Does your General Weighted Average (GWA) affect your job prospects? Many fresh graduates in the Philippines wonder if employers consider GWA when hiring. While work experience and skills are crucial, some industries prioritize academic performance, making a strong GWA an advantage in securing job
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Do Employers in the Philippines Care About GWA?
✔ For Fresh Graduates: Yes! Many employers use GWA as an initial screening factor since work experience is minimal.
✔ For Experienced Professionals: Less important—skills and work history matter more than GWA.
✔ For Competitive Industries (Law, Finance, Engineering, Academia): High GWA is often a requirement or a strong advantage.
Industries That Prioritize GWA in Hiring
1️⃣ Banking & Finance
📌 Companies: BDO, BPI, Metrobank, PSE, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
📌 Why it Matters: Finance and banking firms prefer candidates with a strong academic background in economics, accounting, and finance.
✔ A GWA of 1.75 or better can be an advantage in securing entry-level analyst roles.
✔ Some firms filter applicants by GWA during the recruitment process.
📌 Related Article: GWA Calculation for Specific Universities
2️⃣ Law Firms & Government Agencies
📌 Employers: Top law firms, DOJ, Supreme Court, law offices
📌 Why it Matters: Law firms prioritize graduates with Latin honors (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude) and a strong academic record.
✔ GWA below 2.00? You may struggle to get into prestigious law firms but can compensate with internships and bar exam results.
3️⃣ Engineering & Technology
📌 Companies: San Miguel Corp, Aboitiz, PLDT, Globe, Google PH, Accenture
📌 Why it Matters:
✔ Engineering & IT firms value technical expertise, but GWA is often checked as an initial screening factor.
✔ Competitive GWA is required for research positions and graduate programs.
4️⃣ Academic & Teaching Roles
📌 Employers: CHED, DepEd, Private Universities, TESDA
📌 Why it Matters:
✔ Universities require high GWA (1.50 or better) for graduate studies & faculty positions.
✔ Scholarships for Master’s & PhD programs often require a strong academic record.
5️⃣ Multinational Corporations & Consultancy Firms
📌 Employers: McKinsey & Co., Accenture, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Nestlé
📌 Why it Matters:
✔ These firms often shortlist applicants based on GWA before interviews.
✔ Top consulting firms like McKinsey prefer graduates with Latin honors.
How to Strengthen Your Resume if You Have a Low GWA
Even if your GWA isn’t competitive, you can still land great job opportunities by focusing on other resume-building factors.
1️⃣ Highlight Skills & Certifications
✔ Include relevant coursework & technical skills in your resume.
✔ Get certifications (e.g., Google Analytics, TESDA, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning).
📌 Related Article: Tips to Improve Your GWA
2️⃣ Gain Work Experience Through Internships
✔ Internships & OJTs (On-the-Job Training) can compensate for a lower GWA.
✔ Showcase real-world skills in your application.
3️⃣ Strengthen Extracurricular Activities
✔ Join student organizations, leadership roles, and volunteer work.
✔ Highlight problem-solving & leadership skills in job interviews.
4️⃣ Master the Job Interview
✔ If asked about your low GWA, focus on how you developed soft skills, leadership, and practical knowledge.
✔ Showcase problem-solving & teamwork experiences.
FAQs on GWA and Job Applications
1. What is a “safe” GWA for job applications?
👉 A GWA of 2.00 or better is generally competitive, but industries like law, finance, and engineering prefer 1.75 or better.
2. Can I get a high-paying job with a low GWA?
👉 Yes! Employers prioritize skills, experience, and work ethic over time.
3. How do I explain a low GWA in an interview?
While GWA can impact job applications, it’s not the only factor employers consider. Strong skills, work experience, and certifications can compensate for a lower GWA.
Maximize your job opportunities by building a strong resume beyond GWA!