Ive got a degree and im having trouble finding a good job is it just me or other people like me?

Answer 1

Sabrina, you don't mention your age but I'm assuming you're a recent graduate. That means that you're in a demographic age range which the government target for two years time is for 50% (of 18-30 year olds) to hold a degree.

That does somewhat de-value your degree, if everyone else of a similar age to you also holds a degree. So, you have to find a way of differentiating yourself from the people you're likely to be up against competing for work. Check your CV and make sure that anything that makes you stand out, such as a gap year, or volunteering experience, is there on your CV. Make sure that your CV is not just taken from a template in MS Word, but reflects who you are as a person and is not identifical to 90% of all applicants who just use the MS Word resume template.

Finding, and sustaining, a good job is never easy. However, in the current climate where so many people are graduates and the number of knowledge-based economy jobs is not really that high it's tougher still.

I wish you every success in your quest for meaningful employment, and I empathise with your position. I've graduated four times and yet have been turned down no less than six times by one of the largest local employers. It's a jungle out there.

Answer 2

No it's not just you. There are plenty of people in the same boat. You can have the highest qualification in the world but until you've got work experience people don't want to know. It's a catch 22 situation unfortunately and quite often it's being in the right place at the right time....but the key is not to give up! Get out there and sell your skills! It's the only way to have a lucky break.

All the best! ;-)

Answer 3

Sorry but degrees don't mean anything these days, its experience and intelligence that coutn and going to university only gives you a dash of both of those...you need to do what you are passionate about and be prepared to work for nothing to get anywhere in the future, please try and porve me wrong but i am not a graduate and i have never had a problem finding meaningful work, going to university sets you on a very narrow path i'm afriad, liberate yourself from the shackles of your conditioning and find something you love, do it for the love and good luck!

Answer 4

Oh goodness, no. You are certainly not alone. It took me 6 mos after I graduated to land a job in my field, worked at it for 8 mos and here I am back in school, starting a career change. You just have to keep searching and going to those interviews. I know it can be very frustrating but it happens quite often.

Answer 5

No its absolutely false that you are the only one who is having this problem. There are many people who are highly educated but are facing problem to find job. Its is very difficult to find a proper job unless u have someone known in a proper position. Its a common problem. But u shold not give up, keep trying.. and sometimes it depends upon luck toooo.,

Answer 6

Depends what your degree is. It seems - if one is cynical - you can get a degree for getting out of bed nowadays. But if yours are in classic subjects, then perhaps it'd be good to ask questions and study what sort of degrees send you where you want to go. Methinks the so-called 'easy subjects' have muddied the education world (in the UK anyway) of late...'experience' seems to be the golden word nowadays!

Answer 7

Whatever level of education you leave at, you'll hit the 'no experience' barrier. Most employers want someone with experience, but of course that makes it hard for fresh graduates (and school leavers- just at a different level) to get their foot in the door.

Have you considered applying for a graduate trainee position with a large firm? You'll get paid less to start with but it bridges that gap nicely. Another alternative is to temp (for example do maternity cover) for a month or two- they'll emply you as a couple of months is 'low risk', and then you can 'prove yourself' and move on to a permanent position, having that golden word 'experience' on your CV.

Answer 8

just get a customer service job, you can gain the precious 'office experience' there and be much more marketable in the eyes of an employer from there. That's what I'm going t do anyway.

Answer 9

There are sure to be others in the same position.
It could be that potential employers consider you over-qualified.
You could try leaving the degree off of your CV. If you get an interview, come clean on it. Hopefully your initiative will be appreciated.