The A’s That Matter Most

We often enter job interviews with polished resumes, degrees proudly listed, and certifications neatly bullet-pointed. We believe these symbols of achievement will open doors. And while they do matter, they’re not what truly sets you apart.

I'll admit that I often interview people without even looking at their resume. I’m not looking for a transcript—I’m looking for a story. A story built on a word more powerful than any title or credential: experience.

The word means “to encounter or undergo”—a trial, proof, or experiment. It tells me you’ve faced uncertainty, adversity, or complexity, and chose not to retreat. You leaned in. You tested yourself in the fire and came out not just with results, but with understanding.

Experience is more emotional than we might want to admit. It’s what you felt, overcame, and learned along the way.

It’s staying up late to solve a problem no one taught you how to fix. It’s being given responsibility you didn’t feel ready for—and rising to meet it. It’s failing, owning it, adjusting, and coming back stronger.

Degrees tell people where you sat. Experience shows people where you stand—and more importantly, what you stood through.

That’s why two people can serve in the same military unit, attend the same school, work the same job, or face the same challenge—and walk away with completely different insights.

The A’s that matter most are the Actions taken, and the Attitude and Aptitude shown.

Attitude: Your willingness to face hard things with courage, optimism, and a hunger to grow.

Aptitude: Your ability to learn, adapt, and grow under pressure—when there’s no manual and the outcome really matters.

Please don’t take my view on credentials out of context. I’m currently finishing my second master’s degree and have enough certifications to qualify my opinion. Academics are important—they enable informed actions that amplify your experience!

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