University Graduates

Is it worth applying for graduate jobs?

I dont know what to do as i have finished uni and awaiting my results which i receive in 3-4 weeks. Applying for grad jobs seems a good idea but am scared i am not going to get the results required. What would u do?

Public Comments

1. Yes, apply, stating 'expected grade' .. Get in before the rush ! By the time they have processed the applications and started to interview people you will know your grade .. and if you haven't heard anything, this gives you a reason to ring them up, get them to find your application and update it with your grade .. If the job is advertised for some specific grade and you 'come close' there is a good chance you will still be considered .. after all you didn't ignore the requirement when you applied did you ? NB. Be aware that a lot of places (especially the bigger companies) are so snowed under with applications they only reply to those they want to follow up for interview .. don't get too upset, it's not personal, it's just that your application failed to 'stand out' from the rest of the crowd .. Since you are just starting your career, be aware that promotion is usually faster in smaller companies, however initial salary and benefits is usually higher in larger companies .. you might want to 'start small' if you hope to 'rise rapidly' ... (unless you can get onto a major companies 'fast track graduate program' .. however this is usually reserved for those with first class degrees)
2. If you have finished university already, you are a little late to be applying to graduate programs for the coming year. You can still apply for next year and perhaps take a gap year to travel or get a temp job, but unfortunately I doubt you'll get a job beginning September or October this year. My employer, and I would think this is pretty normal, accepts applications from graduates between September and December to start the following September, so you should apply the last year that you're in university. Then between January and March they hold all the assessment days and interviews and things. So by the end of April, you would know whether you're successful and would be starting in the next September. However, you can have a look at a site called Milkround which advertises graduate jobs. There will be some advertised, perhaps by employers who wouldn't be first choice for many graduates, or by those who thought they'd filled their graduate places and then had people drop out.