Graduates doing 'Low-Skilled Jobs'

by Stacey West on 09 May 2012 10:32

Yesterday, I read in the Daily Mail that over one third of graduates were 'stuck in low-skilled jobs'.

I graduated last August and I have been working part-time in retail ever since and I HATE IT!

I am desperately hoping that at the very least this time working will look good on my CV and show that I'm dedicated, punctual and hard-working. But I don't even know whether to put this job on my CV because it might make me look lazy and un-ambitious even though I have been searching so hard for jobs!

I was just wondering if anybody else has had this conundrum as there appears to be ALOT of people in the same position?

Any advice would be hugely appreciated!

by Mari on 09 May 2012 14:22

Hi Stacey,

Unfortunately it's a very tough economic climate for everyone so you are definitely not alone. I think it's ok if you add your retail experience onto your CV - I strongly believe it's best to show that you have been working rather than not working at all. You can explain in your covering letter that you have been actively searching for a job that better matches your ambition and skill set.

what kind of job are you looking for?

by Stacey West on 09 May 2012 14:32

Hi Mari,

I appreciate your help.

I agree that it is better to show you are working rather than not at all, I just wonder whether stating that you have been looking for jobs for a long period of time makes it look like you are quite un-employable. If I have been constantly searching for 6 months, won't that reflect badly on me?

I am looking for jobs in the Financial sector, as my degree is in Statistics, but it is a very competitive market!

by Jerome on 10 May 2012 11:03

Definitely put it on. HR told me one of the reasons they liked my application so much is that in my interview my answers to their competency based questions were all based on my work experience and not generic things like 'research skills developed through dissertation' and 'student project work' which every other student used.

by Rose on 10 May 2012 12:23

Hi Stacey,

You probably already have done this, but you could try looking for part time work experience which would help your CV look good. Or look for jobs 'around' what you want to do, like within financial companies, but not necessarily the area you want to be in. I've just got an entry level (receptionist) job in a law firm and everyone is saying that just having a foot in the door is a positive step as you could try to move up once you're in the company.

Good Luck!

Rose

by Stacey West on 10 May 2012 14:04

Jerome, that's good advice, thank you! I agree that having experience in a working environment gives you a lot more depth when answering interview questions. But surely quite a lot of people will be able to draw on generic retail related storied. I'm trying to think of examples that could make me stand out from the crowd!

Rose - I have recently started applying for any sort of jobs that would be remotely associated with my desired areas. But then this makes me wonder whether people should compromise on their desired jobs and settle for something less? I suppose in this economy you can't be fussy!

I really appreciate your opinions guys!

by Sophie on 20 May 2012 08:46

I totally understand what you're on about here!

I graduated with a 2.1 in International Politics and International History 7(!!) years ago. Admittedly my long term health problems since have been a hindrance. But mostly I have been doing low skilled part time jobs and found it impossible to get something graduate level. It's been so hard, but I feel it's made me who I am today, and demonstrates determination, resilience and life experience that other, more recent/younger grads won't have.

I am still hoping for something to take off for me job-wise. I am now finally away from retail and doing admin in a private tutoring firm. I love it! Never thought I would enjoy working in an office, but I do. Hopefully if I can prove myself they may take me on full-time, or even promote me to education consultant :-) (basically recruitment consultant).

I know now this is what I want to do- work in recruitment. I am getting more relevant experience and am finally in a supportive environment, with an employer that values me. It is doing the world of good for my confidence and self-esteem, which can only be a good thing for life in general, but also when looking for that graduate job :-)

Good luck with it all people- you will get there, and you will appreciate it all the more :-)

by Florence on 22 May 2012 09:44

I am graduating this year and so far I have even been turned down for the part-time retail jobs I applied for (despite having relevant experience), and I'm thinking it's probably because they'd prefer to hire someone who they know would be working long term rather than a graduate who they think will just leave as soon as a better opportunity comes along ... which would be great if there WERE any better opportunities! Or perhaps they would rather hire someone under 18 who they can pay less. I would honestly be happy with any job at the moment, but it really seems hopeless. If you're not over-qualified, you're under-qualified or inexperienced. Even the so-called 'entry level' jobs tend to require loads of experience now.

In answer to your question I would definitely say to include your job on your CV, because it definitely looks better than having no recent employment. Good luck!

by Scott on 22 May 2012 10:01

Hi Stacey,

I totally agree with the above points. If you haven't got any experience then doing an internship is a great way to fill that experience gap, in my experience it is better to find an internship where you will be trained, learn and have real responsibilities.

Getting your foot in the door is a great way to get noticed and can be easier to move up the ladder especially when a lot of jobs are advertised internally before going out.

I've been having this debate whether it is better to be employed just for the sake of it or leave and find something else? Which a couple of people have picked up on that being employed is more valuable then where you work.

Persevere and remain positive, I'm sure you'll get the job you want but it might take a bit longer.

Good Luck

Scott

by Helen on 22 May 2012 11:11

I completely feel your pain. I graduated with a 2:1 honours degree in English 11 months ago. I have experience in retail hospitality and administration. I also have experience at supervisory level and I failed to even get a job like yours! I would say that it is better to be doing something than nothing, it keeps your CV up to date but if you want something with greater responsibility and relevance to the graduate job market, try looking for volunteer roles within charitable organisations... That is what I'm trying to do and least you won't feel like your brain is slowly rotting.

by Stacey West on 25 May 2012 14:52

Hi Guys!

Thanks for getting involved with my discussion.

It really means a lot to me to know that I am not the only one having these worries and problems!

Whilst reading through your personal stories and advice, I realise that it is better to have something on my CV rather than nothing! But it would be better if I could show things that are more constructive towards a career that I want. Rather than simple shop work!

Are any of you tempted to settle for jobs/career industries that you are not too keen on? In this climate people say you cant be too fussy, but I don't like the idea of doing something that I don't enjoy!

I was just wondering what you guys thought?

Thanks!

by ads on 26 May 2012 10:46

Hi Stacey

OW i feel your pain stacey, hey i graduated 5 years ago, right at the start of the reccesssion ! after failing to find work after one year i got a chance by shear luck abroad ! doing something which i was familiar with (was covered briefly at uni) yet even at uni i hated it and though (sod if i doing gthink of doing jobs like that).... Anyway this job aboard involved doing something i wasnt keen on doing but did it as it was''a job''.............. 3.5 Years later , i tell u now 3.5 worst years of my life so soul destroying whilst fighting from going from a junior position to Managerial in mean time look for work back home and not getting any answers!!.

I am at the moment out of work ! and still cant find work after thinking outsdie the box and doing something i hated ! just for the sake of the job . I decided ENough was ENOUGH and left ! it the best thing i have done despite now trying to get even an interview for jobs admin jobs which i could doing 9With my eyes closed) Employeers dont see as pushing myself out urconfort zone and progression in different sector from junior to managerial ,they now see it as (no experience in ie my preference field)) that with alot of CV manipulation.

SO CONCLUSION, ide say doing a job just for the sake of a job isnt a good thing when its only gonna eat you up inside every morning ! SO yea i glad i left my soul destroying job , i guiteed i still cant find work which i feel i in not better position than when i was when i just graduated,BUT hey go do computer course, learn something new,a language ? anything productive just dont just sit at home watching TV your brain will just melt away ! i not saying envoy ur time off , but try to take thing as they come as u never know in future youll be dreaming and fighting to get time off

Getting a job is a game of LUck or you know someone ! anyone that says other wise is just taking toilet !

Chin up , dont let it get to you, yourself, i and many other are in the same boat , probably others who have family , years more experience are WORE OFF

by Hmm on 27 May 2012 07:29

Hi stacey,

I think the vast majority of grads will find themselves in this situation, I certainly did. I've been looking for project management work but in a very specific sector which was large bespoke construction projects. After graduating with a 2:1 (hons) in Engineering. I started working in bars and as as a doorman straight out just to get some money coming in, I then took a job in Germany working as a labourer in a ship yard to 'gain experience of a large scale project and to develop an appreciation of the complexity of such a project' (or this is what I wrote on my CV!), this experience then gave me a foot in the door at a small yacht building firm in Cornwall where I worked as a engineer, not at all what I wanted but a grad job none the less! From here I applied to work in large engineering firms that had grad schemes and also a project management department. I was lucky enough to secure a job working in London for a large company last may, i started pushing immediately for a project management placement, I will now be moving to project management in September, this isn't the type of project management I want to do but it's relevant on the CV, I have also had an interview with another large project management consultancy firm which is exactly the type of firm I want to work for (still waiting to hear back from this on Monday!). This has taken 2 years of jobs I don't really want and in some cases I'm massively over qualified for but it all counts if worded correctly on your CV. Maybe look for work around what you want to do, the experience I gained of working on a large project rather than running it has helped a kit! It is frustrating  and demoralising but don't lose sight of your goal by 'settling' for a job you don't want, I think that shows a huge lack of drive and determination, you spend a large amount of time at work, make sure it's something that you enjoy or that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel or you'll wake up at 45 having spent your life doing something you hate realising you've wasted your life, this point of view may seem a little extreme but it show I feel. Hope you find something soon!

by Sophie on 27 May 2012 20:12

No way would I now settle in something I really didn't want to do- it would be obvious to my employers, cause my stress and anxiety levels to rise etc. You got to look after your mental health aswell. It is SO important to be happy in your work, as well as other parts of your life.

Keep plugging away at it, and you'll get there! (If I can do it, anyone can!) Ok, I'm not fully there yet, but I am at least in a job where I am happy, feel supported and relaxed, aswell as looking forward to going to work!

by Stacey West on 28 May 2012 11:33

Hey Guys,

Again, I am really appreciative of all your comments and input.

The past few comments seem to send a mixed-ish picture. It seems from what you guys are saying, getting involved in a job you hate, simply to have a job, isn't much fun at all! Although 'Hmm' (odd name!) seems to suggest that although it is rubbish, as long as you can get involved with things that are ever so vaguely related to what you want to do, it is all good stuff to boost up your CV!

I am beginning to realise that in this market a, 'get your foot in the door' approach is the most useful. I am thinking of widening my net, applying for positions that don't seem hugely relevant or particularly interesting to me, in order to boost my CV and keep myself occupied in something more constructive than retail.

Do you guys agree? Do you think that although it is no fun, doing anything related to your desired career sector is worth the hard work, if it can eventually lead to your overall goal?

Thanks Again!

by Rose on 28 May 2012 12:19

I think if you asked someone doing your ultimate dream job you'd find that they didn't just leave university and start doing their perfect career. You have to work at the bottom and prove yourself unless you're lucky enough to have 'friends in high places'. Perseverance and hard work go a long way and if you make yourself indispensable as a tea maker then maybe someone will notice your excellent eye for detail or organisational skills! I'm not saying that working in a shop or bar would be particularly beneficial though. But getting your foot in the door is the first step towards stepping over the threshold.

by Scott on 28 May 2012 12:33

Hi,

I have a BA (Hons) 2:1 in business law (2008) and an Msc in Risk Management (2009) when I graduated I found that I could not apply for many graduate schemes as I did not have enough UCAS points i.e I did not have enough qualifications from high school?. I now work in recruitment through nessesity and cannot find anything else that A. will have me or B. pay enough for me to cover my rent and outgoings. What really annoys me is that my degrees have done absolutely nothing for my career, cost me an arm and a leg to complete and I still have to pay back my student loans as the threshold is set at £20K. Its about time that employers realised that not all graduates are 21 year old kids with no practical work experience and started to utilise the educated and experienced young professionals that are out there in key positions.

by Sophie on 28 May 2012 14:34

Well said scott! I couldn't agree more! I found it so frustrating that a company I had worked part time for a year for, tried applying for the grad scheme, and didn't get past the first page as I 'only' got 3 B's at A Level and not the minimum of ABB. So some fresh faced idiot, who may have got the required A Levels, but got a lower degree and had no life/work experience was somehow more qualified? Surely my good degree and the fact I had worked for this company on the front line, AND had experienced the 'real world' should count for more??? But no....grrrrr

by Helen on 29 May 2012 09:50

I think that really depends on what generation you're talking about... I agree that one should try to obtain a job (even if it's. Absolute drudgery!) in their relevant sector... At least that way you can get to know the relevant people, however shop work and bar work is better than nothing and there are aspects of those jobs which you can manipulate and use fir your cv... Is conflict resolution, problem solving, responsibility over money etc

by ina on 29 May 2012 18:40

Hi Everyone

All your comments are so useful and I know that it may sound silly but it is good to know that I am not the only person struggling to find a job. I graduated last summer and undertaken two internships abroad since then. However I have difficulties finding a job since I returned which is about 6 months now. I've been through few interviews and the weirdest feedback I got so far was "You are too enthusiastic for this role. This job is too boring for you". But never mind I need to carry on applying.
A lot of you guys saying that finding any kind of job is good as it looks better on CV rather then being unemployed. I recently went through telephone interview with one company and they invited me for face-to-face interview. I applied for this role only because I need to earn some money and I am thinking all the time that even if I will get this job I will be still looking for something what I really want to do. I got however a little concern. Mainly: if I will get this job and will be invited to an interview in different place soon after the start of the job, I may not be able to attend it as no one will give me a day off just after, lets say, 2 or 3 weeks. This is Mon-Fri, full time post so it will be difficult. Have you guys got any thoughts about that?
Good luck for you all with finding your dream jobs!

by Scott on 29 May 2012 22:02

Glad to hear I am not alone, I expect there will be 1000's like us, When I was studying I was a Manager in a Lloyds TSB call centre specialising in unsecured lending (used to be a great racket!), it was a great job, good pay, good commission, good experience, 25 hrs p/w PT, it allowed me to pay my own way through uni. at the time Lloyds TSB had a great graduate scheme I thought about applying early before I decided to do my Masters but the UCAS points thing came up as an issue! When I went back to uni in 2004 I never dreamed that this would be an issue, I remember in 1st and 2nd year companies used to send representatives to our seminars to sell THEIR COMPANIES TO US!!!!!!. Basically from what I can see If you have graduated between 2008 to....well who knows you are part of a lost generation who may never fully realise your potential due to economic circumstances, even if things get dramatically better in a few years the back log of graduates will be massive and well I personally will be a 35 year old who graduated 8 years ago so will be in no mans land as to where I can actually fit in the hierarchy......guess its 40 more years of recruitment retire at 70 and drop dead at 71!

P.S

A special thanks goes to Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, The FSA, Investment bankers, The EU, whoever invented rampant consumerism, and all of our parents for leveraging a lifestyle of debt against exponentrial year on year increases in property values.

by Stacey West on 30 May 2012 09:59

Hello guys,

As always, I am very thankful for your input. I am loving how there is such a wide range of opinions but still a common solidarity between all of us who are in, or have been in, a similar position!

Firstly, Scott and Sophie - I find it very surprising and a bit ridiculous that UCAS points are playing such a large part in your job search, post- degree! Surely, the most recent qualification is the most important, and the fact that somebody could get a 1st at Uni and then be limited by exams they took 3 years ago seems mental! Did you try and reason with the employer?

Rose and Helen - I agree with you and I like your positive attitude! I am coming round to the idea of doing anything remotely linked to my desired career and then working hard to make my way there! I am wondering how far to take it though? An extreme example - if I wanted to be an Accountant, would I take a job as a cleaner in an Accountancy firms office? I know that is a bit far-fetched but I am using it to demonstrate that there can be a limit to how far one may go.

All thoughts, suggestions, advice are welcome!

I hope this is becoming a helpful thread to learn, share and generally vent frustrations!

Thanks,

Stacey

by May on 30 May 2012 16:25

This blog has made me feel better about myself...I thought it was just me. I finished my MSc last year- August, but I still have not found a job or internship in my field. I literally spend my entire week looking at ads and writing applications. I have sort career advise services before because I thought my cover letters or CVs were not good, but they told me it was all good. I have been doing bar work since last year- it pays the bills but my only concern just like stacey's- am not sure whether bar work fits in at all with my field (Public health). I have never put it on my CV or mentioned it during interview!!

by AJ on 01 June 2012 18:43

It's a relief to hear there are others in the same boat (To some extent. Obviously, it's disappointing it's so many of us!) Most of my friends are teachers/lawyers/doctors and don't seem to have so much trouble finding a job! With the amount of rejections I'm getting for retail jobs (I work in retail at the moment!) and basic office jobs that a monkey could do, I'm beginning to wonder why I bothered with university! I have an MA in Divinity, so industry-wise it's probably not quite as frustrating, but one year on, still in a part-time weekend job, living with parents etc. it's just a little ridiculous!

I considered going to study something a little more career-directed (I looked at nutrition) but thanks to our wonderful government putting up tuition fees, that's also out of the question.

And they wonder why unemployment is going up!!

by Stephen on 04 June 2012 11:05

Hi all a bit about my experience, I am 32 and graduated in June 2011, and know how Sophie and Scott feels about rejections from applications due to lack of A levels. As I left school at 16 and went on to do an apprenticeship thus skipping A levels all together, so I have experienced first had the first barrier of the automated box ticking exercise that is some application forms, I have even gotten passed the first interview stage only to be rejected once someone from HR phones up saying they have missed placed my A level results only for me to say I don’t have any, followed by another phone call saying they regrettably cant take my application any further due to not meeting the minimum criteria of A levels.


To everyone all I can say is there is light at the end of the tunnel I am now starting in September on a Operations Manager graduate programme with a large multinational company best known for construction, and all I can say is any job you have done in the passed no matter how small or insignificant can be a great way of differentiating yourself from the crowd. An example would be such things as in interviews I have even anecdotally brought up that I was a milk boy in my early teens whilst still at secondary school, stuff like this just goes to show your willing to work from an early age.


I also did not just sit about doing nothing whilst applying for graduate scheme, like others have said I did find it hard to get even the most menial of jobs, as employers do look at it as you are only looking for a stop gap job, and are going to leave as soon as something better comes along, and as such many will take lower qualified people.
Instead of letting this get me down, I started volunteering at my local Red Cross office, where I help to organise transport for individuals that cannot use public transport for a verity of reasons, to and from hospital. As I can imagine nothing worse when sitting in an interview situation and being asked what you have done since university, and sitting drawing a blank with your only being something along the line of “I have made looking for work a full time job” as it shows a lack of commitment to go the extra mile companies are looking for.


Oh and to AJ, what sort of Job are you looking for? I don’t want to sound condescending, but I had a friend who went on to do a Divinity degree straight after finishing secondary school, she is now a hair dresser (and this was in the very early 00’s when getting a grad job was no where near as hard). From what I remember her saying the only real options open to a Divinity degree is to then go on and do a post grad in teaching, if you want to be a R.E. Teacher, or to get involved in your local church, and find out from them the route to joining the clergy, neither of which see was interested in. All I can say is if you are interested in doing another course look into different funding options, or try and highlight analytical skills and such you have gained from your degree that would be transferable into the chosen area you want to head into.

by Stacey West on 15 June 2012 14:30

Hi Stephen,

Your story is really positive! I am pleased to see that along with people using this thread as a means to share their frustration, it is also being used as a platform for others to tell their success stories! Whenever the job search is getting disheartening and depressing (and it really can do at times!) it is nice to know that there is hope for us unemployed graduates!

Stacey

by Hrish on 20 June 2012 19:03

Hi,

My situation is quite similar as I have graduated from uni since july 2011 with a 2.1 and I have AAA grades for my A levels. I have been applying for jobs since then. Its is quite hard but I am not going to give up. Currently, I have got two assessment centres to attend.

My advice is to keep on with your part time job as it will help you to give relevant examples for your competencies based interviews. Moreover, a voluntary work experience for instance British Red Cross will help you to gather more relevant skills.

In my case, after graduating from uni, I have been working part time job. However, I have done some small courses as well so as not to leave gaps on my CV. I have completed a course on acting and most currently I have volunteered to be part in British Red cross.

Moreover, you have to be careful when making your application as it is better to apply through company's website directly and get prepared for the online tests, phone interviews, assessment centres. I have applied for 25 companies directly and got 12 replies to move ahead. I failed some online tests and passed some. Now I am left with two assessment centres. However, I wont give up if I don't pass them. I will keep on applying and be patient.

Life is a challenge and and if you want to achieve something you have to work very hard for it.

Good luck,

Hrish

by Warren on 27 June 2012 09:35

I think there is a misconception that graduates will get their desired graduate job as soon as they leave university. Obviously this is not the case especially with the current economic climate. Different approaches will work for different people but in all things you have to use wisdom. I know it will be difficult to get a job in the sector I want to work in so I am preparing myself to gain the experience (voluntary/work-based) and skill set suited to what I want to by looking for closely related jobs or jobs that have similar skill sets, also investing in other relevant courses, programmes and software to become more proficient, then possibly investing in a Master's degree. I'm assuming most graduates are young (in their 20's) which means there are years ahead of you and therefore you should enjoy what you do remembering that the GOAL is to get into your PROFESSION no matter how long it takes.

All the success stories and advice is so encouraging and the testing and hardship will produce patience and character which is needed in a world like this and can only be a good thing.

by In Your Boat on 29 June 2012 15:30

Stacey (and others),

Have no fear, you aren't on your own. I Graduated last summer from the top University in the World (so say all the rankings - I'm not boasting) with a very high class mark in my BA. I too have managed nothing better than part time retail work since I left despite a mountain of experience including awards for volunteer work, working for councils/ in politics and three years of constant experience in technical theatre whilst at Uni balancing my degree!

When they said it was a tough climate out there, they weren't kidding. I'm just managing to put food on the table at the moment.

I think we just have to persevere until we finally get our lucky break!

Good luck to us both.

by GTC on 29 June 2012 15:32

I am in a worse situation.
Accounting and Finance graduate but doing care work!

by Helen on 29 June 2012 15:54

For the most part, I agree with you. However the problem with 'investing in a Masters' is affording the investment when you can't get a job *Frustrating!!!* :)

by Helen on 29 June 2012 16:01

I would say, painful... but not worse than having no job. Its such a confidence knock as well and so difficult to try and prove to people that you are worthwhile when you have already stopped feeling as if you are. I have had to bite the bullet and sign on for JSA... it's not that I see a problem signing on when you need the help, its just that it feels like you've failed.

by Cate on 30 June 2012 15:13

I would advise anyone to put a less well-paid job or less prestigious job on their CV. The company I currently work for only considers people who are already employed somewhere else. If you are unemployed I would join a well-known temporary agency and then list them as your current employer. Once I started doing that I suddenly found myself being called to interview more frequently.

by Emmanuel on 01 July 2012 07:14

I couldn't agree more with most people that have commented on this post. There is no need complaining how bad and hard the job market have become in the recent year. If we're to be sincere, there are several factors which have played principle role in shaping things the way they are now, for instance, the bleak nature of the economy to say the least. And some other subordinated once such as culture of greed and discrimination of all sorts, such as choosing experienced worker rather than hiring and developing graduates.
However, graduate must continue to strive in every way they can, even if that means doing a low skilled job. Come to think about it, low skilled, although low paid, not inspiring and what have you still assist in achieving at least two important things. First, just as most people have stated, it help to bridge the gaps in C.Vs. But more crucially, it helps in ensuring one continues to earn something as they continue to search for their dream jobs, thereby living a medium quality life than getting stuck in dole.
I have a qualifying Law degree, and narrowly missed out in first class. I have also recently completed a specialised LLM, positioning me closer to City law firms. By this, you should by now guess rightly my dream, of course one the City law firms. However, as I'm writing this, I am a support worker in a residential care home.
For some of my friends, it’s inconceivable and gross. For me, yes, I do sometime have these ugly feelings of rejected, frustrated and betrayed by all levels of the authority and see the urgent need for a change. But I'm still happy, as my job means that I can still do those little things that not doing should break ones heart.
So my advice is, just as I'm doing now, sometime in life we have a total different plan and suddenly, events or misfortunes mean that our dreams and plans are shattered or delayed. So stay firm, constant sorry feeling will be your worst enemy. Work hard and refuse to settle for less, but be content with the less for the period they serve as necessity. And finally, just as someone stated here, you never know who will spot you doing a low skilled job excellently and decides to elevate you to a higher position.

by Shumaila on 01 July 2012 21:37

Hi, thank u for sharing wht hr told u...bcoz i hv been writing all the answers from my course works only....now i will change my answers to wht happened in actual real life

by Rose on 01 July 2012 21:40

The worst thing I'm finding at the moment is that I have a good degree and an excellent Masters. (Shameless brag there!) Yet I'm working for pitiful pay in the same role as 18 year olds, just come out of School with barely any A Levels. Most people don't even realise that I am much better educated than them, I'm worried that this will continue in the future and new uni graduate will come onto the scene when the economic situation picks up and I'll still be on the bottom rung!
Also, it's a bit of a kick in the teeth to see my friends who skipped uni and went straight into work earning 3 x as much as me as they have now got 5 years more work experience than me.
I hate to moan, as I am lucky to have a job but sometimes it's hard to stay optimistic about the future.

by Sabina on 01 July 2012 23:01

Hi Rose

I know exactly how you feel. I have nearly seven years of experience gained in different working settings. Upon completion of my degree (last summer), I undertook two work placements abroad but I am struggling to find a job since I returned. I am moving to Exeter probably next week as my fiancée was offered a job in Newton Abbot (lucky bugger he did not even graduate yet). I am hoping to find something there... Any tips?
What is the worst about looking for a job for a long time is that we are loosing our confidence, what has a direct influence on our job applications... I think that it is important to remember that we have a lot of skills gained while at uni and while working (it does not matter where). We also have to remember that we are not alone in this, as there are many graduates struggling to find a job. Forums like that one definitely helps.
Good luck everyone!

by Helen on 03 July 2012 18:20

Signed to 3 agencies atm and have been since graduation.

by Paul Bonfanti on 03 July 2012 21:17

I am glad I am not the only one in a low skilled job after graduating from Uni. I graduated June 2010 with 2:1 Finance and then went travelling round the world for 7 months. I had an amazing time and looked for graduate jobs before I went but found nothing. Now half way through 2012 and I am in an inbound call centre for Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank. I find it really soul destroying and demoralising but everything I apply to, I either don't get a reply or get the generic "we regret to inform you". Everyone says I lack the experience. How am I meant to get experience if no-one will give me a chance. I am now seriously thinking going abroad. The UK really has nothing to offer grad wise. Would appreciate any thoughts on what I've said.

Thanks

by inky on 03 July 2012 21:31

Hello, here's a success/annoyances of work story.

I worked all through uni in a variety of different jobs and got my lucky break due to this. I managed to get a great reference from my employers, particularly in retail as I did a Supervisor level job in a department store (not by title, just by actions), and then moved on after I graduated to get a finance lending job. I was sacked from that because I couldn't hit some measly targets, after being kicked out my house, I was absolutely gutted and couldn't afford to live. Then I managed to get a temporary manager job at a huge retailer, was kept on for good performance. After a few months they made major organisational changes, and I was made redundant! Not much luck at keeping the jobs! Before this I had interviewed elsewhere when the job security started to get shaky. Good thing I did because I then got another managerial level position - where I am now. The big name on my CV really helped by the way. However, my current job is terrible!! I am now trying to move again, and I know I will get the job I want next time. The point of this is that it is easier to get a job from a job, and once you make it into employment, you are in! Keep at it and eventually you will get to where you want to be. I know I sound super lucky but there really is more to it than luck, just try really hard and you can and will get there.

:)

by Jack on 04 July 2012 09:28

I graduated in environmental science last summer and spent a few solid months applying for grad schemes and entry level jobs in the sector i was after...and got nowhere! So i found out which temp agencies supply companies either in the industry i wanted or could give me at least some relevent work experience. I'm working as a project coordinator at the ordnance survey - the national mapping company. It's good experience working with project managers and is a prestigious name to put on the cv so i'm sticking with it. The only trouble is i have really lost motivation to apply for proper jobs again, so am making an effort to get back on it. Hopefully it'll all count for something!

by Rose on 04 July 2012 10:10

Hi Everyone!

Sabina, I agree that this forum has really helped. It really puts into perspective how many people in our generation are going through the same issues.

Good luck finding a job in Exeter! Its a lovely city and lots to do, I think there is a fair bit of office work around, so that's positive. And experience is key at the minute!

Paul, travelling is definitely better than being stuck in a boring job you hate! Plus as someone said above it looks good on your CV. Shame you're not finding anything in the UK, but if you have the option you should definitely try working abroad!

Inky, I have no idea how you still stay so positive, but well done and I hope that you will find a great job soon!

Rose

by Jacob on 04 July 2012 10:26

I guess first off I'd say this. A degree isn't really a ticket to anything except to either prove your expertise in a certain type of knowledge or to show to an employer that you are a generally intelligent person in certain ways: analytical etc.

To be quite honest, when it comes to a lot of 'graduate level' jobs, I don't think they should even be called that. What I genuinely think is worse than a lot of straight-up school/uni leavers being unable to find jobs are the stories of people here who might not have the right A levels which they completed over 10 years before, but otherwise have a wealth of experience due to dumb HR box checking.

I'm doing OK now but when I graduated things were rocky to say the least. Best thing I can say is that your first job isn't going to be your last. People can get into things they find interesting through all sorts of different routes and, in the case of a lot of my peers those routes were not simply applying through Grad websites, as good as this site is. To those who say that they would never do something they are not interested in, fair enough if you can afford it. If not suck it up and whilst it might not seem like any consolation since this doesn't happen often, I met my current employer whilst serving them in an expensive bar where most of the drinks were priced at over double my hourly rate.

The biggest problem in my eyes isn't that people have to do menial jobs- that is really nothing new. What my problem is is that a lot of 'menial' jobs simply do not pay anywhere near a living wage.

by Sabina on 04 July 2012 10:30

Thanks Inky for the positive words. You are right, we just need to keep going and once you are back in employment, motivation comes back naturally. Good luck!

by Lucy on 04 July 2012 15:33

I agree with Jacob!

I think it has always been the case that people have had to do 'menial' or 'low-skilled' jobs when they have come out of Uni, there is nothing new there. What is new is that these jobs have become poorer in pay and standard as well as the fact that due to unemployment figures, there are people who will permanently fill those positions, as opposed to us graduates who are using them as a stop-gap.

by Graeme on 06 July 2012 06:38

Hi everyone,

I agree with most of what has already been said on here, and unfortunately in the current climate finding a 'graduate level' job is tougher than ever!

The best words of advice I can offer is never to give up. Ok you might not get the job you really want straightaway but don't let that stop you from getting it full stop. I understand that the concept of 'low-skilled' jobs may seem daunting in that you might not think it will look good on a CV but it surely looks better than nothing!

Employers are looking for someone that they can trust to work hard for them and showing that you've been committed to working, irrespective of the role you fill, will always shine through! Employers tend to be rather wary of gaps in your CV, so it's better to do something than nothing!

And when applying for jobs, whether it's a graduate level job or not, try to avoid firing off applications too hastily. It is usually better to spend time on applications and show all that you can offer rather than just filling in genetic answers in the dozens, hoping that one will be picked up - the chances are they won't!

I know it is difficult having to juggle working and applying for jobs and trying to pay bills all at the same time but the hard work and commitment will pay off! It's never been such a dog eat dig world so make sure that you are doing all that you can because the simple truth is that noone else will do it for you!

Good luck to you all! I hope you find that 'perfect job'!

by Gary on 06 July 2012 13:52

I seem to remember when I had a careers and CV meeting with our uni recruitment office in 3rd year, they said it's better to have some work experience of temporary roles, or relatively low skilled jobs, than to have nothing, as it shows you're willing to work, and also gets a good set of references if successful. Hopefully employers consider the fact that some people had to do low skilled, temp work at various points to get enough money to be able to live comfortably at or after uni, rather than rely on overdrafts, borrowing etc. It can be quite difficult to get the "related work experience" (I have none e.g. internships) a lot of them ask for, so I've always thought put temporary / low skilled work on the CV, and continue doing it rather than do nothing after uni, as it shows you're willing to work, and if carefully worded, often have a lot of transferable skills to employers. That's my hope anyway!

by Sean on 08 July 2012 10:50

Firstly I'd like to say that it is annoying when people who graduate from university think that they have a god given right to walk into a well paid job just because they are a 'graduate'. I've had many conversations with 'graduates'' where I have asked about how the job search is going, what types of job they are looking for etc and they all say something along the lines of this, ' yeah just been looking at jobs with a salary around 24k, something like that anyway, I don't want to start on like 18k because that's not enough'. Annoying to say the least. What have you got to command a salary like 24k with no actual great skills other than a degree to show for?

People who have been made redundant have more experience and better knowledge of actual work in their field of expertise. They may not have a degree like you, but what does a degree matter over years of actual relevant experience? Unless you have a degree directly relevant to a career you are chasing then you may have a better chance of getting onto a training course with a company in that industry. So basically the more niche of a degree, the better the chance of getting into a graduate training course. The more generic the degree then sadly the more powerless you are in finding a job due to everyone else having the same skills if not more experience than you.

I graduated in 2010 and did what I could for money whilst looking for graduate jobs. I had the mindset that I have mentioned previously about thinking that I had every right to command a good salary because I had a degree. Wrong. You will realise sooner of later that you don't have to rely on big companies to give you a break in life. It isn't there job to give you what you want in life, it's down to you and you alone. Dont say 'I'm stuck in a low skilled job', you aren't stuck, we are in a world that can give you what ever you want if you
move away from being a generically minded human being. Don't make excuses about the economic climate, don't say the UK doesn't offer good graduate jobs. All of this doesn't matter if you truly work hard to get what you want. Be enterprising, go off on your own and start something worthwhile that you would be capable of doing.

Think and live outside the box rather than live inside the default human box where everone thinks and does the same to get by. Be different, live different.

by Nadine on 10 July 2012 18:15

Reply to Sean

Your comment is quite amusing, as i am one of those people who are thinking i am owed a 24k job without enough experience, most of what you have stated is very true, and i'd even go on to say the last bit of your comment is very much a wake up call.

Though as i have studied for five years and got myself in to a large amount of debt, i feel i should be given a doorway to put my foot in, otherwise what is the point of having a education to degree level, I find that maybe universitys should make students work harder at getting work experience etc....
but after getting a 2:1 degree surely i should be considered for graduate programmes starting with a 20k salary, maybe i do not hold the experience of others, but i have shown 5 years of determination, dedication, hard work, and that i am not only educated but that i am ready to learn more.

by mattyburksta on 10 July 2012 18:29

Liking this Forum but its pretty worrying tbh.... I graduated this year...

What Kind of universities are people graduating from in here? I am fresh to the grad scheme hunt but have been hit with a lot of negatives and maybe 1 positive. Let me just inform people that emailing venture cap firms is pretty fruitless, and I have got no where not even just for a weeks work experience! But luckily I just applied to an ad agency related to my degree that just asked for a CV and a covering letter... and hey presto I got an interview.... but that far from the job but its a small victory so far! The only thing that is worrying me is that advertising is not something that appeals to me but after reading about all the grads that are in the trenches.... Think it'l do!

ps my degree is BSc BioScience 2.1 with honours in Biotechnology at the University of Edinburgh.

by Nadine on 10 July 2012 23:22

Hi Marty

What agencies did you join?
And also what is the advertising role

I have a 2:1 in advertising and I'm very curious

Thank you

by Graeme on 11 July 2012 06:50

You may not have had an interest in advertising but it might still be worth considering! No matter what you do then you will gain experience and transferable skills which you can take to another role in the future!

One word of advice...don't think that you need to settle for a job for fear of having to do something more 'menial' (a word I don't like I should add as all jobs give some form of experience and skills). Remember that just because you accept to do a job doesn't mean you can't still continue to apply to other jobs and schemes which appeal to you! It may not sound year but sometimes it best to be selfish and lookout for your own interests...after all that's how most people find success!

Hope this helps, and good luck!

by Sean on 11 July 2012 13:45

I agree with what you are saying about spending so much money on gaining a degree and being in debt, there should be something waiting for when you finish to reward such dedication. But sadly those times are now gone, and as much as i hate to say it (as i have one), degrees are becoming pretty worthless. So many people are going to university now that the actual worth of a degree declines every year. Whats so special about something that everyone has got? You are no longer placed in a golden club for having a degree as they are so common place now. Now the people who succeed from university will probably be the ones who get 1st's in respectable fields, or those who go on to complete a masters.

So when you say you have showed 5 years of dedication, hard work and are willing to learn more, just think about how many hundreds of thousands of people have done the same. Its a quality that no longer shows specialty, so how would employers pick and choose from candidates that all show the same standard qualities.

by mattyburksta on 11 July 2012 19:34

Cheers Graeme,

I was thinking the same thing, il try and get this job but still march on with the search for financial analyst internships and grad schemes. The thing I love about this application was that it required a well written CV and a Cover letter, cover letters are great and they can really help you standout. Its 300 words of why your good why they're good and why you would be good for for them! Had the interview today and the first thing she said was "I really like your cover letter" I was thinking jesus this company must have been desperate... but they had over 100 applicants. Interview went well but just gotta wait to hear from them.
One thing I would say is that when you dedicate some time to something that requires thought you almost always find it interesting. I was researching for the interview and about 2 hours in I was moaning to my mum about how I didnt even want the job but after a day of researching the company I was psyched for it and the interview.
Sorry to the above guy who wants me to name the agency but for privacy reasons I cant do that. When I said agency I just meant company. One thing I would add is that as people are starting to cotton on.... Degrees are meaning less. So its what degree and where, and I hate to sounds harsh but 2:1 means sweet FA, that just means you got the degree because to an empolyer a 2:2 is a waste of time. I think they look long and hard at what discipline and did you get it at a good uni i.e the top 10.... what do people reckon? I think its meaningless to say I got a 2.1 in so and so.... where is probably just as important and what discipline.

by Desmond on 12 July 2012 09:18

Stacey,

First and foremost, always be positive. I graduated this summer from a Russel Group University with a 2:2 in Law. I'm lazy but I have had 4 interviews so far. First 4 interviews, ever!!! What I've come to realise is that where you went to Uni is important as well as the grades, obviously. But what counts for a lot is relevant work experience. If I had taken part in more extra curricular stuff throughout my degree, my CV would really stand out. It already does a little because I speak 2 more languages on top of English but the point is 'relevant work experience' or at least be able to demonstrate that your skill set is transferable. This is what is referred to as you 'Unique selling point'. And with the current economic climate, you can't afford to be too flexible so just keep looking and something will come your way :) post your cv on job boards etc. You should also write an impressive cover letter, tailored to whatever field you're intending to go into. I did graduate with law but I have an interview for a business consultant role next week. I am no business consultant lol but can sell myself well. Good luck and keep your head up :)

by Stacey West on 16 July 2012 11:41

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all your contributions! I think this topic is really touching a chord with people!

Just to follow up on Desmond's point, the best bit of advice I have been given so far is to really spend time on each application. I was just pumping out applications like nobody's business! But the truth is, employers can spot these a mile away because they are generic, broad and un-interesting. I have started to take some time to research the company, study the job spec and taylor my cover letter AND CV to suit what they are looking for. It has meant I have gone from 10 apps a day to 2 or 3 but it feels abit more rewarding.

Does anybody else have some suggestions? Stuff that has worked for them in the past?

by Roger on 16 July 2012 16:56

To be honest its all about making you CV look impressive and catching interests. Things like putting your key skills and abilities after your personal statement on your CV will attract attention. Employers know that the job market isn't good at the moment and your ability to stand out from the crown on you application and in interviews is what will lead you into employment.

I was stuck in crappy sales jobs for years after graduating. My advice is to look for companies working in niche markets and less known industries to look for a career.

by Agata on 17 July 2012 09:49

Hi!

You're definitely not alone! I graduated last year and still stuck in restaurant :(. More over my main working experience is in catering and hospitality. Needless to say, nobody is interested in employing me on graduate level. Good luck to all of us!

by Stacey West on 05 September 2012 13:18

Hey Guys,

I just thought I would update you on things. I am still struggling to find anything above standard retail jobs! Is anyone else having any luck?

I have applied for some of the graduate schemes that have been appearing on here. I think they are competitive but great roles!

Hope you are all well!

Stacey

by RUi on 07 September 2012 10:22

I am in the same situation i have been graduated since last year ... and i am still working in retail ..... i got couple of interviews but got rejects because I had no experience. I have been applying for trainee recruitment role . Its annoying when they reject for not having experience only if they give a chance can we get experience ryt???? I don't understand the whole thingy of trainee then ...

by Craig on 09 September 2012 15:14

Hi Stacey,
Sometimes people can move on in a job they hate, I have a friend who worked in Mcdonalds through uni and hated it but after uni when they were job hunting applied for a trainee management position with them and they are now doing very well.

My point is sometimes the answer is closer than you think maybe working your way up in retail is they way to go? and unless you do a more specific degree such as law and medicine you can't really directly "Use" your degree in many jobs apart from maybe marketing etc, so called "Skilled" jobs shouldn't be the only ones your are looking for.

The main criteria for a job is whether or not it is a CAREER and there is a chance of promotion prospects no matter how slim at least then you can use your skills to shine and get promoted, Don't rule anything out. I kind of fell into the security industry and now I am a manager with a small security firm in the West Midlands after starting out as a guard and granted I haven't directly used my History and Politics degree but I don't really care because I enjoy my work and apply my intelligence everyday, Try to find your own niche and I agree its better to work than not work at all.

Good Luck everyone You will get there in the end :)

by Mark on 09 September 2012 16:54

I graduated with a first class honours in Business Management. Still no job and its really depressing because I feel like ive worked so hard and got little from it. But I havent been looking for as long as some of you have, good luck guys.

by Andy on 11 September 2012 11:37

I feel your pain my friend. A mature (40) student, I now have a w?fe, and 2 young children, and mortgage after graduating, and expected so much more. Now ?n the same dy?ng trade (print) that I ?ntended to leave when start?ng un?. Apparently there are soooo many grads. ?n same pos.

Basically this country ?s screwed ?n wrong from the ground up. If your s?ngle go abroad, and ?f your not s?ngle go anyways - UK gone to pot.

by Jem21 on 11 September 2012 21:32

Hi!

I totally understand where you are coming from! Since graduating in July 2011 i've been working part time in a jewellers in order to get me out of the house, gain some experience, meet new people and bring some money in!
I've been applying for jobs since even before finishing my degree and find that a huge hinderance is my UCAS points, as I have less than 300!
I've been working since I was 16 years old and put my self through college and university. Although these have been mainly retail jobs, they were for long periods of time e.g. Tie Rack 3 years-part time through college (all my days off, weekends and holidays) and then again for the summer when moving home after completing first year! I can't seem to get even a basic office role such as answering phones or making photocopies!
Even in my current role, I've been given lots of responsibility and have learnt so much about the business side of things alongside just serving customers but employers don't seem to think this is of any use.
I don't understand how someone that has no work experience at all, no transferable skills but did good in a-levels or exams is better suited to a role than someone who has good grades and tons of experience.
I've always been taught any skills learnt even from retail are transferable skills and important to have as they teach you even basic things like how to deal with customers/clients. Why do employers not see this and still focus on the academic aspects of a CV even in this current climate.

I've applied for countless jobs in my desired field as well as basic roles such as office assistant, receptionist, anything to get my foot in the door and still don't get anywhere. Not to mention the amount of times that an interview has been set up and the day before i get a call to say not to bother as they've taken on someone else they interviewed earlier in the week. surely this is completely unfair!?

I guess atleast I can take solace in knowing that when i go for an interview i can say i've not sat on my bum for a year doing nothing. i've taken the initiative to get a job-any job, to earn money, learn new skills and brush up on existing ones, not to mention to commit and to keep going..
it's the only thing any of us can do I suppose! Good luck to us all...it's the next set of graduates i feel bad for..the ones who started uni with £9k fees if the current climate stays as crap as it is!

by Mr Happy on 12 September 2012 10:00

Hi,

RE: Graduated this year.

good to hear some people have now got jobs.
3 months looking for roles i want to do, and i'm a mature student as well, soon be applying for my old role but the only issue is that I've been out that industry for 3 years so I'm out of the loop so out of date.

Some friends of mine been applying for the low-paid jobs and been told to drop their degree of the CV by agencies so employers don't see the potential of them leaving when something new comes available (crazy).

I'm waiting on the checks for a conditional offer:
Credit Check (worried about this one as in 2011 got no work in the summer so had to use cards to pay rent, utilities and food)
Enhanced CRB
5 Years references

One thing I feel for a lot of people is this UCAS points for some jobs as it shows nothing of value. A levels are different to a degree and pretty formulated you can train some one to pass.

Good luck to every one,

PS. wish I could speak other languages

by Oliver on 18 March 2013 18:14

I think it has got to the point where going to uni may actually be a hindrance for some rather than a positive. I have worked in retail now since I left Uni (Sept 2011). There seem to be a lot of jobs out there where they ask for graduate calibre but they tend to be low skilled admin roles or roles where your key skill is talking bullshit, hardly worth the fees that you pay for uni. The graduate market has been saturated and is getting more saturated year on year. Whoever thought it a good idea for 1 million people a year to go to university?!

by Anne on 19 March 2013 10:37

Oliver has really hit the nail on the head. To my mind, the way university has in recent years been "sold" to young people (and to their parents, who forked out a fortune because they genuinely believed it would give their children a better chance in life)ranks alongside other mis-selling scandals. I cannot understand why this vast con-trick does not attract the same media attention as, for instance, PPI mis-selling.... maybe it's because it is being perpetrated(a)against young people,and (b)by the "respectable" educational establishment, rather than by the "disreputable" banks!

by Luke on 19 March 2013 14:27

Totally agree with you lot i graduated in 2011 with a MBA and have done several "free" internships to the point i'm homeless and at the end of my overdraft, I have even stood on London Bridge with a sign asking for work and send on average 50-100 applications off a day. Despite all this i still can't get on a graduate scheme of any description and can't even get low skilled jobs because they go to immigrants and they say i'm over qualified. I really feel forced out at the moment, I never asked for much growing up and played by the rules getting educated and falling in line. The only work i have at the moment is agency work which favors Australian people, I had to put on a accent and pretend i was from Perth just to do a couple shifts in a shop.

I have just sold my only valuable possession which was a Micheal Jackson signed vinyl and going abroad in hope that i can stick around long enough and knock on every door in another country to get a job of any description. The university did play a hard sale and i can't ever seen myself paying off the 30 grand debt i'm currently in. I'm getting worse jobs now with qualifications than i did whilst i was at college as a 17 year old. It's really demoralizing and you feel like you are getting nowhere in life. The organisations are under no obligation to give us a chance, they have the power in this current climate because so many people are looking for work. I should have listened to my mother and done a trade but i fell for all the university advertising. There doesn't seem to be anyway out, I looked at things like the princes trust and you have to play by their rules for over a year till you get a couple thousand pounds to start a small business, surely you could make that in a real job in a couple of months. I was surrounded by people who have been to jail and want something for nothing which was another demoralizing experience. I sometimes think going to jail might work out better because they might get me on one of those back to work schemes. Anyways i hope you have better luck than i'm currently facing! 24 in two months and still don't light at the end of the tunnel. Also if anybody knows anything about a job please send me a email! thanks lol.

by Sylvia on 19 March 2013 15:49

Keep at it! It does prove that you aren't lazy and can be punctual. I don't know what your degree is in, but try to think of transferable skills that prospective employers would find useful - employers like commercial experience, as they think grads are clueless about the real world. Also, use the phrase that you are "working in retail while actively searching for a position that better matches your ambitions and qualifications" in application letters. Try to think laterally as to what other uses you could put your degree too, or again depending on your degree see if opportunities abroad would be more plentiful. Good luck.

by Oliver on 20 March 2013 10:38

There used to be a time when any degree would probably stand you in good stead to get a job that you really want and one that youll really enjoy and I dont think that is the case anymore. Admittedly my case isnt aided by the fact that i got a 2:2 which means that i end up applying for positions if I see that they accept a 2:2 rather than because it excites me which is a counterproductive approach. I actually enjoy working in retail and it is better to show you can get your head down and do the donkey work but it is something that you can do without a degree.

I went to college during the boom years and at a time when millions were encouraged to go to uni under the Labour government and due to this we just werent informed about the perils of going to uni. I was encouraged to apply to one of the top law schools in the country and was told that getting a job would be a given afterwards due to the status of the school. What they dont tell you is that in an oversaturated market university wont provide you with the basic skills that employers can look for and that if you fall slightly short like me then doing something you want to do becomes an uphill struggle.