Dear Employers, why my degree is the least interesting thing on my CV.
Fellow graduates of 2020…. shall I get some tissues for us all that are both laughing and crying from the mess we are currently situated in. I have found myself becoming obsessed with checking Indeed pages as if its part of my morning routine, which isn’t a bad idea given finding employment is essential (and would like some please!!). I think every graduate, someone seeking a new career or even just someone interested in new job ideas will witness the umpteenth job application that has the words similar to ‘experience is essential’…. entry job???
How?
I am missing a trick with this word ‘entry’, implying this is a great starting point to get within the industry. So is having months of previous experience clearly not entry then? To future employees of mine, I would like to demonstrate why a CV undersells me.
At 15 years old, I didn’t enter a school classroom for a full lesson for an entire 2 years. I didn’t get a science GCSE. I didn’t participate in high level sport. Yet, at 17 I had undergone two extra qualifications privately; a diploma in criminal psychology and became a qualified dance instructor. I did this off my own merit without a institution or guidance of teachers to assist me. At 18 I had 4 part-time jobs simultaneously, not because I was in a unfortunate position of life; merely I loved working and my ethos for work is high amount maybe compared to some of my fellow peers, which at the time; most did not have a part time job. Whilst at 18 I started a blog, youtube, created recipes and learnt about food photography. Skills that are not created on a CV, yet in this modern age, are crucial and needed by many companies.
During university I pursued not just one, but two extra qualifications alongside my studies that lead me to help grow my own self-employed business. Again, I didn’t have much guidance or support just learnt the process as I went. But where can I put that on my CV??!?!
My CV has gaps, partly because I had mental health problems that meant I could always participate in extra curriculum activities that may look more desirable. Yet, even within those gaps I have gain insight in how to be a good person. One with a strong mentality of determination and grit for tasks and jobs. But I can not really show this within a A4 document of which you will only look at qualifications and previous jobs. This doesn’t teach you about me. The person you employ will not be what you read on paper.
I understand this is just how the current climate of employment is looking right now; I understand. I can only scream about it so loudly before it blends into the background of everyone else problems right now due to COVID.
So t everyone feeling to burnt out of unemployment; I can seriously relate. I don’t just want a job for money (although of course that helps!). Having a job is good for my mental health. Providing structure, purpose, a source of social influx, finding challenges, providing goals. I love that all. I like working. I am a good worker.
From a 2020 graduate….
give us a chance!
As always,
Martha’s mind x