Sign on day again!

first78

Got a fun packed visit to the job centre today to sign on for my fortnightly JSA handout. Is it just my job centre or do others feel that you're looked down on as soon as you walk through the door? I've never been to a more depressing feeling place, I feel as though people are just looking at me like I'm some sort of scrounger when I walk in and it's almost like they try and make you feel you're not even trying to look for a job...I hate it!!!

ankspon

If you only visit once a fortnight they may do

AnxiousMum

If you are doing your utmost to try and find gainful employment, then walk in with your head held high when you sign on. My son was on jsa for three weeks, recorded all his job finding attempts and was treated very well with the staff. The staff went out of their way in my opinion, to make him feel welcome, worthwhile and worthy of their help and the help he was getting in the form of his jsa benefits. He continued to hold his head high when he went into thank them for the encouragement and sign off. Only YOU can make yourself feel the way you are describing above......so take a different approach when you go in there, and I'll bet your experience will be different over time!

Monty_Zoomer

AnxiousMum wrote: »

Only YOU can make yourself feel the way you are describing above......so take a different approach when you go in there, and I'll bet your experience will be different over time!

I agree - my wife got paid off a while back and spent a good long time signing on but she tried so hard to find a job. Online, papers, agencies and, most importantly, popping in to the job centre every two or three days.

She was treated very well indeed and always commented how nice and friendly the staff were.

reall

hi first 78,

It can be daunting entering the job centre for the jsa, i have been there for three months, i will outline my approach. however it is more likely that the feelings you are experiencing are about how you are inside.the people who work there are doing a job to sign you on and get you out of there.They rarely think about whether you are looking for a job or about condemning you. I suggest make sure you are well groomed, smell nice and dressed in clean and comfortable clothes not blue jeans though. when you go there lift your head and look people in the eye. make sure you show them the little book with who you contacted,applications filled in and responses recieved.Take the letters with you and show them whether they seem interested or not.Ask them questions such as I contacted (company) on tuesday for (position) but they said i was overqualified what can i do?, or i have an interview for (position) any tips you can offer or is there any way to get help with travel/clothing costs so i can look my best?. What ever you do know that this moment will pass and you will be working.Each time you go you must make sure you apply for new applications as long as it is paying enough to warrant paying basics getting the job will follow. Challenge yourself ,go to job clubs in your area,apply from jobs in local and national papers, work on your cv , look in supermarket billing boards,ask friends to look and those who are in current work, acknowledge your skills and abilities.go to a class where you can develop your confidence eg.gardening,pottery,whatever is offered so you are not aimless as long as it does not interfere with getting a job and you are still entitled to jsa. If you have been unemployed for a long time accept the offer to go onto training schemes it so helps your confidence.apply for voluntary work ? why? adds to your cv and they may be able to supply a reference for you.

hope this encourages you
reall

AnxiousMum

First78 - just remember - the people you are dealing with are just other people. I know one of the people my son dealt with had mentioned to him about how most people have to sign on at some point in their life, and mentioned to him about how just months earlier he had been signing on himself - so he knew how hard it was. They're only human, and if you treat them with respect, you should get nothing but the same in return. None of us ever know if we will be the ones in signing on next week - but as long as you are keeping your end of the agreement, you can hold your head as high as anybody else! There's nothing demeaning about having to claim JSA while you are looking for new employment.
I agree with the voluntary work statement made by Reall above - not only does it provide experience and a useful reference, it reminds you that you have something to offer the wider community. Good luck

Orville

I must be one of the lucky ones, my jobcentre is fantastic. The staff are very friendly and always smile.

SuziQ

I have never felt like that in the jobcentre I attended. Maybe it's more about what you are feeling than what the are projecting? The staff are rushed off their feet where I go and recieve a certain amount of abuse too- it can't be the easiest of places to work.

missdee85

I always felt slightly patronised and looked down upon too, i cant say its the easiest place to deal with as i would be talking utter rubbish.

I have been given wrong information numerous times by staff who are meant to reflect a good attitude to working and inspiring people to get off their backsides - i have also been the one to initiate the progress conversations, i dont know the system very well so i have to say i dont know what help they can refer me to but of all the things i did do, i had to initiate this as they didn't seem to offer any assistance other than sign here - what have you done to look for work, ok great see you next time!!!

I think that some of the staff may be badly trained in the area i live so i know its not their fault but surely if the government expects people to want to work they have to have the people and resources available to help people.

Orville

missdee85 wrote: »

I always felt slightly patronised and looked down upon too, i cant say its the easiest place to deal with as i would be talking utter rubbish.

I have been given wrong information numerous times by staff who are meant to reflect a good attitude to working and inspiring people to get off their backsides - i have also been the one to initiate the progress conversations, i dont know the system very well so i have to say i dont know what help they can refer me to but of all the things i did do, i had to initiate this as they didn't seem to offer any assistance other than sign here - what have you done to look for work, ok great see you next time!!!

I think that some of the staff may be badly trained in the area i live so i know its not their fault but surely if the government expects people to want to work they have to have the people and resources available to help people.

Maybe it's because i live on the isle of wight..? Less people through the doors...