How to Crack Core Engineering job Interviews With a Low GPA

If you are someone who is having a tough time finding a core engineering job opportunity due to your low GPA, this blog is for you.

Many students who belong to a Tier 2 or Tier 3 college with a low GPA, find it challenging to land a decent job opportunity. This article will tell you how your experience in different fields will outweigh the university paper on the history of architecture.

Statistics on the Job Opportunity

According to the recent statistics, there are 60,000 job opportunities available for a mechanical engineer with an experience of two years or less. The number of scholars graduating from a mechanical engineering course is nearly 220,000.

Out of these, 10% belong to tier 1 colleges such as IITs, NITs, and BITS. In a scenario where all 22,000 engineers from tier 1 colleges get a job, 38,000 job opportunities are left for everyone else.

Four thousand different companies with distinct profiles generate these jobs. So, you have 38,000 job opportunities knocking at your door.

Do Companies Hire Based on a High GPA?

A high GPA is one of the first aspects employers look for when evaluating a potential engineering candidate. However, it's far from being the only one. 2-4 HR recruiters handle the 38,000 job opportunities under the basket of tier 2 and tier 3 colleges.

The fastest way to filter a hundred thousand applicants for the first selection step is through their GPA. The higher the GPA, the likelier you are to receive an interview call.

Another reason why recruiters go for selection through GPA is because of the lack of a unique resume. The resume prepared by all students look alike, and there is no X factor in them. Hence, the hiring team finds the GPA to be an easy option to channel the applications.

How to overcome the Hurdle:

If you're wondering how you can get a core engineering job with a low GPA, and stand out among all other potential candidates, you need to make your resume outstanding. If your score is low or below average, you need to showcase your skills prominently in your resume and highlight experiences throughout your engineering course.

Instead of just grades, consider including bullet points for specific projects and accomplishments in your resume. Advanced certifications, industry experience, internships, and externships that showcase your soft skills, such as leadership quality can outweigh individual grades.

How do Projects Help

Projects and internships aid by providing you with real-world experiences. You should do multiple projects in your domain during your college time. Focus on learning how to use industry-based tools such as GT-Suite, MATLAB, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Ultimately, you should be able to apply your theoretical knowledge to those projects and enhance your practical skills.

For instance, if you want to become a product-based engineer, then you should show off your skills in an area such as 'solid mechanic works' in your resume. You should utilize your expertise to create a Boeing 747 or American Chopper, and then do structural analysis and computation fluid dynamics on solid works.

When it comes to engineering skills, your resume will have better features and practical skills in comparison to the others, which will help you in the interview process.

During the interview, your practical knowledge will outdo another candidate's theoretical experience. When asked about a specific concept, like solid mechanics, you can showcase that you have the ability to translate your theoretical knowledge into practical, industry-based applications.

Tips on Getting a Core Engineering Job and Cracking the Interview

Getting a job in a core engineering company can be difficult if you have a low GPA. We are sharing some useful tips below for you to prepare an unbeatable resume and ease into the interview process.

Aim for Smaller Firms

Everybody wants to settle themselves in a high package job with a big fat company immediately after graduation. These organizations have high-level expectations from the recruited candidates. They look for applicants from tier 1 colleges with a high GPA and an extraordinary resume.

With a low GPA, target smaller firms for the best chance at landing a job and showcasing your skillset. You learn more from the responsibility extended from a smaller firm.

Highlight Relevant Experience and Projects

The recruiters are engrossed in ensuring that you have adequate education and skillset to perform the job at hand. Hence, a relevant job experience will often rank higher than shiny exam scores.

Bringing practical and industrial skills on the table for the recruitment process will help you get the job. You should focus on doing multiple projects based on your domain and gaining industrial experience. It will strengthen your resume and make it stand out.

Networking

Networking is one of the paramount factors when it comes to finding a job. It is all about building long-term relationships and a good reputation. 

Putting your resume in front of professionals who are in decision making positions is one of the most effective ways to add an extra impact on your candidacy.

If you come across a public opening, check your contact list for anyone you may know to get your resume noticed. If your GPA is less than desirable, a personal connection can boost your chances at the interview.

Practice Makes Perfect

Thumb rule: Never go to an interview unprepared. Review your employment application and resume before going for the interview. Put only the achievements and details that you can answer confidently during the process.

Prepare thoughtful and explanatory answers for the usual questions that come up in an interview. Avoid showing off your theoretical skills too much and focus on being yourself and being confident.

Last One—Don't Give Up!

Just because you didn't excel academically doesn't mean that you cannot land yourself a decent job! 

Remember the adage that says if you never try, you can never succeed. Be patient and persistent while submitting the resume for the interview calls. Above all, be confident in your abilities, and you will overcome any initial obstacles.

Final Take

If you want to get a core engineering job with a low GPA, increase your chances of getting hired dramatically by developing rich practical knowledge, and a strong portfolio of domain-specific projects can. 

Complete an industry-relevant course from Skill-Lync and benefit from their hands-on learning and expert mentorship to stand out in the industry.