, listing your GPA could work in your favor, giving hiring managers valuable information. In others, including your GPA is unnecessary, or it could actually work against you.

If you are trying to figure out if you should include your GPA on your resume, here’s what you need to know.

When You Should Include Your GPA on Your Resume

In most cases, listing your GPA is only a smart move if you have recently graduated from a relevant program. Since new grads may not have much work experience in their chosen field, including a GPA could give the hiring manager insight into some of your capabilities.

For example, academic performance can show the hiring manager you possess certain soft skills, such as a strong work ethic and drive. A high GPA could also give them additional confidence in your knowledge base, showcasing that you paid attention and were able to excel while growing your skills in your chosen field.

If you had another achievement that showcases your academic accomplishments, like graduating with honors, feel free to include those details as well. Being on the Dean’s List, becoming a member of an honor society, or similar achievements can also provide the hiring manager with value, so they are worth including during the first few years after you’ve graduated.

When You Shouldn’t Include Your GPA on Your Resume

Even if you are a new graduate, you don’t want to list your GPA if it is below 3.5. Anything under a 3.5 may make the hiring manager doubt your academic performance or knowledge base, so it is usually best to leave that detail off if you fall below that cutoff.

Otherwise, most job seekers should remove their GPA from their resumes once they have five years of experience in their field. By that point, a GPA doesn’t provide the hiring manager with much value. Plus, you can demonstrate your capabilities by including details about your accomplishments with your past employers, something the hiring manager will value more.

However, if you graduated with honors, were on the Dean’s List or had a similar academic achievement, you can still include this detail on your resume, even if you remove your GPA. Not only do these accomplishments demonstrate your capabilities, but it could also indicate you have a strong network or leadership capabilities, both of which the hiring manager may value.

Ultimately, listing your GPA is only a good idea for the first few years after graduation. After that, the detail usually won’t help you land a position, even if you maintained a 4.0.

If you would like to know more about crafting a strong resume, the team at The Squires Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable recruiters today and see how our resume-writing expertise can benefit you.


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