Should i include bad A levels in CV?
Discussion
I would say it depends on the job and level of education required if they ideally need Alevels including them shows you at least had a go even if they are D's if it's not required then focus more on experience.
I was refused a job once because I put my degree down in the interview he actually said " you have a degree why do you want to work here?" I wasn't expecting that.
I was refused a job once because I put my degree down in the interview he actually said " you have a degree why do you want to work here?" I wasn't expecting that.
Depends on your subsequent experience and further education, I'd say. If your A levels were 10 or 15 years ago and you went on to do a degree and have amassed some useful experience in the interim, I doubt anyone much cares what grades you achieved at A level - just list the subjects you achieved a pass in.
If you're only a couple of years out of school I guess the grades carry more weight.
Edit: How many GCSEs did you take?! I'd guess I did 8 or 9 back in the 90s; you seem to have done 12+. Is that the norm these days?
If you're only a couple of years out of school I guess the grades carry more weight.
Edit: How many GCSEs did you take?! I'd guess I did 8 or 9 back in the 90s; you seem to have done 12+. Is that the norm these days?
Edited by Risotto on Wednesday 26th February 17:35
Risotto said:
Depends on your subsequent experience and further education, I'd say. If your A levels were 10 or 15 years ago and you went on to do a degree and have amassed some useful experience in the interim, I doubt anyone much cares what grades you achieved at A level - just list the subjects you achieved a pass in.
If you're only a couple of years out of school I guess the grades carry more weight.
Im 21. I imagine the carry alot of weight. What do you suggest?If you're only a couple of years out of school I guess the grades carry more weight.
hadenough! said:
An e is a pass right? So just state a levels in the following subjects...areas of study included...
E is indeed a pass but most people regard A*-C as acceptable. I would agree with your suggestion, just state which subjects you passed. If they happen to ask for more detail, well, have an answer ready!storminnorman said:
E is indeed a pass but most people regard A*-C as acceptable. I would agree with your suggestion, just state which subjects you passed. If they happen to ask for more detail, well, have an answer ready!
Would it be acceptable to admit to having not put the required effort in, in an interview?
Joey Ramone said:
No. Just tell them that you f
ked up the exams. Never admit to giving up on anything.
I never said i gave up. I never got going.ked up the exams. Never admit to giving up on anything.I went slow from day 1 on my A levels, didnt see them as important, didnt have any particular career in mind.
I guess i shouldn't confess to that.
I would say there's nothing wrong to owning up if you can back it up with what you've learned from it, how you've improved, and what you've achieved since.
Saying you fked up in exams is no good because some would see that as not being able to handle pressure, and passing off your failure onto something else. Admitting you made a mistake, have learned from it, and want to make up for it, shows a more mature person.
Let's go back to the question - I wouldn't include the specific grades as said above, but the bigger issue is how you're going to handle it should it come up in an interview. At the end of the day how you answer is up to you - I would be inclined to tell the truth, but just saying "yeah I didn't put the effort in" and staring blankly until the next question will not cut it.
For the record I can count my GCSEs on one hand so I know how it feels to be in this position.
Saying you f
ked up in exams is no good because some would see that as not being able to handle pressure, and passing off your failure onto something else. Admitting you made a mistake, have learned from it, and want to make up for it, shows a more mature person. Let's go back to the question - I wouldn't include the specific grades as said above, but the bigger issue is how you're going to handle it should it come up in an interview. At the end of the day how you answer is up to you - I would be inclined to tell the truth, but just saying "yeah I didn't put the effort in" and staring blankly until the next question will not cut it.
For the record I can count my GCSEs on one hand so I know how it feels to be in this position.
Dalto123 said:
I got D's at AS and A2. It's a pass, so I just put on my CV that I've gained A levels in whatever subjects I took. Hasn't held me back in getting a job 
Second this i just put passed next to the A levels and has never be questioned. Like others say be prepared it you are asked what grade you achieved. Technically you did pass just with a bad score so you are not lying just not stating the full fact up front.
Benbay001 said:
Joey Ramone said:
No. Just tell them that you fked up the exams. Never admit to giving up on anything.
I never said i gave up. I never got going.ked up the exams. Never admit to giving up on anything.I went slow from day 1 on my A levels, didnt see them as important, didnt have any particular career in mind.
I guess i shouldn't confess to that.
Meanwhile, if you really do want to get a geography related job, have you considered having another go at the A-Level? If you're motivated you'll almost be guaranteed a better grade. It'll cost about £500.
I would put them. You are only 21, and I want to know what you did in the 5 years from 16 to 21. I wouldn't put the grades.
These days I don't ever mention my D, E and O level pass as 29 years is water under the bridge, although I might in interview if asked if I've ever failed at anything, I will explain that I screwed up my A levels due to motorbikes, beer and women, and I've spent the last 29 years attempting to put that right.
These days I don't ever mention my D, E and O level pass as 29 years is water under the bridge, although I might in interview if asked if I've ever failed at anything, I will explain that I screwed up my A levels due to motorbikes, beer and women, and I've spent the last 29 years attempting to put that right.
I'd think what you want to do and go too college again. You'll have a goal too make sure you do well! I did terrible in my a levels and got 2 a levels at grade c and d and 1 as grade c. Got into uni and put my head down and came out with a 2:1 and now have a great job! I'm only 23 but you have to think what you want to do career wise first!
Benbay001 said:
Thank you guys, all taken on board.
Ive decided to include the qualifications, just not the grade.
If asked, i am more than happy to explain my poor grades in an interview. I messed about.
But my god, it makes me appreciate how quickly we grow up since leaving college.
Good luck with the job hunting.Ive decided to include the qualifications, just not the grade.
If asked, i am more than happy to explain my poor grades in an interview. I messed about.
But my god, it makes me appreciate how quickly we grow up since leaving college.
By the way, it's never too late to redo A-levels - I've just finished mine off age 22.
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