A level grades
Discussion
A middle aged job applicant has put his A level grades on his CV, presumably because he hasn't any education beyond that.
The lack of a degree isn't a show stopper in itself because his professional experience is pretty good but I'm curious what to make of his grades.
Two Cs, so mediocre. History (fair enough) and economics (not really a serious A level from what I've heard). Normally I'd say a back of the class also-ran who probably watched Magpie instead of Blue Peter.
On the other hand this was mid eighties so arguably equivalent to higher grades today. More interestingly he did both in a year part time while doing a full time job during the day.
So are they an achievement or not? I'm tempted to say that as a sign of ability they're equivalent to two Bs obtained in the usual two years, or three full time. The subject knowledge is irrelevant, but this firm likes people who are bright enough to get a good degree even if they never did.
Is there any way to estimate what this guy might have achieved in sixth form college?
The lack of a degree isn't a show stopper in itself because his professional experience is pretty good but I'm curious what to make of his grades.
Two Cs, so mediocre. History (fair enough) and economics (not really a serious A level from what I've heard). Normally I'd say a back of the class also-ran who probably watched Magpie instead of Blue Peter.
On the other hand this was mid eighties so arguably equivalent to higher grades today. More interestingly he did both in a year part time while doing a full time job during the day.
So are they an achievement or not? I'm tempted to say that as a sign of ability they're equivalent to two Bs obtained in the usual two years, or three full time. The subject knowledge is irrelevant, but this firm likes people who are bright enough to get a good degree even if they never did.
Is there any way to estimate what this guy might have achieved in sixth form college?
I'm not concerned, other may be, and I'm curious. It seems a funny set of qualifications.
It's an IT development job, he's been in the industry about 10 years after a career change. So a bit of a non standard applicant. Sounds interesting enough to interview, but no point if HR get snobby about qualifications. We had one guy rejected for a more senior role because his academics were deemed 'dubious'. Which turned out to mean degree from an ex poly.
It's an IT development job, he's been in the industry about 10 years after a career change. So a bit of a non standard applicant. Sounds interesting enough to interview, but no point if HR get snobby about qualifications. We had one guy rejected for a more senior role because his academics were deemed 'dubious'. Which turned out to mean degree from an ex poly.
Hotel India said:
My tuppence worth (based on being a teacher) is that two Cs in 80s A levels is worth more than they are today, and that doing them in half the time, whilst working, could say a lot about the person's attitude.
It could. But all too often in IT people with impressive part time achievements turn out not to be exceptionally motivated but just to have such poor social skills they have nothing else to do on a Saturday night.Economics isn't one of those which are "not really a serious A level." Our eldest has just got an A and will be off to Exeter to study PPE in October. He's not exactly stupid, and there's a lot of theory as well as mathematics. Don't confuse it with "business studies" which is essentially a dumbed down version of economics.
That aside, not everyone has the same opportunities. I've met a lot of people who didn't achieve anything at school because they were messing around without any parental encouragement in an atmosphere of low achievement and low expectations. They only saw the reality of life, pulled their socks up and started working hard later on in their 20s. It's not impossible, but very difficult nonetheless, to go back to A-levels or GCSEs in your 20s or later. I your position, I would be interested to find out his story and would be prepared to give him the same chance as everyone else. With regards to qualifications, expect for specific positions which require certain professional qualifications, e.g. mine specifies a medical degree and registration with the GMC, I decide on the requirements for a position reporting to me, not HR. As far as I'm concerned, HR is there to help me find the right candidate, not to dictate to me who I can and who I cannot hire.
That aside, not everyone has the same opportunities. I've met a lot of people who didn't achieve anything at school because they were messing around without any parental encouragement in an atmosphere of low achievement and low expectations. They only saw the reality of life, pulled their socks up and started working hard later on in their 20s. It's not impossible, but very difficult nonetheless, to go back to A-levels or GCSEs in your 20s or later. I your position, I would be interested to find out his story and would be prepared to give him the same chance as everyone else. With regards to qualifications, expect for specific positions which require certain professional qualifications, e.g. mine specifies a medical degree and registration with the GMC, I decide on the requirements for a position reporting to me, not HR. As far as I'm concerned, HR is there to help me find the right candidate, not to dictate to me who I can and who I cannot hire.
Sticking up for us oldies 
A-levels back then were bloomin tough and Economics was actually economics, not dumbed down business studies or general studies or something faffy.
The qstn is probably whats stopped him doing an further studies beyond that...a Degree or later in life something vocationally related, and also how much bearing it has on the day to day role.
A-levels back then were bloomin tough and Economics was actually economics, not dumbed down business studies or general studies or something faffy.
The qstn is probably whats stopped him doing an further studies beyond that...a Degree or later in life something vocationally related, and also how much bearing it has on the day to day role.
By current standards, he has basically got a B in a soft subject (History) and a B in a hard subject (Economics).
Good, but not great, academics.
Would be more concerned as to why he has not gotten a good degree (and, preferably, Masters) in the intervening ~30 years.
Everyone knows, nowadays, you are nothing without a degree.
It suggests he may lack self-motivation and would be best suited to a junior or entry role.
Good, but not great, academics.
Would be more concerned as to why he has not gotten a good degree (and, preferably, Masters) in the intervening ~30 years.
Everyone knows, nowadays, you are nothing without a degree.
It suggests he may lack self-motivation and would be best suited to a junior or entry role.
Dr Jekyll said:
So are they an achievement or not? I'm tempted to say that as a sign of ability they're equivalent to two Bs obtained in the usual two years, or three full time. The subject knowledge is irrelevant, but this firm likes people who are bright enough to get a good degree even if they never did.
Sounds like you work for a right bunch of up their own arse muppets, please let us know who it is so we can avoid them.Yipper said:
By current standards, he has basically got a B in a soft subject (History) and a B in a hard subject (Economics).
Good, but not great, academics.
Would be more concerned as to why he has not gotten a good degree (and, preferably, Masters) in the intervening ~30 years.
Everyone knows, nowadays, you are nothing without a degree.
It suggests he may lack self-motivation and would be best suited to a junior or entry role.
Up to your usual standards of complete bGood, but not great, academics.
Would be more concerned as to why he has not gotten a good degree (and, preferably, Masters) in the intervening ~30 years.
Everyone knows, nowadays, you are nothing without a degree.
It suggests he may lack self-motivation and would be best suited to a junior or entry role.
ks, is that what your degree is in?berlintaxi said:
Dr Jekyll said:
So are they an achievement or not? I'm tempted to say that as a sign of ability they're equivalent to two Bs obtained in the usual two years, or three full time. The subject knowledge is irrelevant, but this firm likes people who are bright enough to get a good degree even if they never did.
Sounds like you work for a right bunch of up their own arse muppets, please let us know who it is so we can avoid them.
Yipper said:
By current standards, he has basically got a B in a soft subject (History) and a B in a hard subject (Economics).
Good, but not great, academics.
Would be more concerned as to why he has not gotten a good degree (and, preferably, Masters) in the intervening ~30 years.
Everyone knows, nowadays, you are nothing without a degree.
It suggests he may lack self-motivation and would be best suited to a junior or entry role.
If he's middle aged then things were different when he was in education. Back then it was quite normal to get O levels and or A levels then go out to work. Not everyone went to university, in fact most people didn't. We went out and got jobs rather than continuing into further and further education (job dodging).Good, but not great, academics.
Would be more concerned as to why he has not gotten a good degree (and, preferably, Masters) in the intervening ~30 years.
Everyone knows, nowadays, you are nothing without a degree.
It suggests he may lack self-motivation and would be best suited to a junior or entry role.
I'm 55, left school with 8 O levels and went out to work. Part of one of my earlier job's requirement was to have two A levels so I could take insurance exams and progress withing the company. So I did what this guy did and went to evening classes and got A levels in Law and Economics. As it happened I then changed employers and having insurance qualifications with the new company wasn't a requirement so I didn't pursue this.
My lack of a degree has not been a barrier since. I think some employers may value actual job experience over a degree in Business Studies.
berlintaxi said:
Yipper said:
By current standards, he has basically got a B in a soft subject (History) and a B in a hard subject (Economics).
Good, but not great, academics.
Would be more concerned as to why he has not gotten a good degree (and, preferably, Masters) in the intervening ~30 years.
Everyone knows, nowadays, you are nothing without a degree.
It suggests he may lack self-motivation and would be best suited to a junior or entry role.
Up to your usual standards of complete bGood, but not great, academics.
Would be more concerned as to why he has not gotten a good degree (and, preferably, Masters) in the intervening ~30 years.
Everyone knows, nowadays, you are nothing without a degree.
It suggests he may lack self-motivation and would be best suited to a junior or entry role.
ks, is that what your degree is in?
sparks_E39 said:
Nothing without a degree? Absolute rubbish.
Totally agree.Some of the most successful people I know failed miserably at school, didn't attend university and went on to huge business success. This is not one or two, but a significant proportion of those I know.
Clearly if you're going into the professions (teaching, law, medicine etc) then academic performance is going to be important.
An IT developer who's got years of experience - and someone's worrying about his A Levels? Mad.
Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff