Software developers - any of you out there?

Hi again.
My son suspects the cv needs improvement and says
"Make sure the cv is polished up as best as possible, see here for help/examples: old.reddit.com/r/cscareerquestionsEU/comments/cz49ck/resume_review_thread/
- If he can't get a job in software development look for a job in a technology based company doing IT support or something to get his foot in the door at least
- Talk to recruiters and see if they can help/recommend things."

I remember my daughter re- wording my son's cv for him. She was basically saying the same things but obviously had the way with words. My son has offered to look at your son's cv if that helps and knowing my daughter, she'd try to help too. PM me if you want that.

Companies often use existing employees to find new recruits (and pay them bonuses for anyone subsequently taken on). So if your son has friends or acquaintances in the industry, he needs to get them to put his name forward. He also needs to keep up his skills relevant to a developer role. My son was horrified at how quickly he became rusty and spent time brushing up.

Another suggestion (this will seem odd) - join a board games club. They attract people who enjoy solving puzzles and there's a good chance some of them will be in the computing industry. It all helps in making contacts.

My 27 year old son has a 2.1 in computing and that has certainly been good enough for him to find work. He found his jobs using recruiters. They found appropriate vacancies and lined up interviews for him. I'll ask him for tips and come back to you here.

MerylStreep that would be fabulous if your daughter is able to give any ideas or input. Thank you so much.
And many thanks to all of you who have given advice and tips. We are having a brain-storming session this week on his CV and co. Not sure how much use I will be! But all of the replies here have really helped me to try to help him. ? to you all.

U.K. Allows Huawei to Build Parts of 5G Network

Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to ensure that Britain has access to cutting-edge telecom equipment, seen as vital for powering everything from driverless cars to virtual-reality headsets. A key plank of the government’s vision after Brexit is to turn Britain into a high-tech research hub.

Excerpt from article on MSN

To be clear, I mean apply in those industries and not necessarily the companies he worked for previously-

I hope that makes sense!

I've no idea what his resume looks like, but if he can link whatever industry he worked in previously to tech, he stands a better chance of receiving the experience he needs to advance- For example, if he worked in the food industry or retail, apply with those companies-

He may need to accept that a 2:1 is not going to get him the job he really wants. Then he needs to look at what he wants to do and decide his options. One may be to work for a while and fund a Masters degree. These have become the same as an ordinary degree used to be. The problem is that with his qualification he will effectively be well down the list of applicants. Many companies have their own apprenticeship schemes and employ from there, then they take those with a first class degree. He could perhaps look if there are any firms offering apprenticeships to graduates.It's hard to adapt to the fact that your degree may not open the doors you hoped it would.

Shizam
My daughter is a software developer, London based.
I'll see if I can get in touch with her today.

Looked back!!!

Shizam, in a similar position as your son, my son applied for a lower level IT job, was interviewed and told he was over qualified and they couldn't offer him the job. He got home and received a phone call offering him a higher level position from the same company. He has never looked backed.

My son in a similar place had to take a job with a big company on the phones taking calls but managed to show his technical worth and was fast tracked into the tech dept, this was a long time ago but now he is flying high and in much demand.
Good luck to your son.

Also maybe he could approach small charitable organisations that need help with software. There should be a list of charities in the area on the local councils website. If he has evidence of work he has done it would help

Is he possibly aiming too high with the job vacancies. My advice would be to go for lower level vacancies in an IT environment. Once he has proved his worth in the department he may get rapid progression.

And yes, a 2.1 is pah! these days, apparently. All of his friends are in same boat, post university. Working in shops etc, which they could have done without £50 grand of debt!

Thanks minimoon for reply. He’s been working since graduating, but not in field he wants to be in. Needs relevant work experience in software development. Just thought I’d put idea out here in case someone was in the industry...

Does he have any work experience at all? He should put down on his CV everything he's had experience in, even voluntary work.
I'm afraid I don't have any computer knowledge, and know nothing of software development, but I know how hard it is for a university graduate with a 2:1 degree to find employment. All those with firsts are way ahead in the queue.
My DD has a 2:1 in Anthropology, and has never worked in that field. She was employed in retail. The nearest she came to anything anthropological was curating a small exhibition of miniature furniture and that was only until she had her first baby.

Just to add, I’m posting this on here to try and help him out as he’s getting rather downhearted with it all. Firms he applies to which have put up ads don’t even bother to say no. He was happy the other day that one at least bothered to write to reject him! Harsh out there and unprofessional.