Doomed forever? Or is there hope yet?

Repo, welcome to the WikiJob forums.
I know many firms will take into account any extenuating circumstances, so your best bet is to have a word with the graduate recruitment/hr people and see what they say. Obviously they could say no, but if they feel that you would have done better without those circumstances, especially considering you have the 300 UCAS points so I'd say you would be expected to get a 2:1.
So before applying to anywhere wanting 2:1 or higher phone them up and see if they'll consider you, it is worth a go.
Good luck in your job hunt!
Ucayman.
P.s. have you considered businesses rather than just accountancy firms?

Ucayman,

Many thanks for your reply, your advice is much appreciated. I think you're right in the sense that my best bet is to give them a call before I apply. So far I have been applying anyway and not getting anywhere which as you can imagine is very frustrating. I think the only problem I would have here though is explaining a good enough reason for not getting a 2:1.

I'm also looking at businesses, not only accounting or financial firms, apologies if I wasn't clear earlier. Absolutely anyone really, that would employ me and pay for my accounting examinations!

Thanks again for your reply and also for the welcome. If anyone else has anything to add please feel free!

Hi Repo, I've heard direct from the horse's mouth (at a conference for Grad Recruiters!) that if you're stuck with a 2.2 you should always give the HR Department a call and speak to them directly about your application. What's the worse that could happen? It's true that in more challenging times paper sifting the application form is inevitably a little more brutal, however if you speak to someone from the company and explain your situation, they may be able to put your form further up the pile. Another good way of getting around this is to visit careers fairs, where you can meet face-to-face with employers - often (although not always) employers make a note of who they have spoken to that really impressed them and will flag up any applications that come through from those people.
Good luck!

Many thanks for your comments Sarah, it seems that the way forward is, as mentioned, calling up the firm before applying. I agree that it is a good idea and may also get you some brownie points with the firm. I'll definitely be giving it a go from now on. Many thanks for your input guys, you've been a great help!

Hi Repo

Welcome to the forum. There is lots of advice and information available to you and it is very much about getting opinions. I appreciate the difficulty you are going through. I graduated at a time when graduate unemployment was very high and living in Cambridge at the time meant I stood little chance with so many graduates living in the same town. I stayed on and did my masters before going into the world of work.

The 2:2 is always going to be an issue. With competition for jobs at an all time high, employers are basically prescribing and getting what they want. A 2:1 is what they want and it is very often what they are going to get. Graduate schemes are extremely competitive and they are only going to recruit the very best candidates using stringent selection criteria. I’m afraid it is a harsh reality unless you do something to differentiate yourself from the competition.

It is a good idea to approach employers and discuss your circumstances directly with them. The fact you achieved 300 UCAS points may help. Another way in, is identify target employers and find out which recruitment consultants they use. Meet with the recruitment consultants and use their knowledge and contacts to see if there are any similar or other roles with the same company. I think if you can get a foot in the door with another role in finance or accounting it will stand you in good stead. This not only gives you essential (relevant) work experience but shows the employer what you can do. You will also have access to the internal vacancy board and potential contacts in the area you want to work.

Consider going into business to widen your options rather than just opting for the graduate schemes. Large businesses also have similar vacancies. They will have established training programmes and sponsor employees for development courses. Sometimes it is best to diversify your options and consider alternatives as these can still help you build a career in a chosen field.

I hope this gives you an added perspective. Good luck with everything. Nick.

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