Do I have to do work experience?

morganedge

I was in nearly the exact same position about 2 years ago.

I gave a horrible interview.
Even though this was on purpose, i'm not much better when I actually DO try!
I'm just such a nervous wreck in job interviews that I can't even speak properly.

So, you could just go and not really speak much. One word answers?

I think you risk being sanctioned if you don't go. (although do the Job Centre definitely know that they've contacted you about an interview? i'e was the call from the jobcentre or the company?)

FBaby

Why are you already giving up? Most opportunities comes from situations that initially seemed hopeless. You have an opportunity, grab it, you have nothing to lose. Go there, give your best ever interview, make them want you at any cost, and after they offer you the job, explained that you had hoped you could share travel with someone but unfortunately, they are not able to do the travel any longer and having work out the costs, you don't think you can afford to pay for the bus. That you really really like the job and would love the opportunity, and therefore hope it is not rude or cheeky to ask if there is any chance they might be able to help with the fares. The answer will yes or no, but at least you've tried.

Of course, you can do nothing and then try desperately to convince yourself and others that it is not your fault if you've been sanctioned and still don't have a job.

jacques_chirac

You are going to have the same problem when your start paid work, you'll have a few weeks until you are paid where you will be short on money. Would that be an excuse not to take a job? No, definitely not. The positives of work experience far outweigh the negatives, make the most out of this opportunity.

Sharon87

Well if you get the job ask the company not the job centre if they can cover fares. If not work for a week or 2 and then say you can't afford the bus fare any longer. That way you get some work experience and possibly get reimbursed for travel.

monkeychops

FBaby wrote: »

Why are you already giving up? Most opportunities comes from situations that initially seemed hopeless. You have an opportunity, grab it, you have nothing to lose. Go there, give your best ever interview, make them want you at any cost, and after they offer you the job, explained that you had hoped you could share travel with someone but unfortunately, they are not able to do the travel any longer and having work out the costs, you don't think you can afford to pay for the bus. That you really really like the job and would love the opportunity, and therefore hope it is not rude or cheeky to ask if there is any chance they might be able to help with the fares. The answer will yes or no, but at least you've tried.

Of course, you can do nothing and then try desperately to convince yourself and others that it is not your fault if you've been sanctioned and still don't have a job.

It's not a matter of already giving up. I can't afford the fares and the Job Centre have said I can't get help with them. They know the employer so must know whether or not they help.


Yes, I could go to the interview and maybe I will but it seems silly if they offer me the work and then I have to turn it down. I know a couple of people who work for the employer and they are not the best so very unlikely they will help with fares. After all they want people to work for nothing rather than employing paid staff.

jacques_chirac wrote: »

You are going to have the same problem when your start paid work, you'll have a few weeks until you are paid where you will be short on money. Would that be an excuse not to take a job? No, definitely not. The positives of work experience far outweigh the negatives, make the most out of this opportunity.

I won't have to work for 8 weeks before getting some money though will I?


If I was offered a job and couldn't walk there - I am hoping to find work in my local town centre which I can walk to - I could probably borrow some money from family. I am not asking to borrow money for work experience when I cannot pay it back.


Being offered a job is a lot different to being expected to work for absolutely nothing for 8 weeks

dandelionclock30

How far exactly is it from your home to this employer? If its not too far you could think about cycling it if you have access to a bike and somewhere safe to keep it. If thats not a possibility then,
I'd personally ring up this employer and ask if they reinbursed fares, before I did the interview and ask directions etc. If they dont then I would just give one word answers so I did't get it etc.
Thats better than been offerred it and then turning it down and being sanctioned or getting into debt.
Then when I returned to the jobcentre I would stress that I needed work experience that was closer to home or where the fares were reinbursed.

BillJones

monkeychops wrote: »

It's not a matter of already giving up. I can't afford the fares and the Job Centre have said I can't get help with them. They know the employer so must know whether or not they help.

Could you not "go without" for the duration? Sleep in extra clothes, drink tap water, live on brown rice, etc?

If it helps you get into work, it could be worth it. I lived on £6k a year for three years, in London, a while back, when I wanted to get extra qualifications to open up extra opportunities to me. I went cold, and hungry, often, but it was worth it in the end.

dawyldthing

plus your electric and gas bill will go down quite a bit for all the hours you are out the house. How far roughly is it away? As I often to a 3 mile round trip walking it to work as bus fares about the same as what you are saying and its doable walking

BillJones

monkeychops wrote: »

I just cannot afford to do this but if I turn it down am I likely to be sanctioned?

To go back to the original post, I'd estimate that yes, you are likely to be, and that it's probably fair if you are, in my opinion.

You may be lucky, though, and get away with it.

Star1

Just go along to the interview and give it your best shot. When they ask if you have any questions at the end, just say that you are aware that the role is voluntary but ask if travel is reimbursed. If the answer is negative, then explain that although the job sounds very interesting, unfortunately you aren't in a position to be able to afford bus fares for the full 8 weeks so would like to withdraw your application. At least you will get interview experience and give them something to think about

I hope that helps

Star x