The 2.1 Effect in Graduate Job Applications
The three articles bring into question the importance of a degree below a 2.1. Henley (2012), Crane (2012) and Vasagar (2012) both state that over three quarters of graduate employers look for a grade of 2.1 and discard the applications below this. They use this as an initial sorting process of applications. Crane (2012) continues from this point and says that some top academics are calling for a change to this 2.1 effect by possibly introducing supplementary documentation with the application form. Henley (2012) states that many people with third class degrees, which is the lowest grade, have gone on to great things and lists names such as WH Auden and Lewis Caroll!
With this news it shows the importance of having good qualifications when leaving university in the job market of today. To further set yourself apart one could do qualifications with Youthforce in a number of areas such as leadership and management, sport and leisure and youth work to impress your potential employer.
References:
Crane, H. (2012). Academics call for degree shake-up to reduce 2:1 effect. Available: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/jul/04/academics-seek-degree-shakeup. Last accessed 6th July 2012 .
Henley, J. (2012). Don’t judge a job applicant by their degree.Available: http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/shortcuts/2012/jul/04/dont-judge-job-applicant-by-degree. Last accessed 6th July 2012 .
Vasagar, J. (2012). Most graduate recruiters now looking for at least a 2:1. Available: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/jul/04/graduate-recruiters-look-for-21-degree?intcmp=239. Last accessed 6th July 2012 .