HR Interview Question : Why did you get low grade?
I've got
10th : 69%
12th : 60%
Btech :
1 sem : 65%, 2 sem : 60%, 3 sem : 64%, 4 sem : 69%, 5 sem : 80% (3th highest in the class), 6 sem : 70%, 7 sem : 77%, 8 sem : 82% ( 5th or 6th position in the class i guess )
Overall in Btech : 72.6%
It seems my 12th class marks & the first 2 years of my btech marks are pathetic. There was some family problem (can't share) when i was in 12th class. In my engineering, i didn't pay attention in the starting and participated in many college events (like dance, wall painting, annual function etc) due to which i didn't get good internal marks and my overall percentage became pathetic but i had scored good marks later on. Even I've got 80% twice and one of the top scorers in the class.
Is my this reason acceptable? Please share your views.
Update: Answer
When responding to the interview question, "Why did you get low grades?" it's important to provide honest and thoughtful answers that demonstrate self-awareness, responsibility, and a commitment to growth. Here are two different approaches you can take:
1. Reflective and Accountable Response:
"I acknowledge that my grades were not as high as I would have liked them to be, and I take full responsibility for my performance during that period. Upon reflection, I identified a few factors that contributed to my lower grades. Firstly, during that time, I was dealing with personal challenges that affected my focus and ability to fully dedicate myself to my studies. However, I learned from this experience and developed effective strategies to better manage my personal life and prioritize my academics. Additionally, I realized that I needed to improve my study habits and time management skills. As a result, I actively sought guidance from professors, utilized tutoring resources, and implemented a structured study schedule to enhance my academic performance. I am confident that the lessons learned from this experience have made me a more resilient and determined individual."
2. Demonstrating Learning and Growth:
"While my grades were not as high as I aimed for, I consider them as valuable learning experiences. Initially, I struggled to adjust to the transition from high school to college, particularly with the increased workload and expectations. However, I recognized the need to adapt and improve my academic approach. I proactively sought feedback from my professors and utilized their guidance to refine my study techniques. I also joined study groups and engaged in collaborative learning, which proved to be beneficial in enhancing my understanding of complex subjects. Moreover, I leveraged various academic resources, such as online courses and educational workshops, to strengthen my knowledge in specific areas. Through these efforts, I was able to steadily improve my grades over time, demonstrating my ability to learn from setbacks and take proactive measures to excel academically."
Remember, it's essential to present your responses confidently and showcase the growth and development you have achieved since the period of low grades. Emphasize the steps you have taken to address any challenges and highlight your commitment to continuous improvement.
Update:
I have added a few sample answers to the question. These would be useful-
Here are three sample answers to the interview question "Why did you get a low grade?" that focus on presenting the situation positively and highlighting personal growth and improvement:
Sample Answer 1: "In the past, I did face some challenges that resulted in a lower grade. However, I believe it's essential to learn from those experiences and grow as an individual. I took that setback as an opportunity to reflect on my study methods and time management skills. Since then, I've made significant improvements in how I approach my academics. I've adopted effective strategies like creating a study schedule, seeking help from professors and classmates, and practicing consistent self-assessment. As a result, I've been able to consistently improve my grades and maintain a high level of performance."
Sample Answer 2: "While my grades may not have been as high as I had hoped in the past, I've used those experiences as valuable learning opportunities. I realized that I needed to enhance my organization and prioritization skills to excel academically. I've since taken various steps to address this, such as implementing effective time management techniques and creating a structured study plan. Additionally, I actively sought out additional resources and engaged in study groups to enhance my understanding of the subject matter. By continuously striving for improvement, I've managed to turn my previous low grades into stepping stones for growth, and I'm confident that this mindset will contribute to my success in the future."
Sample Answer 3: "Although I received lower grades in certain instances, I don't consider them as failures but rather as opportunities to learn and develop resilience. Those experiences allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of my strengths and weaknesses as a student. To address any gaps in my knowledge, I proactively sought feedback from professors and utilized the resources available to me, such as tutoring services and online learning platforms. I also engaged in self-reflection and identified areas where I could enhance my study techniques and critical thinking skills. Through these efforts, I've been able to overcome academic challenges and consistently demonstrate improvement in subsequent semesters."
These sample answers emphasize a positive attitude towards personal growth and improvement, highlighting the candidate's ability to learn from past experiences and implement strategies to enhance their academic performance.