How to get a job with a 2.2

By Rozina Sabur

A competitive jobs market and the value placed on the ubiquitous ‘2:1’ can make ending up with a 2:2 seem a very difficult position. Graduate recruitment sites can make you feel sub-standard if you don’t possess the required grade for the employers they promote. There are, however, several routes open to graduates. 

Ignore the 2:1 myth 

A lot of employers do state a 2:1 requirement but this is by no means a steadfast rule: there are many employers who are happy or flexible about taking on graduates with a 2:2. 

We’re constantly told that work experience is necessary for securing employment. If you have a lot of experience then this will stand you in good stead. For instance PricewaterhouseCoopers’ ‘Inspired Talent’ route is one option for 2:2 applicants with significant amounts of experience from outside of their studies. 

Moreover, some industries place a higher value on work experience in the sector, rather than choosing applicants based on their degree classifications. For instance, hospitality, leisure and travel businesses rarely ask for 2:1s. After all, you are more than your degree and employers recognise that. 

Several top graduate employers allow students with 2:2s onto some of their schemes. In the finance and services industries Swiss Re has previously considered applications from candidates with 2:2s. Towers Watson also accepted applicants with 2:2s in numerate degrees for its actuary roles. 

Nestlé, Procter & Gamble and Unilever all accept applications from students with 2:2s, as well as John Lewis’ retail management scheme. The same story appears for engineers: big employers like Jaguar Land Rover, National Grid and Network Rail accept applications with 2:2s on some schemes. Furthermore, the public sector has a wealth of options open for candidates with 2:2s. The key is to research employers and sectors carefully. Networking will also help you to find opportunities. 

Emphasise your skills and strengths 

Skills, such as speaking an additional language or specific technical skills, are highly sought after in some fields. With technology skills becoming ever more valuable, those with a computing background or degree can market themselves to a range employers. 

If there are genuine exceptional circumstances for your grade then make sure employers are aware of this – they may still consider you to be eligible for jobs that require a 2:1. If you achieved high marks in some modules, but brought your overall mark down in others, then list your modular break down. This shows employers that you are capable of excelling. 

Many top employers are prepared to consider 2:2 applicants if they also have a Masters. This is an option to consider, but be sure to weigh up course costs and funding against the employment benefits. 

Consider applying for jobs at smaller companies 

The big graduate recruiters are heavily subscribed, but smaller companies make up the greater part of most industries and tend not to be as oversubscribed. Smaller companies are also likely to be more flexible about career development and can offer responsibility earlier on. 

Basically, you can still get a job with a top graduate recruiter with a 2:2. It may require more time and research, and thinking more carefully about what your unique attributes are, but it is definitely possible.