For the third straight year, Google tops Fortune’s list of “Best Companies to Work For.” I wondered how Google described what they look for in an employee, and here’s a snippet from their description of their hiring process.
We’re less concerned about grades and transcripts and more interested in how you think. We’re likely to ask you some role-related questions that provide insight into how you solve problems. Show us how you would tackle the problem presented–don’t get hung up on nailing the ‘right’ answer.”
That’s good advice for most careers, whether or not you aspire to work at the Googleplex. But it’s important that you hear the real message behind those words.
Getting good grades and/or graduating from a prestigious college are good signs that you’re probably intelligent and know how to work hard. Those traits are great starts for successful and fulfilling careers. But a transcript alone isn’t always the best indicator of what you can actually do.
Can you think your way through interesting problems? Will you cheerfully accept responsibility? Can you work well with other people? Can you take direction while also showing initiative? Will you make a lasting impact on your workplace and your co-workers? Those are just as, if not more, important than your GPA or the name on your degree.
My message here is not that you should ignore your grades or your desire to give yourself plenty of college options. But if you’re challenging yourself and working hard, if you’re making an impact in activities you care about, if you’re taking responsibility for your education and your future, you’re off to a great start regardless of your cumulative GPA or whether or not your dream school says yes.
It’s the traits behind the transcript that will carry you.