When it comes to promoting your accomplishments, numbers don’t lie. It’s why our office encourages you to feature percentages and figures. But what about those other numbers that follow us? I’m talking about your GPA and credit score. Do they really matter? Let’s find out.
Your GPA | Does It Matter?
Many employers care little about your GPA. In fact, even Google says test scores and GPA are useless in determining if an employee is successful. However, they may still request this number if you’re a recent graduate, as other employers may also. Without extensive work experience, employers feel your GPA offers insight into your work ethic and discipline.
Your GPA | What’s a Good Number?
We recommend you list your GPA only if it’s 3.5 or above and if you’re less than three years out of school. If your GPA falls below 3.5, be prepared to explain. For example, if you’re GPA suffered as a result of working graveyard shifts to cover tuition, it’s worth mentioning! It could show your score didn’t suffer out of a lack of discipline. Additionally, include mention of all other achievements to counterbalance the less than perfect score.
Your Credit Score | Does It Matter?
Why would employers care about your credit? Many employers don’t, however, specific jobs may require it, such as careers in finance. If a company is hiring you to manage their money, they want to make sure you can manage your own personal budgets. But there are restrictions on what employers can see and ask for. First, they need your permission to run the check and secondly, they don’t actually see your credit score.
Your Credit Score | What’s a Good Number?
A score between 750 and 799 is considered very good. Although, employers won’t actually see your score. They’ll see credit lines, missed payments, foreclosures, and other financial details. We recommend you access your full credit report for free once a year from the three reporting agencies. This will ensure you have a chance to explain your report to employers if there are areas of concern. Perhaps you were the victim of identity theft. Share proof that you’ve filed a report and are disputing specific charges. If you can reveal you had a flawless credit score prior to the incident, they may be more likely to oversee this blemish.
The TakeAway
Your job application is never the entire story of what makes you a top applicant, yet, it’s the method the majority of employers use. If your credit background or GPA is less than perfect, it’s critical, to be honest, and upfront. Share how your experiences are far more than what an employer sees in the number. And of course, if you’re not in the job market yet, try to buckle down, study hard, and use your credit card responsibly.
