Graduates leaving university with concerns over a perceived lack of value in their degree may soon find a problem in precisely opposite being the case. For those looking for work outside of specific graduate jobs, placing too much emphasis on a degree in the application stage may in fact deter employers by suggesting that the applicant is over-qualified for the position that they are interested in. Identifying this quandary, the Guardian recently proposed a series of ways to get around it.
First and foremost amongst these is a re-orientation of the CV to distinguish between one applying for graduate entry-level roles and other forms of employment. A friend of mine recently recounted having accidentally handed in at a pub a CV tailored heavily towards engineering companies. Unsurprisingly, he hasn't heard back from them - as useful as his degree-based knowledge will of course be in other roles, it isn't a priority for many landlords looking for bar staff. In adapting one's CV to better befit a position where your degree isn't your most essential attribute, focus is better placed upon work experience and transferable skills garnered through this and other extra-curricular activities. Here too the degree can be promoted, with emphasis on these universally-relevant skills such as teamwork and communication rather than your grades.
Many recent graduates find themselves in this position when applying for temporary work as a "stop-gap" of sorts, looking to tie them over as they engage in a wider graduate job hunt. It is important, however, not to let this lead to the suggestion on your CV that you feel a certain position is beneath you. Instead, make it clear why it is you want the job, focusing upon both the potential gains from the experience and the chance to contribute beyond the realms of the job title itself. Interestingly, the Guardian also suggest directly confronting one other significant issue - that of salary - early in the application process, such as in an interview. With many temporary roles offering salaries that are "negotiable depending on experience," it may prove beneficial to demonstrate an understanding that a degree in an unrelated area does not necessarily constitute this experience and therefore command higher pay.
