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Job Centre interview - What can I expect?

teamshepherd
Posts: 187 Forumite
Hiya,
I have just finally,permanently, properly moved to the UK.
I hold a Croatian passport, and am married to a British citizen (5 years now).
I have been in the country about a month. Am currently looking for work.
Now I was under the impression that everyone that is living here legally and intends to work needs a National Insurance Number so they can pay their contributions etc.
We called a number provided on a .gov website to apply for the National Insurance Number.
My husband made the call, spoke to a rather rude and aloof male that asked a lot of details about me and said I need to go into a Job Centre for an interview and set an appointment then and there.
We live in Sittingbourne and this guy made an appointment in London.
We thought it best to go to such an apt. together because you never know what they might require and also I feel more comfortable not travelling alone to London just yet.
Anyway we thought it was a bit weird its so far away as there is a Job Centre in our town.
Called back to reschedule (husband couldn't get time off work on such short notice) .
This time I spoke to a rather rude lady, who had a tone before I even explained what has happened and what I wanted to do.
She asked me why do I even want a National Insurance Number which confused me and I let her know that I am unsure if I need it but that I was under impression that I do.
No response to that.
Asked if there is any chance to go to a centre closer to us and she snapped back that that is the closest centre to me.
Later during the convo she, on her own, found a job centre in Maidstone and rebooked my appointment there.
I figured, ok that's a bit closer I won't push my luck.
I will have to go in by myself and I've no idea what to expect. All I hear/read about these places is horrible stuff.
Not sure what to bring in, was told "as many documents as possible, proof of work and right to live here, u know just as many documents as possible"
Any insight at all would be appreciated. :think:
I have just finally,permanently, properly moved to the UK.
I hold a Croatian passport, and am married to a British citizen (5 years now).
I have been in the country about a month. Am currently looking for work.
Now I was under the impression that everyone that is living here legally and intends to work needs a National Insurance Number so they can pay their contributions etc.
We called a number provided on a .gov website to apply for the National Insurance Number.
My husband made the call, spoke to a rather rude and aloof male that asked a lot of details about me and said I need to go into a Job Centre for an interview and set an appointment then and there.
We live in Sittingbourne and this guy made an appointment in London.
We thought it best to go to such an apt. together because you never know what they might require and also I feel more comfortable not travelling alone to London just yet.
Anyway we thought it was a bit weird its so far away as there is a Job Centre in our town.
Called back to reschedule (husband couldn't get time off work on such short notice) .
This time I spoke to a rather rude lady, who had a tone before I even explained what has happened and what I wanted to do.
She asked me why do I even want a National Insurance Number which confused me and I let her know that I am unsure if I need it but that I was under impression that I do.
No response to that.
Asked if there is any chance to go to a centre closer to us and she snapped back that that is the closest centre to me.
Later during the convo she, on her own, found a job centre in Maidstone and rebooked my appointment there.
I figured, ok that's a bit closer I won't push my luck.
I will have to go in by myself and I've no idea what to expect. All I hear/read about these places is horrible stuff.
Not sure what to bring in, was told "as many documents as possible, proof of work and right to live here, u know just as many documents as possible"
Any insight at all would be appreciated. :think:
0
Comments
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Don't go charging through the door in your fatigues and armed with a howitzer and grenades - they are not all bad. Ha Ha!
Documents - yes - all that you've got to help the case.
Have a list of the type of work/hours you would like to do and a sort of reserve list of jobs you would do if none of your first choice are available. Avoid saying ''I won't do that sort of work'' but ''interesting idea that I hadn't considered really but I'd look at it for sure''
Also have a job search plan in hand. Written notes are best listing how you intend to job search and including job sites like ''Direct Gov'' or local ''This is Kent'' or similar. Other sites exist and just google 'jobs' and 'your location' and loads will appear. List the papers you intend to buy and check through and that you will also do some 'speculative' applications. Be aware that more and more employers now have vacancies on their own site and list those that you are aware of (ASDA, Debenhams, M and S, B and Q, Boots, local council, Iceland, most charities)
Be ready for a question about volunteer work while you job search - actually not a bad idea and brilliant for CVs. Even go and get some forms from local charity shops etc so you can say ''got the forms from XXXX''
Have some form of CV with you.
Then smile even if you get the person who is so patronising etc that you actually wish you had the howitzer - lol:rotfl:
Good luck:D0 -
I apologize in advance if I didn't make myself clear, or if I misunderstood you.
I am not going to them to help me get a job.
I just wanted to have a National Insurance Number to my name because I thought everyone needs to have one. Am I wrong there?
And un/fortunately(??!) I am well experienced with putting up with rude people!
Thank you for the reply!0 -
Ops sorry but I sort of link Jobcentres to jobs - my fault. Eitherway - remember - no howitzer:rotfl:0
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You and me both, but hey that is where they are sending me.
And there is only so much one can take before they bring Big Bertha along.0 -
They will be trying to establish your identity, and your right to be looking for work in the UK. I'm sorry but I don't know what the rules for Croatia are - oh look what I just found!
So, you need your passport, plus any other documents which 'prove' you've been here legally for the last however long - driving licence? They'll probably want income details for you and your husband - presumably it's mostly his income you've been living on. Marriage certificate, birth certificate - translated and certified if not in English, I'd say ...
There is a market for fake NI numbers, so they don't just send them out in the post to anyone who asks. You don't need one until you start work, but you will need to prove your right to work in the UK. A NINo is part of that, but not a definitive 'proof'.
More info here and here. And more where that came from ...Signature removed for peace of mind0 -
Grrr see they didn't tell me anything about bringing proof of income.
Things would be so much easier if people were nice sometimes.
I will be registering for the Blue Certificate (proof that I am allowed to work here) shortly, I am just waiting on some documents to be sorted and sent to me from Croatia.
Thanks again for the help everyone!0
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