Graduate Programmes Failure

beanok77

Hey,

Just wondering has anybody else had any luck in applying for grad programmes this year?

I must have applied to 15 to 20 programmes and didn't even get asked to an interview. My CV isn't that bad! I graduated in 2008 first class honours. Things are bad but I thought at least I might have got 1 interview out of all the applications I filled in! I know if I got an interview I'd have a fighting chance. Some of the applications take hours to complete!

My latest knock back was the Central Bank programme today!

nyarlothothep

beanok77 wrote: »

Hey,

Just wondering has anybody else had any luck in applying for grad programmes this year?

I must have applied to 15 to 20 programmes and didn't even get asked to an interview. My CV isn't that bad! I graduated in 2008 first class honours. Things are bad but I thought at least I might have got 1 interview out of all the applications I filled in! I know if I got an interview I'd have a fighting chance. Some of the applications take hours to complete!

My latest knock back was the Central Bank programme today!

Don't beat yourself up, the climate for jobs is terrible, the odds are stacked against you, stastically you don't have a good chance of getting a job since there are so many other graduates going for the same job. Be creative with the job hunt or gaining the experience to get a job, I'd imagine there are many paths you can take rather than just grad programmes.

djk1000

Maybe time to go back to basics, re do your CV, work on your cover letter. If there are 10 CV's in front of a recruiter, all with good degrees, something as simple as a clear layout and well written cover letter could get you the interview.

beanok77

Thanks for the feedback guys. More than I have gotten from applying to all those programmes!

I wonder is it okay to email them after the rejection letter looking for feedback?

I got advice on the layout of my CV off my former career guidance councillor so I thought I was okay in that respect.

I think I will regroup in the new year and try a few new things like registering with a recruitment agency.

miec

Hi Op

It is a tough market situation out there, like you I graduated with a 1st class B.A and M.A but have been job seeking since May. If you can afford to do this, possibly try an internship somewhere or you can apply for the Work to Placement programme through fas, they are jobs aimed at recent graduates. I would also suggest trying some volunteer work in your area, you can google a website called 'activelink' they have a load of volunteer stuff, I say this because it will keep you busy and you'll gain work experience, I know it is unfair that you've studied etc and now you have to have this but it will keep you going. As for grad programmes I had applied for HP, got through two levels and it was looking very promising then the economy went belly up and they cancelled the specific programme I was applying for. I don't think many companies are having them at the moment and to be honest you will be wasting your time e-mailing them for feedback, they won't respond.

professore

A first is seen as too academic for business - they prefer a 2.1.

Man_bear_pig

I just got a rejection from the central bank today as well. thought i filled out the application pretty well. don't really know what they were looking for in the application. and it took a good few hours to fill out as well

Doug Cartel

professore wrote: »

A first is seen as too academic for business - they prefer a 2.1.

This is nonsense. Especially when you consider the proportion of 2.1s that are handed out these days.

If it's the type of job where an academic qualification matters, then most people applying for a job are probably going to have a 2.1, having a first will put you ahead of the pack.

kieranoduill

A first in University DEFINITELY stands out.
Every Tom, Dick and Harry has a 2:1

Got rejected by the Central bank also today!!
We're all in the same club.
I've an impress CV, really what the heck are they looking for? What time of people do they interview? Someone please tell me!

Did anyone else get feedback that they'd be 'shortlisted' for future positions? Maybe they say this to everyone who applied to keep us happy

beanok77

I don't think a first is too academic at all. It should be a slight advantage if anything.

I am working at the moment and I also worked full time while earning my degree. This is the reason I can't do the FAS scheme. The reason I applied for all graduate programmes is bcause I can't go any further in my current job at present and I want to get some more qualifications and progress. I also can't leave my current job without getting another position because I need the guaranteed wage so I can pay the mortgage etc.

It looks like most of us are in the same boat. We just have to keep what we have untill the economy starts moving and companies begin hiring again. It really is disheratening though. Not even getting invited to 1 interview after doing all of those applications!

Anyways head up, it's Christmas!:)

Player_86

beanok77 wrote: »

Hey,

Just wondering has anybody else had any luck in applying for grad programmes this year?

I must have applied to 15 to 20 programmes and didn't even get asked to an interview. My CV isn't that bad! I graduated in 2008 first class honours. Things are bad but I thought at least I might have got 1 interview out of all the applications I filled in! I know if I got an interview I'd have a fighting chance. Some of the applications take hours to complete!

My latest knock back was the Central Bank programme today!

Unlucky beanok77. The market is seriously difficult for graduates at the moment. I think most people are feeling your pain.

I also applied for the Central Bank programme, but didn't hear anything today at all. Just wondering, did anyone who applied not receive a response yet? I got the e-mail a week or so ago saying that they were extending the deadline.

dedon

The thing is Companys are not taking on graduates for these positions. They are taking on very qualified people instead.

Each PFO I get states there are people with especially high experience and outstanding qualifications. Surely a graduate cannot have such experience when they are only out of college. Good experience yes but not outstanding.

You might find there is a full qualified accountant with 10 years experience in the graduate programme now.

Shame on those companies.

Assets Model

Man_bear_pig wrote: »

I just got a rejection from the central bank today as well. thought i filled out the application pretty well. don't really know what they were looking for in the application. and it took a good few hours to fill out as well

I got one aswell i'm gutted.

Oafley Jones

beanok77 wrote: »

Hey,

Just wondering has anybody else had any luck in applying for grad programmes this year?

I must have applied to 15 to 20 programmes and didn't even get asked to an interview. My CV isn't that bad! I graduated in 2008 first class honours. Things are bad but I thought at least I might have got 1 interview out of all the applications I filled in! I know if I got an interview I'd have a fighting chance. Some of the applications take hours to complete!

My latest knock back was the Central Bank programme today!

Got knocked back on Friday myself and citco the week before. I was fairly depressed for the whole weekend after it. I've an MA and a HDip in Accounting and Corporate Finance. Feel like I wasted my time in college at this stage. Still trying to pay off both of my postgrads. Was also wondering about looking for feedback but thought that in the current environment I'd be probably competing with Phds in economics!

mikemac

What role did you go for in Citco?

beanok77

Oafley Jones wrote: »

Got knocked back on Friday myself and citco the week before. I was fairly depressed for the whole weekend after it. I've an MA and a HDip in Accounting and Corporate Finance. Feel like I wasted my time in college at this stage. Still trying to pay off both of my postgrads. Was also wondering about looking for feedback but thought that in the current environment I'd be probably competing with Phds in economics!

Looks like we are all in the same boat!

Hate to be negative but it looks like it's going to get even worse next year when we have another couple of thousand graduates fresh out of college....

kieranoduill

Things are just plain awful, my main worry is that we (new graduates) if out of work for a year or two will just never recover in the long-term.

Hurts me at times, seeing people who aren't as good as you academically who got their jobs during the good times, and will have a lifetime advantage over you.