Why won't anyone hire me?

What else do I need to do to get a job? I am 25 years old, graduated in 1995 with a 2:1 in accounting, and went straight on to do an MBA, which I completed last year. I am now in Chartered Institute of Management Accountants stage 2 and have applied for graduate positions advertised and done some speculative hunting. I am really worried about this, but I am trying to keep my cool. There has been this outcry that graduates are in demand and yet here I am. Is this just me or is this normal for all graduates?

Rory Tait, Manager, Harrison Willis recruitment consultants:

You have taken a rather unusual approach to becoming a qualified accountant. The normal route is a degree followed by a specialist accountancy qualification, and then, if you are looking to expand into a more general commercial arena, an MBA. Having an MBA before studying CIMA is probably the chief reason why companies with "mainstream" training positions are overlooking you. And for more senior roles, while you have the academic qualifications, you do not appear to have experience "at the coal face" to complement it. You could consider attending the milk rounds. Most large accountancy firms still rely on this as their chief source for recruiting trainee accountants. Secondly, as you are still relatively young, you should consider trying to obtain a suitable training position before embarking on CIMA - otherwise you could be frustrated by doing jobs that are well below your educational stage. Thirdly, as you are obviously very knowledgeable, you should consider aiming for higher positions than graduate roles. You may find that companies are asking themselves why you have taken the trouble to study an MBA if you only want a graduate position.

Kavita Sharma, Careers Adviser, University of London Careers Service:

It is true that graduates are in demand but with the increased numbers of graduates, employers have become even harder to please. Many large recruiters are often unable to recruit enough suitable graduates for their trainee programmes. You have invested a lot of effort in gaining your qualifications but, on their own, these are not enough. Employers place strong emphasis on personal qualities and look closely for evidence of transferable skills gained through work experience, or other activities outside of academia. Ask yourself honestly, are you reflecting the right skills and personal qualities on your application? Do you have any work experience that will assure them that you know what the world of work is about? Your letter makes no mention of relevant skills and experience; only when you meet these specifications will they begin to notice your applications. Self-presentation on paper is a skill, and mastering it at this stage in your career could well unlock many doors now and in the future. I would strongly advise you to get your CV checked by a careers adviser, who will undoubtedly help you improve your technique. Finally, speculative letters can help, but try making contacts and networking to find out where the vacancies are and speak to people in "the business" who can help in your job search.

Katrina Rostrop, Managing Consultant, BNB Graduate Recruitment:

I am surprised that you are having difficulty finding a suitable graduate position with your academic qualifications, An MBA as well as a high first degree is a very powerful combination. However, in addition to qualifications, today's employer is looking for "softer" skills or personal attributes. These include a variety of things such as teamwork, planning and organisation, leadership skills and effective communication. You may also have completed application forms which include behavioural questions and ask you to provide examples to illustrate your experience of a particular type of situation. Although employers still place importance on academic qualifications, these need to be balanced with proof that you have broad-based interests, are capable of holding positions of responsibility and that your horizons are broader than just academia. Finally, remember to make sure that your application leaves a positive impression with the reader in all areas which are being assessed and you will be more likely to be short-listed for interview.

Compiled by Carmen Fielding

If you have a problem at work and would like expert advice, write to Carmen Fielding, Fast Track, Features, The Independent, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DL; fax 0171-293 2182; e-mail c.fielding@independent.co.uk