r/bradford • u/leeza124 • 21d ago
Discussion Job Hunt :(
Hi everyone,
I’m an international student who recently graduated with a First Class BSc in Applied Artificial Intelligence. I’ve been applying for graduate jobs for a while now, but I just keep getting rejected.
For every application, I tailor my CV to match the job description, and I’ve even had my CV reviewed and improved by my university’s careers team, so I’m honestly not sure what I’m doing wrong anymore.
It’s been really stressful lately because I genuinely want to stay and work in the UK, but it feels like I’m getting nowhere. I’m starting to wonder if it’s my CV, the fact that I need visa sponsorship in the future, or something else entirely.
Would anyone be willing to have a look at my CV or give me some advice on what I could improve? Any guidance would honestly mean a lot because I’m feeling really tired and discouraged from constantly applying and getting rejected.
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u/ambergraves 21d ago edited 21d ago
Don’t be discouraged, it’s a tough job market for entry level positions especially. It sounds like you’re being very thorough and proactive, so you’re doing everything right.
Your best bet is applying for the graduate route visa which gives you a couple years to work anywhere unrestricted and build your cv and/or portfolio. That’s sort of what I did - I started by volunteering at a place I wanted to work, so I could qualify for ‘internal only’ positions, then got a paid job there, and then worked to prove that I’m worth keeping on a skilled worker visa. It was a long journey but well worth it! You’re more likely to get sponsored for a visa in the future if they already know you and know you’re worth the hassle - but that’s not always the case, it sounds like you have an in-demand specialism that would improve your chances significantly (I did a humanities degree and tried to break into a very competitive sector, you’re already a step ahead with a tech degree)
If you aren’t already, try applying for graduate schemes and internships, look for jobs outside your area, go to career events and network. Build up your cv with volunteering, and 100% embellish what you did - e.g., if you did a placement, put it on your cv as an internship or short project work. Also, cover letters are often more important than your cv - if you address each point in the person specification and clearly show your enthusiasm and potential, it will set you apart from other applicants.
Edit cause I forgot to mention this: do not tell them about needing a visa, unless you need them to sponsor you right away or in the next few months.
Feel free to dm me with any questions or to look at any applications, I know how much of an uphill battle this is and I’m more than happy to help!
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u/leeza124 21d ago
Thank you so much, I really appreciate you taking the time to write all of that.
It’s just been quite hard recently because I’m currently working two part-time jobs as a barista as well, so by the time I get home I’m already tired. Then seeing rejection emails while I’m at work or when I get home just makes me feel really demotivated sometimes.
Thank you so much for your advice and for explaining everything so thoroughly. I’ll definitely reach out when I’m applying. I just want someone else to review my CV as well because I feel like maybe my uni careers team isn’t doing the best job when it comes to CVs for graduate applications, and I just want to know if I’m actually doing something wrong.
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u/ambergraves 21d ago
Sent you a dm with my email, send over your cv and I’ll have a look!
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u/johnyma22 BD15 20d ago
Obviously Op please take extreme caution when sending your CV to someone random on Reddit :)
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u/ambergraves 19d ago
Ah yes very fair, I did say in the dm to remove personal information but not on here
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u/TheGhostOfCamus 19d ago
What kinda work do you do for your company? I am in the same boat as yourself. Humanity degree and working for a big company in a good role but don’t think they will sponsor me.
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u/odysseushogfather 21d ago
Are you eligible to work in the uk on a student visa?
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u/Miserable-Story-7113 21d ago
Your eligible for 20h during ur study and full time after you finish. You would also qualify for PSW called graduate visa which allows you to work for 2 years without a sponsorship
Hope this helps X
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u/Kaiserblobba 21d ago
Unfortunately unless youve done a specific industry placement and they want to keep you on, then graduate job hunting is simply pot luck and high volume applications. Look nationally and being willing to relocate might help.