You finally get the interview for your dream job. You’re looking good, feeling confident, and then you get hit with what could be a fatal blow. The interviewer says, “The other candidates for this position had a much higher GPA.”
But this does not have to be “the end.” There are a several ways to recover and come across as the strongest candidate you can be – even securing the role. Here are some tips:
Stay Confident
Don’t let an objection shake your confidence. If you were not considered to be a serious contender, you would not be sitting in the interview seat. Interviewers often hit you with one or more tough questions or challenge you with statements to see how you react. They want to know if you will be crushed by the pressure or if you will mount an argument to show that you deserve the position. How you handle responding to a low GPA provides insight as to how you might behave on the job.
Always Have a Plan
It is critical to sell yourself. After a major sports event, the athletes are often asked, “What was your plan?” Invariably, the athlete will detail his initial plan and then explain how he went to a plan B when circumstances changed. The same strategy holds true in an interview; winners always have a primary plan and the contingency plan when the inevitable happens: Plan A goes awry. If a low GPA is your Achilles Heel, make a plan in advance to overcome that weakness. It is foolish to ignore your weaknesses. Have a game plan for handling any objections, challenges, or tough questions thrown at you.
Sell Your Strengths
Don’t spend a lot of energy explaining your weaknesses. Instead sell your unique strengths. It does not matter that you are up against competition with near-perfect GPAs. That does not mean someone else’s entire profile is perfect. In what areas did you shine? Were you a leader on campus? Were you an athlete at a Division I school? Did you complete a high-profile internship? Convey your top strengths.
Provide Valid Reasons
Everyone hates excuses. You will need to share a valid reason or reasons for your grades. Maybe a couple of math courses really hurt your GPA. If math is not a necessary skill in your career, that may be worth sharing. If you do, be sure your GPA in your field of study is excellent.
Another factor worth mentioning is how your time was divided. Were you juggling campus activities, tutoring other students, community service, or a work-study program? Were you on a sports team, dance group, or orchestra that required you to practice 16 hours per week? Suddenly, that less than stellar GPA is looking like you were juggling multiple priorities – all with a certain level of importance and commitment level.
The main takeaway is this: Do not allow a single issue or question to knock you down. Evaluate yourself and prepare a case for why you are the strongest candidate. Present a portrait of your whole self and the value you offer the hiring company. Play to your strengths and make sure you are prepared to answer challenging questions with grace and aplomb.
Source: Careerealism
