I have recently applied to an audit graduate scheme for one of the big 4 companies but just received an email from HR saying that before they review my application they request mitigating circumstances on why I have achieved a grade C in English (instead of A or B) and that was completed in 1999 and not in 1998 like my other GCSE's.I have:> excellent GSCE results in my other subjects > excellent A’Level results (24 ucas points) in biology, chemistry, and maths.> 68% (2.1 Class) BSc Hons Computer Science degree from Nottingham Uni> completed an internship programme with 3ComWith all my achievements to date, I don’t see why something I earned nearly 7 years ago should be a major factor in the success of my application. I do have mitigating circumstances on why I did achieve a C in English, however I don’t believe that HR will consider.Could anybody advice me on how should I respond? Should I reflect my other achievements but this would mean I will be reiterating what iv stated on my application form, or should I concentrate on the mitigating circumstances?Has anybody else been in this situation?Any help would be much appreciated.Best Regardsram

You should tell them to "f$%k off", surely?

even tho that maybe a satisfying thing to do, im sure saying that will not help my application to be selected :)

My advice is explain the mitigating circumstances.Their response to that will tell you whether this is a company worth working for.

I agree with PL completely. Explain yourself - no point in lying - and then you'll know if you want to work for them or not.And/or you could also express your shock at such a question considering your other qualifications.Consultancies are become even more elitist when it comes to grads... and in some cases even experienced hires.Good luck.

Perhaps this is a case of "computer says no" - in other words unless you tick all the boxes (literally) you can not progress in the application process.If you really want to work for them answer their questions and do what you are asked.If computer actually does say no and they won't progress your application, write formally to the relevant senior manager asking why not.I had a friend with 5 A grade A levels, 11 A grade GCSEs and a 1st from a university which wasn't on the "approved list." Computer said no to him when he applied to a Big4 consultancy so he persevered and now is a Senior Manager.

Some top advice above to a very bureaucratic question.- You should answer their question directly and honestly. You should also make it credible and make sure that the reader really understands why they were mitigating circumstances. - You could also give a short example of why your English has improved since then (i.e. essay writing in other qualifications, report writing in experience etc.).- Spell check and grammar check your future communications with them in MS Word.- As Mike says if computer still says 'no', then speak to someone who is more senior.

Thank you all for the very informative and helpful advice. I have emailed HR explaining truthfully my mitigating circumstances and hopefully by tomorrow they'll let me know their decision.If they let my application proceed, i'll still have to sit the online verbal reasoning test which should anyway test my standard of english.

Hey, was this company by any chance EY? I've found them utterly apalling. Had very bad time due to abuse etc during high school; they want evidence of it. Genuinly astounded. Job offers from all other graduate vacancies; definitely wouldn't touch any company that treated me like that with a bargepole! I don't own a bargepole, BUT in this case would try purchase one just for usage.

Audit is boring - they are doing you a favour

When I'm done with recruitment I intend to set up a barge pole business.

Surpised you could fill in your UCAS form with a C in GCSE English, nevermind apply to a Big 4 firm

You only need to submit jokes that bad once

If you do respond, get somone to check your English first, it really isn't great (seriously). Having bad grammar will not help your case.

tough one that. On the one hand I have sympathy for you. Surely, this is not going to effect your ability to do the job. On the other hand an amoeba from Saturn could get a C in GCSE English so I can kind of understand their concerns...The good news is that they have given you a chance to explain, which means they must like the rest of your application.