Beating the Backlog

Once again, another late post. But hopefully you can see that I have revamped the blog and this took rather more time than I thought to do. I think if I can conclude anything from the last 24 hours is that graphic design is not my calling. 

So onto the topic du jour...

The Backlog in the Job Market

I can by no means claim to give you the answers on this, as I indeed have become part of the backlog. What I can do is go through some regrets. Things which I didn't do which in retrospect I wish that I had done that could have perhaps increased my chances today in finding that illusive training contract. 

The Economic Downturn

We all know that this is clearly what is to blame for most of our troubles in finding a graduate job. Because companies reduced the amount they were investing into entry level training, there has been a reduction in the number of graduates entering employment.

According to one study just over 60% of graduates went into employment 3 months after graduation in 2007 and this fell to 48% in 2008, and fell again to 30% in 2009.

Now there could be more to this story (more places offered at university level etc), but you cannot deny that this drastic drop of 50% in 2 years has had a lasting impact that can be felt today.

So instead of competing against your "education generation" you are competing against all of the "generations" since 2008.

So what can we do to try and stand out?

Well this is the million dollar question, and if anyone can answer it then please let me know! However, there are a few things which have come up in interviews and just in my general reminiscing sessions which I believe I could have done in order to better my chances.
These mostly start from first year of university- so all the 17/18 year olds out there, this applies to you too...

• First year at university: Do not fall into the trap that first year doesn't count. Whilst it may not go towards your degree mark, you will have to write down all of your first year marks on any graduate application. Whilst they don't expect you to achieve the same marks as later on in your education (due to exit velocity- the idea you improve throughout your degree) they will not want to see that you have only done the bare minimum to scrape through.
  
• Extra-curriculars: Whilst I tended to do OK on this front (with involvement in sports clubs from Day One at university and two positions on an executive committee of a club) there are other things which may have been more useful to me.
  This is rather subjective I suppose- but one interview I went to specifically asked if I had got involved with any mooting/debating whilst at university. And I had to say no. In reality, I don't think I could have balanced this with my degree, sport and my part time job. But maybe if I had put in just that bit more time I would have something else to add to my CV.
  
• Being savvy in applying to posts: Again, this may be personal opinion. I applied to internships in second year and took a "machine gun" approach. So I would complete as many applications as possible and wouldn't spend as much time on them. I got only one interview (and I was lucky enough to get it).
  But this year I applied to only 6 and got a "call back" whether this be interview/selection day for 3 (which is a 50% success rate). I spent much more time considering where I feel would be the best fit for me, did more research whilst applying and generally took more care in filling out the applications.
  The results don't lie.
  

I feel like that is rather enough of my chit chat for one week. And I am busy watching Andy Murray in the US Open Quarters. Much more important than job hunting. And he isn't doing well at the moment. So I may have to go to my happy place.

The emotion I feel during the never-ending frustration of job hunting

As always, comments and suggestions very welcome. What would you like me to post about? And what do you think of the new design?