Question:
SCORES: Graduate Record Examination (2/89): 2040 (600-2400).
GRE Quantitative: 800 (200-800) (98%+).
GRE Analytical : 790 (200-800) (98%+).
GRE Computer Science Subject (10/90): 840 (98%+).
GRE Engineering Subject (2/89): 810 (93%+).
I found the above scores listed in someones resume. I am
interested in other peoples opinions on the impression
this leaves with prospective employers.
When I read resumes I look for experience, flexibility and motivation.
I realize that resumes are one's major point of contact with the
outside world but I am not sure how many employers are looking for
test takers. Then again, perhaps such a person is more interested in
the intellectual aspect of a job and does not care to work in teams
and deal with the personality problems of the real world.
Please don't take this as critisicm, I am actually very
jealous. Other opinions?
Answer:
- Perhaps the person including the GRE scores in his/her resume has not
YET completed the graduate program these scores might have qualified him/her
for?
- Maybe, but I think the person would be better off stressing accomplishments
rather than test scores. I would have used the space to discuss student
projects or even hobby projects related to the prospective employer.
- That's easy, I think. "Fresh out of school [or not yet out of school],
and with little real experience or useful references". What's a bright
grad student to do instead? By contrast, I never really know what to
do with those resumes that list 'courses taken' and a term-project
here, and a summer-job there.
If the tests are long in the past, that's probably reasonable, but if
the person is still in school, or close to it, there are precious few
things a full-time student can do that show up particularly on their
resume. Overall [from my dim memory of the GREs years ago], Ithink
that the GREs are better than a GPA if that's really what the person is
forced to use.
