Struggled to find a job since graduation.

former_student

This is a great site that I have just discovered and I hope I may be able to gain some good feedback from my post.

My situatuion is that I graduated from University last May with a 2:1 degree and a 'pass with commendation' for my placement year. My degree was in computers and business although I am not necessarily looking for a job soley with computers.

My problem is however since I graduated I have not been able to find a job, all that I have been doing from then to now is working in a little part time job as a shop assistant.

I have applied to a range of jobs but with little success, a key reason for rejection is due to lack of previous experience.

Being unable to find a job has been very disheartening and has left me stuck in a rut at the moment. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should do and how I can get around the problem of lack of experience. I am from Northern Ireland and this is where I was hoping to find employment.

Thanks for your time.

Oldernotwiser

Working as a volunteer is usually the best way to break the "no experience, no job" vicious circle, even if you have to do this part time whilst working for money the rest of the time.
Do you think that you've been over ambitious in the jobs you've been applying for? Many graduates have to start with far more basic jobs nowadays than would once have been the case.

[Deleted User]

Move.

You might not be able to find the job you want where you live, so go elsewhere. Eventually you might be able to move back once you have the experience you need.

ames123_2

I agree with oldernotwiser, try and get some work experience. You could do this when you are not working in your part-time job.

former_student

Thanks for the feedback.

To be honest I don't think I'm being too ambitious, I have applied for positions at the coca cola accademy which only paid around 11,000 p/a they were looking for graduates without experience but I was rejected.

Are there any graduate schemes that may be available?

andyrules

Don't know about graduate schemes, but I think oldernotwiser's advice is sound. Have you considered volunteering at your CAB, you wouldn't have to train if you helped out on the admin side (and over the last few years have become more electronic so your expertise may be welcomed). All good stuff to put on a CV (and a reference) -and the CAB is generally a well respected organisation. I think they have links for volunteers straight from their website.

Also, you could look at places like Sainsburys (on their website) for graduate schemes as a starter.
Good luck.

black-saturn

This is the problem I had when finishing uni about 25 years ago!! I applied for lots of jobs in the field (publicity and marketing) but got nowhere and waited about 3 years before I got a part time job in a theatre as the publicity officer. That is the only job I have ever had as a result of my studies (I've had other jobs but not as a result of my studies). Looking back I wish I had stopped at A levels and not gone on to do a degree.

shaz77_2

This is an interesting thread, and I have a few pointers that may or may not help you.

1. First of all why don't you post your question again onto the 'Northern Ireland section of this messageboard, you may gain more feedback there.

2. Have you tried sending your CV's to companies that specialise in matching CV's with current vacancies, I am not sure the names of these companies but others on this site will know.

3. Don't get too bogged down with your part time job, finding a career is more important so don't be afraid to leave if necessary.

4. Graduate schemes are a good idea so make sure you apply for them when them come around.

I can't believe that coke are only offering graduates 11,000 p/a what calibre of applicants are they expecting to get?

Overall I feel your 2:1 and placement results are quite good and should stand you in good stead for the future.

si1503

former_student wrote:

I have applied for positions at the coca cola accademy which only paid around 11,000 p/a they were looking for graduates without experience but I was rejected.

ouch!!! .

studentphil

Computing and Business are the sectors where everyone wants to be. Maybe if you could look at the less standard sorts of jobs at a lower level and make a plan on what you can do from there to build up your chances.

What about IT recruitment, IT sales, these are all jobs where you stand a better chance of getting in at rather than Database developer or a systems work(where most computer people want to go). Whist they are not standard IT industry jobs they might give you a foot in the door and the CEO of a lot of major computing firms came from the sales division rather than the techie side so no shame in going that way.

studentphil

Plus often with grad schemes you are classed as a trainee for 3 to 4 years. At least with a proper job you are classed as a full employee.
Grad Schemes lock you into a path of career development whereas if you have much more control of how your career develops with a normal job.