Heading to 2 years now since my undergrad degree and not getting any significant offers.
A bit frustrated that I got interviewed and they told me it's entry level... I told them I am willing to learn, do the job, and gain experience because that's something I am lacking. After some weeks they said no.
I understand that hiring an academically over qualified candidate doesn't look good, but personally considering I lack professional experience...??♀️
What would u do if in my shoes? I would like to advance professionally as I am not getting younger and due to the pandemic went ahead and started a graduate degree.
Signed up to staffing agencies, indeed, Monster, LinkedIn etc... can't count how many applications I have sent. What should I do? Sit and wait it out or keep applying?
Thanks!
I can feel you. But in my case, it is, yes AGE. All of the interviewers tell me that I have the right experience, but later in the interview, they ask my age....well...from experience, I no longer have many expectations. There is still some hope though to be able to get on the employment bandwagon. It is good that we are now in the globally, mostly virtual-driven employment era so here I am now, after laments on my previous posts, training as virtual accounting support for a property management company. I not only learn new apps, improving my conversational English skill is easier from videos, podcasts, and mock calls. And am looking forward to a new chapter in my career life. So look ahead with a smile and positive outlook
User deleted comment on 05/15/21 at 8:44AM UTC
I dealt with this when I graduated in 2010 with a masters degree in musicology. Companies viewed it as not super relevant, and I ended up getting a real estate license to do apartment locating in addition to waiting tables until I finally got an offer for an internship at a tech company in 2012. So yes, two years after I graduated with a masters degree, I took an internship to get my foot in the door and it’s been the best thing for my career. 9 years later and I’ve been able to translate that opportunity into a rewarding career with increasing responsibility.
It might not be much of help, but perhaps internships are a track you can try? Additionally, the job I took was at a vista equity partners company- they are known quirking everyone to pass a ccat test to advance in the hiring process. This is a deterrent to some folks, but I’m convinced that passing that was the way that I was able to stick my foot in the little crack of the opened door.
I wish you best of luck and want you to know that you probably can’t see it now, but every experience you have today is making you stronger and teaching you something to be a rockstar in a meaningful role eventually. Stick with it, you can and will do great things once you find your big break!
This resonated with me. Thank you so much Allyson... I suppose patience and doing something: internships, and available jobs would help me with skills that I need in addition, I should stop pressuring myself and just do the right thing as this could lead me somewhere.
Thanks again - Harriet.
Definitely take the pressure off yourself!
Don't be tempted to buy into the narrative that your first job has to be the coveted Jr Associate of blah blah blah to be able to build the career you ultimately want.
Few people actually follow the linear career path that we all envision after college, and I would venture to say that the people who have to get scrappy and creative end up with much broader experiences and more satisfaction in what they've built for themselves.
As you're looking for that first significant opportunity, a good strategy is to expand what you've been looking at. I keep repeating "follow all paths until the right one becomes clear" to myself like a mantra when I'm struggling with what to do next.
Best of luck Harriet!!
I did fall into that trap of linear progression/ thinking after graduation. After finding out that the process is much broader (non linear) I decided to be flexible and open minded.
I'll keep hunting and the advice from this forum as well as what you've suggested has been great... ill take and use these perspectives accordingly moving forward. Thanks
*requiring everyone to pass... silly autocorrect.
I understand your frustration and I'm sorry that they are looking at you as overqualified academically. I would keep applying but make sure that you are beefing up your LinkedIn account - work on having a lot of connections (500+ is the goal) and that you are looking at businesses where you have connections. Volunteer work, like a previous poster said, definitely helps and adds to your resume! The workforce does seem to be opening up more too in some areas - don't lose hope!
I understand your frustration, but there has been a shift in employment & jobs that many companies are seeking employees with a balance of academics & work experience. Look for part time jobs, or positions outside of your academic area to get work experience & gain skills required to land your desired job! There are also free online work shops, skill webinars inline. Look into doing volunteer work as well! It adds to your resume!
Thank you! I'll try that!
Ok. You are going to get a little creative and think outside the box to land the job you want, but in the process, research the companies you would like to work for and check the requirements of the jobs that would be a good match for you. Remember, you are interviewing them, just like they are interviewing you. Just thinking you are over qualified for a position because of your education, is not the real reality now in the workforce. It takes more than having an education to land the job you want! Also, check the career section of the school you attended, friends, & family members and let them know you are currently seeking employment! Widen your circle! Cast your net out further than the regular websites! Let me know how it works out for you!
Thanks ?
I can totally understand your frustration I’m actually going through the same thing myself except I don’t have the college experience but I do have the on the job experience
How are you coping?
Taking it one day at a time... this forum has helped in expanding my view or thought perception. So now besides applying like a mad person, I'm open to trying different things.
I understand your frustration. So sorry you are going through this.
I am not sure why they would tell you that you over-qualify for an entry level position just because you have a degree.
Not sure how different other companies are, but I work in higher education and entry level positions typically require a bachelors degree and sometimes 1-2 years experience. Some others only require a high school diploma and 1-2 years experience, which is the equivalent of a degree.
What is your degree in? Do you have any student employment experience while in school? Or volunteer work done?
What type of jobs are you applying to?
Maybe your resume could stand to be reviewed by your schools career services office...
For now, my advice is to not give up and not let your efforts to continue applying be discouraged.
Continue to apply but try to target companies where you know someone? Reach out to people in your network and ask for informational meeting. Try also to reach to your professors and ask them as they will know a lot of people that can help or introduce you to people who can. Have you also tried looking for for positions with colleges and universities? They were hit hard last year but things are certainly looking up. Most importantly, keep at it and don't give up. I know it is hard but take it one day at a time and something will come up. Best of luck!
Thanks. I will keep pushing coz I can't 8mginr otherwise. I did talk to other professionals, a professor directed me with a serial number for usajobs., and some pple flat out told me to figure it out solo despite having promised to help me... so I will keep pushing. Thank u
yes you will get those people that will not follow through! Remember, it just takes one connection, one outreach and one offer! In need of inspiration, listen to the recordings of the faiygoodboss summit. I listened to some and they were uplifting and very informative.
If you only have an undergrad degree and no experience you should still qualify for an entry-level role - did they give you on any feedback on why you didn't get the position? I'm wondering if it's because you're academically overqualified or something else.
Most companies didn't give me useful feedback even when I asked for it. Others just said I don't have enough experience :/
That's so annoying! I wish they gave more helpful feedback. If it's a matter of experience though then I wouldn't worry about your degrees causing any issues - it definitely just has to do with prior intern or volunteer experience. Do you have any highlighted on your resume?
I volunteered more. I did do a physical therapy internship buy when I decided to change paths, I didn't do more internships. I was mainly focused on volunteering, and books < that's what's in my resume.
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User deleted comment on 04/30/21 at 7:21PM UTC
What's your degree in and what type of job titles are you applying for?
This is a great group and with lots of professionals who can help you. Give us a bit more information and I'm sure someone can help you.
My degree was in Biology and my graduate is in industrial psychology. So currently focused on job titles such as administrative assistant, project assistant or associate (positions that could be a gateway when I finish grad school), writing assistant, program analyst etc because my degree is flexible from office to research related.
I work in STEM and do a lot hiring as a manager. I've had to hire for techs, research associates, project managers etc. I think targeting administrative roles might be the issue. Your have a scientific degree despite being entry level so it may not necessarily be adding up to hiring managers. What is that you really want to do? Is it truly more in project management long term? If so you may consider a project management certificate to balance the science. Good luck!
I'm hoping to pursue or stick to the science side if possible. However, an ideal job for I/O would be behavior analysis for companies supporting then with hiring etc. Entry level to get there could be on the admin/ office roles. I could also go the science/ health route and do research... that would start with project associate, tech positions etc... I have options and have been trying to explore both sides and go from there that's why I've been applying to both paths. I've been doing odd jobs that have flexibility which could allow me to have an interview or explore part time or full time positions.
Thanks for the additional information, and how exciting that you're doing industrial psychology as an advanced degree.
Here are some suggestions (and you may already be going these):
1. Have you looked at startups?
- there are plenty of entry level jobs
- you might be able to find a startup that aligns with your future career goals
- startups hire entry-level researchers, data analysts, program managers.
Here are a few places you can look for startup jobs:
https://builtin.com/jobs/office-remote/nationwide/entry-level?ni=4
https://angel.co/jobs (angel.co has more early phase startups and there are some equity-only jobs in this list)
What do you want to do with your industrial psychology degree? I have known a few industrial psychology degreed folks who worked in UX (user experience / human factors work) and you don't need a degree for that. Yes, a degree gives you a leg up but if you want to do UX/human factors work, you can skill-up on your own (plenty of inexpensive and free classes you can take online), then you could apply for entry-level UX work.
Thank you! I had not looked at start ups and I'm not familiar with UX. I will look into those recommendations. Thanks again!
I would like to work in HR helping with hiring and evaluating the right candidates. Working with organizations to better their employees or structure to motivate employees/ others. Lastly, research is also something I enjoy so I'd hope to get experience on that area as well.