Mature students

Mature students make a broad and varied contribution to their University and the organisations they join. Many mature graduates have no problem in finding appropriate employment, however some do find it more difficult. There are many reasons for this, one being a limited perception of what a 'new graduate' is on the part of some employers.

• Recruiting more mature graduates helps businesses acquire a more diverse range of skills in their workforce. Furthermore, wider experience leads to a more creative organisation and an innovative approach to problem solving.
• Reduced staff turnover and lower rates of absenteeism are both characteristics of a mixed-age workforce.
• Older graduates are more likely to have greater stability, loyalty and improved motivation. This is demonstrated by the challenge they have faced by going to University whilst possibly supporting families as well as holding down full-time or part-time work.
• Younger graduates, particularly those in their 20s, tend to move from job to job more in the first few years after graduation. Older graduates are more likely to provide longer term commitments to employers (particularly if they are mindful of the extra barriers they face in securing employment).
• Reflecting the profile of an organisation's customer base through recruitment of a more diverse workforce, in terms of age, tends to improve customer satisfaction.
• Recruiting from a more diverse group tends to enhance an organisation's corporate image and reputation as a result of being seen as a good employer.

Source: The AGCAS/AGR Older Graduates Committee

You may feel that some employers are looking for younger candidates due to the language and images they use in their advertising and information. Try to concentrate on what you have to offer them to convince them that you could be different. Do not apologise for your age. Being older can give you very definite advantages over younger candidates. You do not have to mention your date of birth, recent age legislation means that no one should be discriminated against on the grounds of age. If your application is successful and you are invited to an interview you can be confident that you have got the qualities and experience they are looking for. If the employer does have a problem with your age, getting in front of them puts you in a better position to convince them of your worth. They are more likely to reject you at the application stage.

Common concerns

Money

Employers sometimes worry that mature applicants will have higher salary expectations than younger applicants. Try to be realistic. You may need to accept a lower salary to get your foot in the door. Sometimes this is difficult to accept if you have come to University to improve your job prospects. However, it is worth holding on to the fact that you will be more likely to climb the career ladder from being in a job with a degree behind you. It is also worth reflecting on how well you have coped being on a limited income as a student. Sometimes it is helpful to regard the first job after graduating as an opportunity for more training - but being paid to do it!

Younger colleagues

Employers sometimes worry about the ability of mature applicants to work with or be managed by those who are younger. It’s worth pointing out that you have just spent the past 3 or 4 years at University working with younger students, and probably being supervised by lecturers that are also younger than you. Perhaps you have already worked for a younger boss. The key point is that it isn’t a problem for you.

Non-traditional qualifications

Explain your qualifications clearly and relate them to traditional qualifications and how they equate to UCAS points. Point out any extra barriers you have overcome by completing such qualifications, e.g. undertaking an Access course whilst holding down employment.

No paid work experience/no formal work experience/low level work/previous experience not relevant

Emphasise to employers the value of all the experience you have gained by drawing their attention to the transferable skills you have developed in all areas of your life. The variety of your experience can be just as useful as relevant work experience, and can, in some cases, demonstrate your skills more effectively. Managing a household and looking after young children, for instance, demonstrates skills such as time management, prioritising, multi-tasking and budgeting.

Use a skills CV to highlight skills most relevant to the job applied for. Emphasise skills developed rather than tasks performed. For more information refer to the applying for a job section.

Even better, make sure you gain some relevant work experience during your studies. Check out the Getting a job section on this site, which includes vacancies in a range of occupations.

Changing career

Explain why you are changing career. Highlight the skills and qualifications that you can bring with you to your new career. You may need to positively reinforce the skills you have that are transferable to potential employers.

Finally

Be positive! Your achievements and drive as a mature student deserve recognition and it is likely you have had to overcome obstacles to achieve your degree. Keep in mind how lucky potential employers will be to get you!