How to Make Up for Poor Grades in an Interview
Getting low grades while you're in college can come back to haunt you. While the damage is already done and you can’t go back to fix the problem, low grades don't automatically mean you're out of the running in the job market. However, you do have to work harder to achieve your goal. During your interview, get around those bad grades by letting your good qualities shine.
Instructions
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Use your other experiences to your advantage. Talk about previous jobs you’ve held and how those jobs have helped form your work ethic. Speak about experiences that have resulted in knowledge you can use on the job you’re interviewing for. Even if you've never held another job, talk about any volunteer work or extracurricular activities you’ve participated in.
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Stress your strong points. Tell the interviewer about how punctual you are or how often you volunteer to work when others call out sick. Show the interviewer that you have other qualities that are an asset.
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Give the interviewer letters of recommendation from former employers, professors or organizations. A letter of recommendation shows the interviewer that people value your qualities.
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Speak honestly about your low grades. Instead of avoiding the issue, talk about what caused them. Explain how you’ve learned from your mistakes. Tell the interviewer that your low grades are not an indication of your work ability.
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Talk about any classes in which you received good grades. For example, if you consistently had low grades in math but had higher grades in English and classes specifically part of your major, it's worth mentioning. Assuming the job you're applying for relates to your major, you can point out to the interviewer that you have a thorough knowledge of the skills needed for the job.
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Tips & Warnings
Be personable during the interview. Avoid coming across as rude, cold or snobby. You want your good qualities to shine through.
Find common ground with the interviewer, but keep your confidence even if there is none. When you explain your grades, don't offer excuses. While an honest answer may seem embarrassing, it sounds better than blaming everyone or everything else for your low grades.
If you have the time, retake classes in which you had lower grades before you apply for more jobs. Retaking the classes gives you the chance to get better grades and raise your GPA.
Don't come across as bored during the interview. Show interest in the company even if you've decided you don't want the job. While the job may not feel like a good fit, use the interview as practice for other interviews.
References
Resources
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