Does GPA really matter when applying for a job?

It depends. Some companies have very strict guidelines on GPAs even to get an interview. Many others don't care or never ask. I have spent much of my career in the financial industry, and college GPA is generally an important factor in the interview process.

I don't think a low GPA means you will never find employment. It just may be harder. Those companies that really look at high GPA's are doing it so as a way to screen candidates. But other skills in the interview become much more important than GPA. If GPA is high, then use that to get as many interviews for your first job out of school as you can, but don't rely solely on that.

If GPA is a problem, then look for other experiences during your college years that will set you apart and differentiate you from the competition. Then find ways to bring that experience into your interviews. Best of luck!

Like the others, I would say that the work related importance of a GPA depends. Check job requirements of positions in your intended field to be sure. However in order to be the best candidate that you can be, fully prepared to enter the job market and secure the job you are looking for - aiming for the highest GPA possible is in your best interest. Where as C's do get degrees; the job market is looking for the brightest and most prepared candidates. So work to the best of your ability and be sure to take advantage of as many internship opportunities as you can. A resume with a decent GPA and relevant internship experience will help it float to the top of the pile.

For new graduates, GPA does matter. It is the first bit of information a prospective employer has on the candidates ability. Just like what school the individual graduates from matters as well as their major. Some employers will screen just on GPA and others who don't, will still measure candidates (at least initially) against these objective measurements. Saying this, at some point, the candidate will still need to sell themselves on their passion for the opportunity and their overall interpersonal skills. As the individual goes through their professional career, grades, majors, schools mean less and ability to succeed in their role takes precedence.

To be honest NO. I graduated with a 3.0 GPA and I never once got asked what my GPA was on a formal application nor an in person interview. My last boss told me that when he is interviewing college grads/college seniors he actually looks to see if they worked DURING college. This shows that you are able to multi-task and balance a professional career while studying. This also shows great character and how hard you work. For example, I am a first generation college student ( from a middle class family) which means I did not have the luxury relying on financial aide nor parental support during school, I HAD TO WORK TO SURVIVE.

The short answer is yes it does matter. A high grade point average gets you noticed. Not everyone is a straight A student, I totally get that. But you need at least a B (3.0) index if you want to get a good job. Once your index falls below that many companies will not even look at you. So do your best and make sure you keep a B average or better. This is not to say you can't be successful if you fail to get good grades. But that will be like swimming upstream instead of downstream. It will take a lot more effort to get to where you want to go.

I agree that it depends. I was in engineering and in many cases the companies required certain GPA to even get an interview. That said, I have found that it is only one of several factors. It helps with broadening the opportunities or getting an opportunity to be considered. I graduated in electrical engineering with a 2.8 GPA. I was frustrated because some of the top employers would not consider me because of that. So, I worked harder to find a job and ultimately I believe that helped me. And, it also helped find the perfect fit where my employer did not over value the GPA and agree valued my experience and work ethic.

It depends. Industries such as Social Services/Government, they will not ask for your GPA to get a job. It will be mostly based off work experience. However, I have noticed for some legal or engineering positions, a high GPA is required with zero experience. So it really depends on the company or industry you are getting into.