GMAT score on resume question

Question

I'm not entirely sure where to put this question, so if someone wants to move it that's fine by me.

I think this has been asked before and I think it is generally accepted that one should not put their GMAT score on their resume. But I guess I would like to hear some opinions about my specific situation. First off, I got a 710 (94th percentile). I applied to B-schools for next fall, but was dinged due to lack of work experience. Right now I'm desperately trying to get work experience but no one will hire me due to my lack of good experience! It's a stupid cycle. So I'm pretty much just trying to apply for jobs in offices as an office assistant or receptionist because it seems that's all I'm qualified for. Though perhaps I'm over qualified since I have a bachelors degree, I don't know. Then there are other positions that I feel I could do well but nothing on my resume would point to the fact that I'm qualified. So I was wondering if it would be beneficial for me to put my GMAT score on my resume to show potential employers that I am intelligent, can do well, that I have good math skills, etc. Could it help with getting an interview with potential jobs or would it just look like useless information or even bragging?

nick_sun · Answer

I believe that putting your GMAT score on the resume is ok because it shows some math and analytical skills that you have. It is a good idea for IB or consulting. On the other hand, your potential employers might think that you will leave them as soon as you get into your targeted b-school (since you have passed that test not for its own sake).

terp26 · Answer

I think nick hit it right on the head. However, if nothing is working what do you have to lose? Just make sure you have a good explanation for it if they ask you.

Also, why don't you try and find a temp job while you are looking for a full-time one? You can earn money, gain some experience, try and stand out, and go above and beyond if your tasks are not relevant.

navy01 · Answer

schools discourage listing gpa and gmat score on resumes submitted through the school. I think it's part of the non-disclosure thing that they seem to be leaning towards. I've heard recruiters will ask though.

I don't think recruiters would really be impressed with an "average" top-10 gmat score (ie around 710) but if you rocked a 760-800, I would want to display that in big, bold letters.

bherronp · Answer

Gosh I hear you. I had this same experience when I graduated in early '03. It sucks, but the only solution is to grind it out. I had to work at an IT help desk for over a year before I finally got some upward movement. What is your degree in, and what kind of work do you want to do?

kavet83 · Answer

My degree is in recreation management and youth leadership, specifically in therapeutic recreation. Not exactly something that shows my intelligence or my ability to succeed in a business world. I've tried to get a job doing that too, but so far no luck.

rhyme · Answer

I realize this may not be an option, but have you considered finding a local startup that is in need of part time help? It might be a way to get your foot in the door, and do something more meaningful than receptionist. A lot of people I know who are trying to break into a certain industry or area try to go this path - it doesn't always work, but its one way to get exposure. Particularly if your alternatives are poor.

Also, don't forget to reach out to your alma mater, they can help.

and... don't despair. My friend spent two years as, basically the office b** for a small non-profit. It was a dead end job that wouldn't go anywhere in a million years, until finally, someone I knew took a look at her resume and gave her a new job ... the point is two fold really... reach out to your friends and see who might be willing to drop a resume somewhere.

Finally, if you need some help finding a startup, the best thing to do is to find VC firms, identify their portfolio companies, and then reach out to them. Use doostang. Use linkedin. Use mom and dad and your neighbor and that crazy old lady down the street who f!@(@!# sweeps the street with a broom in the middle of fall despite the fact that the leaves are just gonna blow right back onto the street two minutes after she's done (seriously she does).

And if there's any way I can help, let me know.

skaballet · Answer

Regarding the GMAT on the resume I don't think it matters for admissions. Schools will see it in your app anyways. I was on a con call with career services the other day (part of a requirement for my scholarship) and they said if you are going into banking or consulting and have a 700 or greater put your GMAT on your resume. If you don't have a 700 don't. If you aren't going into IB or MC it really doesn't matter because the vast majority of other industries don't care about your GMAT score.

For your job search get creative like others have suggested. I graduated in 2003 and had a friend who took a non-paid position at Smithsonian (she wanted to do PR) which turned into a contract position which eventually turned into a full-time gig. And she was getting to do way better stuff than she would have at a big firm. Bottom line: even if the pay isn't great if it offers good experience take it, it may lead to something better down the road.

Best of luck.

cougarblue · Answer

This is an interesting question. In looking at a couple resume books I noticed that at Darden (this was from their VC/PE club) everyone with a 700+ put that GMAT on their resume. Of course, these students kind of fall into the category of IB/MC recruiting since PE recruiting is extremely competitive. In contrast, at Tuck (again VC/PE club) there wasn't a single GMAT on any resume.

For job hunting pre-MBA, I think you should absolutely put a 700+ on your resume.

For job hunting pre-MBA, I think you should absolutely put a 700+ on your resume.

kavet83 · Answer

Thank you everyone so far for your advice, I really do appreciate it! The problem with volunteering/part time work is that I really need to make enough money to live off of. I don't really think I can just take a job that *might* lead to something better later and have to ask my parents for a loan just to pay my bills. I definitely will look into other options though and I think I will put my GMAT score on my resume. I don't think it would hurt any for the jobs I'm applying for. Now, where to put it on the resume and in what format... hahaha

rhyme · Answer

A lot of the start ups will let you work from home / on your own time, especially if they cant afford to pay you. I know that sounds lame, but even if you do a couple hours a week with them it can't hurt. It gives you something interesting to write about in your essays / interviews, and if it goes well, it can lead to something FT. Take a job to get a job to pay bills -- but at least consider putting in a couple of extra hours a week on an ad-hoc basis with someone... could be fun and could be lucrative

westsider · Answer

I am going to play devil's advocate on this one. For lots of hiring folks, I am sure that putting the score will not do any real harm. They won't know exactly what to make of it and will skip over it.

Then there are the 2nd group like my mom. These might do marginal harm as they could misinterpret your score as "not very good".When I took the GMAT it went something like this:
me: Mom,I just got my gmat score!
mom: gmat?
me: It is like the SAT, but to get into business school.
mom:oh, uh.. ok.
me: I got a 750!
mom: You usually do well on tests, what went wrong?
me: that is 98 percentile! It is out of 800!
mom: Oh, thats nice dear.(unimpressed)

The worst group is the 3rd one. You said you are applying for relatively entry level jobs, so you will be running with a bit of a different crowd than you may be used to. Some people really get offended by someone trying to improve their lot in life. They consider such folks "elitist". I think the recent issue in the media with Obama being called "elitist" proves that (rightly or wrongly I won't make a judgment cause this isn't the place for politics) for some people this really is a big issue. I'm sure we've all met someone who employed "anti-elitist" snobbery at us when we revealed our B-school plans. If you apply for a receptionist job, and they see your gmat score and KNOW WHAT IT MEANS.. they might kind of decide you are an "elite SNOB". I'm sure this is kind of the fringe case, but something to at least consider.

Overall I think that while unlikely, it wouldn't be exactly *shocking* to have a bad reaction to listing your gmat. Personally I would still list it because I don't want to associate with the folks that would be offended, but just something to think about.

cheers

kidderek · Answer

kavet83,

I remember your profile from the Cornell/Johnson thread. With that in mind, my advice: put your GMAT score on your resume, also put the percentile. Put it in 24 point font. I kid of course. But do it.

During the interview, feel them out. If they ask why you took it, you can say something to the effect of, "To put it on my resume, to prove I'm not a moron." Or, you can take the other angle of, "I plan on attending business school some time in the future. I want to grow within your company and take on many roles not only to enhance your company but also to enhance my candidacy."

blah blah blah

good luck.

isa · Answer

Hi Kavet83 - are you in or willing to move to the midwest? My company (we do healthcare IT) is hiring big time and might be a good fit. Send me a PM if you're interested!

kruton · Answer

I kind of ran into this situation when our company had a "Get Your MBA!" meeting trying to encourage people to get into management roles and enroll in (part-time) MBA programs. One of my coworkers said he was considering a local school; it's pretty good for the immediate area, but no one outside of the metro knows it. He asked me where I was planning on going, I tried to change the subject, and he persisted in asking. Eventually I told him I was planning on applying to   and he didn't really want to talk after that.

So the moral of the story is: tailor your message to your audience just like any other public speaking engagement.

westsider · Answer

Well stated Kruton- kudos!

I still think it is sad the we are (socially) expected to "pretend" we are less skilled, or hide our abilities behind a mask of "normal".
Making it socially unacceptable for someone to acknowledge their dreams doesn't seem healthy

MBAbot · Answer

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GMAT score on resume question

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