Mature Student

Whilst it is now against the law for employers to discriminate against job applicants on the grounds of age, it is still up to older graduates to market themselves effectively and persuade employers that they have qualities which younger applicants do not.

In particular, it is important to emphasise:

• skills gained from previous employment, even if this was in a series of 'non-graduate' jobs.
• skills gained from other life-experiences (e.g. involvement in voluntary work or balancing the demands of higher education with family responsibilities).
• the boldness, ambition and adaptability that you have demonstrated by deciding to enter higher education as a mature student.
• the fact that your age makes it more likely that you will 'stick with' an employer instead of wanting to move on after a year or two in the job.

It is important to be positive when approaching employers (e.g. always mention positive reasons for entering higher education instead of emphasising dissatisfaction with previous employment).

Information Resources - Equality issues

Use this section to find material held in the Careers Service on job hunting for the older graduate.

Careers Advice

If you wish to discuss your situation with a Careers Adviser, please speak to one of the staff in the Careers Service or call us on 0114 2220910. You can book an appointment with an Adviser up to one week in advance.

Email Enquiry Service

If you find it difficult to visit the Careers Service, you can make use of our Email enquiry service. Just complete the form, explaining your query as fully as possible.