I got a 2.2 – have I just torpedoed my chances of getting
a job?
You would be forgiven for thinking that unless you got a
2.1 degree or higher you can kiss your hopes of a half
decent graduate job goodbye. Just about every recruiter
on the graduate milkround claims to set a 2.1 as their
minimum standard. So what do you do when you get a
2.2?

Firstly let’s put it this 2.1/2.2 divide in context. A large
part of it is an employer ego thing. Very few graduate
recruiters will admit to seeking out graduates with a 2.2
degree – the SHAME of it all – having to resort to
graduates with a 2.2. Well get over yourselves employers.
We know that they do take graduates with 2.2 degrees
but they make them work a little bit harder for it. So if
you end up with a 2.2 and are feeling like your job
prospects have just got very bleak (often over 1 or 2
measly % ) read on for some hope.

1. Believe in yourself – don’t give up before you even
start looking
Of course it is not a fact that all those with a 2.2.
degree will not be able to do a job as well as those with a
2.1 degree – so don’t start believing the hype. Screening
by grade is an efficient way for employers who receive
100’s of applications to cut down the numbers they
interview – it does NOT mean that you can’t do the job.
2. Change the way you look for a job.
If you know that most high profile milkround employers
will screen for your degree grade on your application
form or CV, then spread the net for where you look for a
job. You have a lot more to offer than a few numbers
(2.1 or 2.2) so find some employers who will listen
3. Network, network, network
Do your own research about what it happening in your
preferred industry. Who are the players? What companies
are growing? Chances are most of them will employ a
small amount of focused, motivated graduates each year.
Can you get anyone to introduce you to someone in one
of those companies – even just for a 5 minute chat about
what is happening in the industry. Use LinkedIn to track
down contacts with some connection to you. That could
lead to more opportunities, or, at the very least – some
advice about what you should do next to progress your
job search. Not many people will ask whether or not you
have a 2.1 or 2.2 before they agree to chat with you for
5 minutes!
4. Be ready to impress
Prepare a strong answer to the Tell Me About Yourself
question . Have it ready to go whenever you meet
someone who may be able to give you advice on where to
look for jobs. Focus on your education, your strengths,
your skills and what you could contribute to a company.
Tell them you have a degree in Business Studies and
Marketing , that you thoroughly enjoyed your course,
show enthusiasm and mention a project you completed
that may be of relevance to them. Whether you got a 2.1
or 2.2 will become irrelevant when you are selling
yourself to potential contacts by showing them what you
can do for their business.
5. Your CV – accentuate the POSITIVE
So you didn’t get a 2.1 overall. But maybe you did some
interesting projects that achieved a 2.1 – put those on
your CV and make sure to list the modules where you got
2.1′s or even better. Your CV is a sales document – make
sure you are telling them about the good stuff!

Sinead is a career management expert and provides advice
on all aspects of Career Management including Job

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