Do the councils hire long term unemployed.

Danny30

I have a quick question that I hope someone can answer. Is it worth applying for a job with the council if you are long term unemployed (3 years)?. I heard from someone that they consider the competency of an applicant more than their working history, and that they would therefore consider applications from someone who is longer term unemployed, as long as they have the skills required. Is this true?

Personally I don't believe this so would like to ask if anyone here could shed some light on this?

duchy

Most councils have a very strong anti-discrimination policy .
Why not just apply and see what happens.

BillJones

Danny30 wrote: »

Personally I don't believe this so would like to ask if anyone here could shed some light on this?

Are you looking for an excuse not to apply for a job?

Even if it was the case that they looked unfavourably on longer term unemployed (a fact that I find unlikely), why woudl you not still try?

It's only by trying that you'll ever progress.

Sky_

Interviews for public service jobs are (in theory) mostly run on a 'points scoring' basis which assesses your overall suitability for the post. So your overall employment history / relevant experience should be more important than how long you've been unemployed.

Just apply and prepare well for any interview you get.

Danny30

Looking for an excuse? I knew there would be a ridiculous comment like that on here. I am simply asking a question, who said I am not applying, I just asked if there was a realistic possibility of getting at least an interview.

BillJones wrote: »

Are you looking for an excuse not to apply for a job?

Even if it was the case that they looked unfavourably on longer term unemployed (a fact that I find unlikely), why woudl you not still try?

It's only by trying that you'll ever progress.

Sky_

Danny30 wrote: »

Looking for an excuse? I knew there would be a ridiculous comment like that on here. I am simply asking a question, who said I am not applying, I just asked if there was a realistic possibility of getting at least an interview.

I'd say you have as much chance as anyone else with relevant skills and experience. Don't take it to heart if you don't get an interview though, if it's anything like here (North East), competition will have become very fierce for local authority jobs.

PlymouthMaid

I don't think when they 'score' applicants against essential and desirable skills on their job specifications, that they will have one which says how long unemployed so you will be treated fairly. I would think very hard about how you will answer any interview questions (if you get that far) as they often have those 'tell me about a time...' questions but remember that you do not have to use job examples. I think that is where the long term unemployed are perhaps a bit disadvantaged so think outside the box.

BillJones

Danny30 wrote: »

Looking for an excuse? I knew there would be a ridiculous comment like that on here. I am simply asking a question, who said I am not applying, I just asked if there was a realistic possibility of getting at least an interview.

It's not ridiculous, you asked "is it worth applying", so were suggesting that if your belief was right then you would not.

It's not ridiculous to take you at your word, surely?..

Ah, edited to say, I can see that it's foolish to believe what you write, as you claim to be long-term unemployed, but just recently wrote the following

I have been self-employed over the last year

I'm out, I don't engage with trolls.

Nick_C

Any Public Sector recruitment process should match your application against a "person specification". If the person specification requires specific experience, that might count against you. Experience may need to be recent. However, you may be able to demonstrate required experience through voluntary or community work.

Generally, as others have said, the public sector does not carry out unfair discrimination, and is a good route back into work.

Danny30

BillJones wrote: »

It's not ridiculous, you asked "is it worth applying", so were suggesting that if your belief was right then you would not.

It's not ridiculous to take you at your word, surely?..

Ah, edited to say, I can see that it's foolish to believe what you write, as you claim to be long-term unemployed, but just recently wrote the following



I'm out, I don't engage with trolls.

I have been self employed part-time, for a very few hours a week during the last year or so. So probably not enough to be considered proper employment in the eyes of an employer, at least that is what I assume. That's why I said 3 years unemployed.

In regards to "is it worth applying", I wanted to see if it is realistic to get an interview with the council with the circumstances I mentioned, otherwise I feel it would be better for me to concentrate on applying for other more realistic options.

I was asking a question which is what the forum is for, discussing employment questions and issues. If you are looking for an argument, please don't bother replying.

Danny30

Thanks for the replies everyone, I will continue and see how it goes.