Can home education affect employment prospects?

I was home-educated from the age of 11 until I was 16, when I started college. I want to be a designer, so I did a BTEC 1st Diploma in Art and Design (worth 4 GCSEs), along with English and Maths GCSEs and a Key Skills level 2 qualification (equivalent to a c-grade GCSE). When I got my grades earlier this year, I basically had 5 A grades, one B grade and one C grade, which I thought was pretty reasonable for a years work. I also volunteer with St John Ambulance and Cancer Research UK, and have plenty of hobbies and evidence of the 'soft' skills that employers are supposed to value so much. The problem is, I have applied for at least 40 jobs, and not even had one interview. Is it possible that employers are put off by my non-standard education?

Can home education affect employment prospects?
not in the leest


i have bin edukatid at home and i think home educashion is the bestest way to lern
Reply:If you have the qualifications, then it doesn't matter how you got there...





Just keep pushing at it. It's always hard at first to get that first job.
Reply:It's possible, but without following up with them, it's impossible for you to know what the issue is.





It could be that among the employers you are applying for, you are the least qualified, that you aren't fulfilling all of their employment requirements, that the people they are hiring are people who have stopped into the office and made their faces and personalities known. Could also be that your resume is not giving a good impression due to the way it's done or something else.
Reply:Is it possible that there are other factors that is making it hard to find a placement? Perhaps you need to look into polishing your CV.





I was home schooled, by my mother, all the way through the last two years of high school. I took science classes at an accredited school for home schoolers. I got into a good university and am now working on a masters degree. I know many who did home school here and none who have had exceptional difficulties finding work or more education.
Reply:Annabel,


For what it is worth.


I employ folks in several aspects of design %26amp; engineering posts, and judging from your potted CV, I would certainly give you an interview, as you beat some of the staff I have !





I am dismayed that you have had so little response to your applications.


It should be no skin off any employers nose to reply, interview, and give you a "trial run"





I admire your efforts. If you live in Herts. / Beds, please reply.


If not, persevere.


I took on a lowly job after Uni, and didn't say that I was studying for my M.Sc. I down-fibbed that I only had 4 O Levels.or GCSE's as it is now. Shop floor stuff.





At least it was a job, muck in with lads,


and beleive me, skills will be recognised in the organisation.





It only took 5 years to go from soldering things together to some sort of manager, and another year to be appointed to the Board.


I think my humour and commitment did that.


All day lunch breaks now, as I have a reasonably company, operated from home.


Oh, heck, I am not blowing a trumpet, but saying that don't go on a self-propelled business venture, but go through the ranks.





All the Best


Bob
Reply:I found employers loved the fact I was home schooled.


It proves you are dedicated, and VERY motivated as you took responsibility for yourself. Emphasise this in interviews. they love it
Reply:Not in the US anyway. Since you live in the UK, I don't know. It's possible, all the mind police you all have over there, but I don't know. Maybe it's your age??
Reply:you say that you got a degree from the college? Your earlier schooling should not matter as much with that degree in hand, that is what employers like to see. A highschool diploma or equivalent is basically just for higher education these days, or the army. Its kind of rude for these companies not to contact you, but that is the way the job market is now, ive had one interview out of all my applications, and the guy said there were over 100 other people applying.
Reply:Look, forget applying for posts. Choose some companies you want to work for. Write to them, tell them why you are writing, and why you are so good. You will get a job.





Good luck