Recent grad needs career advice/perspective after little luck in job search

Hi, so I'm looking for a grad analytical type role (Data/Analyst/Finance etc) with little luck so far after dozens of applications. I have had interest from a few customer service roles I've applied to as I have former CS experience (so my CV's ok). I don't really want to go into a customer service role though until I've absolutely given up on the grad job hunt.

I've just graduated from a top Uni with a 2.2 in a STEM subject. I'm well aware that the 2.2 is preventing me from applying for a great deal of these roles as they're competitive.

Anyone got any advice as to what I could do?

If you aren't even getting to interview (to say 2-3/10 applications) then either you haven't got the basic skills, or you are writing ineffective applications.

If you are getting to interview and not getting an offer, then you are competitive, you need to ask for feedback and home down on what is missing, and focussing on filling that gap.

Try and find a middle ground that gives you some of the workplace analytical skills you are missing (or whatever the feedback suggests) and the roles you want. Look local, but think broadly - what companies need to analyse data (clue - most of them, and it's a rapidly growing area of work) and start bookmarking companies that have advertised those sort of roles recently, find specialist recruiters. Learn how to filter sites effectively so you only see relevant adverts (area/salary/experience etc) so you can set up a comprehensive, but routine and consistent search.

Avoid the bulk recruiters like Monster, Reed, etc, you may find more opportunities, but you are up against much greater numbers of opposition and you can only make generic applications, which weakens your personal position.

Never 'give up' or you will always be a shop assistant (unless that's what you want), adapt and move your position, ie don't just look at financial institutions, consider charities, universities, manufacturers, advertising etc

Thanks for the reply.

It's the lack of experience and 2.2 that are causing me issues.

What you say about bulk recruiters like Monster etc though, where else are you supposed to look if not for online job boards? Do you just mean smaller scale online job boards? Most of these seem to be linked to the bulk recruiters though.

What you say about bulk recruiters like Monster etc though, where else are you supposed to look if not for online job boards? Do you just mean smaller scale online job boards? Most of these seem to be linked to the bulk recruiters though.