So, today was a pretty special day. I went for the first scheduled appointment with my JobCentre 'advisor'.
Only, my advisor wasn't in, so I was sent to chat to a middle-aged gentleman with the same approach to his job role as my regular advisor, i.e) a very, very slow one.
My appointment was for 10:20am, so I arrived exactly on the dot, with a little plastic envelope I was given last time, containing my appointment times, a record of my jobseeking efforts and my 'signing on' history.
I was told to wait by either looking for a job on the machines in the foyer, or by sitting down on the sofa. Well, like at school, I didn't want to appear too eager, or the other kids would take the piss, so to the sofa it was.**
**Seriously though, I already looked through the jobs this morning.
Fifteen minutes passed before a guy who was sitting staring into space and moving bits of paper from one place to the next almost whispered my name across the room. Good job I was being so astute, eh? I joined him at his pine-coloured MDF desk and he went through my particulars. As we were mid-conversation and he took my papers from little envelope, his phone rang. He picked it up. He spoke for five minutes. He put the phone down. He carried on.
During our appointment, a useful thing he told me was that I would be given two weeks' worth of jobseekers allowance this Wednesday coming. Finally, some accuracy. Thank you, acting advisor.
Unfortunately, I think I then sent him down a bit of a melancholy path, he looked at my qualifications, (10 GCSEs, 3 A-Levels, an English and Foundation Art degree), sighed and said "it's so sad when a graduate can't get work. Is this your first time signing on?"
Me - "Yes."
Advisor - "First time...ever?"
Me - "Errm - yeah!"
I also pointed out that I am not exactly a graduate any more, having left university six years ago. He seemed to think that this didn't matter so much and also that having a degree should be an instant passport to a quality job.
While I appreciate his optimism, I think he needs to change the lenses in his rose-tinted spectacles. Especially as someone who works in the JobCentre.
He then did a job search for me and printed two off that I was vaguely, but not really, interested in. I wish he had mentioned BEFOREHAND that once he has printed them off, I have to apply for them, as it counts as a recommendation from the JobCentre.
So, what do I have? First up, a temporary receptionist role paying £6.50 an hour, 40 hours a week over five days. This involves manning a student reception and dealing with queries relating to key cards.
The second role I have to apply for is marketing coordinator, permanent at £18,000 - £20,000 a year. 8:45 - 5pm. This is in the 'automotive market'.
I have been advised to apply for these both today, at the risk of them being snapped up first. Oh, God forbid!! Well, I will crack on with this and let you know how it goes.
Signing on.
YAC.
PS) During the fifteen minutes I was waiting on the sofa, a little bit of aggro kicked off in the JobCentre. The two present G4S security chaps rushed to surround a young tracksuit-ed guy like iron filings to a magnet. The seemed to be claiming that an advisor had said something aggravational/out of order to him and that he can't deal with an inconsiderate approach as he has diabetes and various other illnesses.
My appointment was for 10:20am, so I arrived exactly on the dot, with a little plastic envelope I was given last time, containing my appointment times, a record of my jobseeking efforts and my 'signing on' history.
I was told to wait by either looking for a job on the machines in the foyer, or by sitting down on the sofa. Well, like at school, I didn't want to appear too eager, or the other kids would take the piss, so to the sofa it was.**
**Seriously though, I already looked through the jobs this morning.
Fifteen minutes passed before a guy who was sitting staring into space and moving bits of paper from one place to the next almost whispered my name across the room. Good job I was being so astute, eh? I joined him at his pine-coloured MDF desk and he went through my particulars. As we were mid-conversation and he took my papers from little envelope, his phone rang. He picked it up. He spoke for five minutes. He put the phone down. He carried on.
During our appointment, a useful thing he told me was that I would be given two weeks' worth of jobseekers allowance this Wednesday coming. Finally, some accuracy. Thank you, acting advisor.
Unfortunately, I think I then sent him down a bit of a melancholy path, he looked at my qualifications, (10 GCSEs, 3 A-Levels, an English and Foundation Art degree), sighed and said "it's so sad when a graduate can't get work. Is this your first time signing on?"
Me - "Yes."
Advisor - "First time...ever?"
Me - "Errm - yeah!"
I also pointed out that I am not exactly a graduate any more, having left university six years ago. He seemed to think that this didn't matter so much and also that having a degree should be an instant passport to a quality job.
While I appreciate his optimism, I think he needs to change the lenses in his rose-tinted spectacles. Especially as someone who works in the JobCentre.
He then did a job search for me and printed two off that I was vaguely, but not really, interested in. I wish he had mentioned BEFOREHAND that once he has printed them off, I have to apply for them, as it counts as a recommendation from the JobCentre.
So, what do I have? First up, a temporary receptionist role paying £6.50 an hour, 40 hours a week over five days. This involves manning a student reception and dealing with queries relating to key cards.
The second role I have to apply for is marketing coordinator, permanent at £18,000 - £20,000 a year. 8:45 - 5pm. This is in the 'automotive market'.
I have been advised to apply for these both today, at the risk of them being snapped up first. Oh, God forbid!! Well, I will crack on with this and let you know how it goes.
Signing on.
YAC.
PS) During the fifteen minutes I was waiting on the sofa, a little bit of aggro kicked off in the JobCentre. The two present G4S security chaps rushed to surround a young tracksuit-ed guy like iron filings to a magnet. The seemed to be claiming that an advisor had said something aggravational/out of order to him and that he can't deal with an inconsiderate approach as he has diabetes and various other illnesses.
As ever, I'd love to hear your thoughts and feelings and personal experiences on these subjects - please comment below.
No comments:
Post a Comment