Receiving a 2.2 degree or lower is often a source of disappointment for graduates. The 2.2 classification is widely considered to reduce a degree to being a big waste of time and money. But there is no need to despair, a 2.2 degree may not be as worthless as you think.

There are a lot of great jobs available that are open to graduates who have achieved a 2.2 degree. In fact, with a positive attitude and lots of ambition 2.2 graduates still have the opportunity to work hard and out-perform their “academically-superior” counterparts in their future careers.

You may be surprised to discover that the vast majority of employers are flexible in the grades they require because they are more concerned with your personality, skills and experience. Remember, academic grades are not everything and you can certainly compensate for them in other areas.

If you have achieved or are expecting a 2.2 degree, then here are some things that you need to know:

1. You shouldn’t hide your 2.2 degree

Employers expect to see your degree classification on your CV so do include it. Even if you do leave it off, they will ask you about it at some point during the recruitment process if you move forward. Not including your grade may be frustrating for an employer who is likely to assume the worst because you have tried to hide it.

Once you’ve perfected your CV, be sure to upload it to CV-Library so that employers can get in touch with you about relevant jobs!

Upload your CV to JobsGraduate today, allowing you to be searched by thousands of potential recruiters and employers!

2. Show employers that you can self-reflect

Self-reflection is a great attribute to have, so if you are unhappy with your 2.2 degree then you should be able to tell an employer why you think you didn’t do better. If there was a particular problem that had an impact on your studies then you can tell them about this, or if the course just wasn’t for you, be honest about it. Showing an employer that you understand the problem and have learnt from it is valuable.

3. Remember that you are more than a grade

If you are disappointed with your 2.2 degree, try not to let it squash your optimism for the future. There is a lot more that you can offer an employer than an academic grade. Think about your extracurricular activities and what skills these demonstrate. You can talk about these skills on your CV and at interviews.

4. You do not need to compromise

Do not let a 2.2 degree stop you from pursuing the career you want. If you keep coming up against jobs that require a 2.1 degree, this does not mean you can’t try applying for them. If your skills and experience are a great match for the role, an employer would be stupid not to consider you!

Employers are interested in much more than academic grades so don’t let yours hold you back!