I can't find a job.

[PussyCatDoll]

I'm currently sitting my finals for the final time and am due to graduate in the summer with hopefully a 2.1 classification in BSc Biochemistry.

I have maintained partime work throughout my studies (to fund them), been involved in charity work and extra curricular activities around uni/campus, been active in loads of events, done extra work experience aside my dissertation project, have a planned 3 week internship..

but I still can't find a job.

the (general) interview process is:

application form/cv
phone interview
online assessment
face to face interview 1
face to face interview 2

I've got to the face-to-face interview stage 3 times (when most of my friends haven't even had 1) only to be rejected.

I'm so disheartened, I don't feel like applying anymore. I have exams to worry about but this is nagging me constantly in the back of my head. I don't feel like I am in any better position to apply now then I was 4 years ago as I'm either overqualified for lab work or under qualified for research

[the_robot]

It's not your grade what matters but what you prove to them you can do.

[TAVS]

Make sure you have a top notch resume. If you dont have solid experience with resume writing and improving, get help from someone who does

[Cbrider]

Persistence - thats what it is all about now. You're trying to get into a competitive field with lots of opportunity, so is everyone else.

You're going to be turned down, emotionally beat down and exhausted, but the ones who get the job never stop pushing. No one who gets the job you want "fell into it." They had to put in monumental amounts of time and effort. There is no magic way, just keep getting back up swinging.

[IndiReloaded]

The resume blitz method is more about quantity than quality at your stage. How many interviews have you had?

What's a 2.1 classification? That's not your GPA, I assume?

[PussyCatDoll]

a 2.1?

its the degree classification/ grade

highest is : first (1.0)
then 2.1
2.2 (which is average)
3.0 < which is a wasted degree and you will never be able to get a job as they require minimum 2.2

had 3 face to face interviews

on lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes..

[IndiReloaded]

a 2.1?

its the degree classification/ grade

highest is : first (1.0)
then 2.1
2.2 (which is average)
3.0 < which is a wasted degree and you will never be able to get a job as they require minimum 2.2

had 3 face to face interviews

on lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes..

Got it. Here we use latin honours system. Summa cum laude, cum laude, etc.

Anyway, 3 interviews is not very many in this soft job market. If you start getting into double digits w/o offers, you should rethink your strategy. Of course, every interview you get should be used to refine your CV for the next one.

What kind of jobs are you applying for? That can also make a difference. Also, are you prepared to relocate? If you need more help, PM me.

[Illusional]

being that you are about to graduate, you don't really have much experience to work with. this is usually the hardest it will be when it comes to finding a job. however, you have to be persistent and open and something will eventually come up.

raverboy

[the_robot]

h. this is usually the hardest it will be when it comes to finding a job

Shouldn't it be harder before you graduate?

[Illusional]

it depends on a case by case situation. however, in this case i think it is harder for her to find a job before she graduates because she probably doesn't have a lot of experience. i dunno how good her hook ups are, but it seems to be lacking also.

raverboy

[Cloud206]

I think it's somehow related to the current economic situation, been looking for a job for months now.. Don't give up, i'm sure there is something outthere waiting for you.

[Illusional]

^^^ that is another reason. with the recession, many people aren't really hiring and many companies are still trying to cut back. honestly, i dunno what a biochemist would do... oh wait, if you're into culinary, there is a great diversity and need right now with all the diets. i wanted to get into that, but i got lazy and i never followed my dreams.

raverboy

[asdfg789]

I think there is no need to get disheartened. I still remember it took me more than a dozen interviews to land my first job after graduation. And another YEAR to land a job that I WANTED.

Take each one as a learning experience, for each one that rejected you, try to call and understand why.
Speak to people around especially those working in the industry you aim to enter.

Good luck !