Do the councils hire long term unemployed.

[Deleted User]

I found it easier to get temp assignment at these type of places with an external agency for recruitment round here we have working for essex, check out similiar for your county equivelent got offered 3 months just subjected to referencing once !! when I was dilly dallying around, though it went in days, good way to see if it suits x

dippy3103

Good luck.... Nothing ventured nothing gained!!

Bantex_2

If you don't apply, you will certainly not get an interview.

MrsE_2

Sky_ wrote: »

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.

I short list & interview for the local gov.
Yes it's a list of criteria, it's made up of a mixture of education, experience/skills & personal qualities.

Danny30

Hi MrsE, do you have any tips on the best way to fill in the application form to increase my chances of getting an interview?

MrsE wrote: »

I short list & interview for the local gov.
Yes it's a list of criteria, it's made up of a mixture of education, experience/skills & personal qualities.

tomterm8

Danny30 wrote: »

they would therefore consider applications from someone who is longer term unemployed, as long as they have the skills required. Is this true?

It's worth applying.

Councils do hire all sorts of people. There's no guarantee, except one. If you don't apply you won't get the job. If you do apply either (a) they don't ask you for interview so you've wasted minimal time or (b)they do interview you, and you get free interview experience or (c) they hire you.

Maybe I am wrong but none of those scenarios leave you worse off, they all leave you the same or better off.

Danny30

Yes, you are right tomterm, the reason I wanted to ask was to see if I had a realistic chance of being considered for any roles with my working history. If not, I would still apply and see what happens, but I would probably concentrate on more realistic opportunities that are not in the public sector.

tomterm8 wrote: »

It's worth applying.

Councils do hire all sorts of people. There's no guarantee, except one. If you don't apply you won't get the job. If you do apply either (a) they don't ask you for interview so you've wasted minimal time or (b)they do interview you, and you get free interview experience or (c) they hire you.

Maybe I am wrong but none of those scenarios leave you worse off, they all leave you the same or better off.

Fruittea

It would be helpful if you mentioned what sort of job you are interested in - as most Councils employ such a wide range of staff. But in all cases they will be looking for evidence of specific skills and competences. So you managed a product say what it was, how much it was worth and over time was it successful and what were the outcomes etc.


Over years I've seen some really strange applications - example people saying 'I can be a social worker as my friends always asking me for advice'.


So try to apply for the jobs you have the real skills for - otherwise you are wasting your time.


Good luck and do tell us more about your skills.

tomterm8

Danny30 wrote: »

Yes, you are right tomterm, the reason I wanted to ask was to see if I had a realistic chance of being considered for any roles with my working history. If not, I would still apply and see what happens, but I would probably concentrate on more realistic opportunities that are not in the public sector.

Depends on the role. Each public sector department and office even within the same council is different; certainly, knowing how the system works comes in helpful.

There are shortcuts to getting an interview with most public sector bodies. For example if you've ever had any physical disability or mental disability or learning difficulty you are guaranteed an interview at most public sector organisation if you can show you match the criteria and decide to go that route.

Even if not, if you go through the job description and match your skills to the advert you are very likely to get an interview.

It's all about technique.

Now... I'm not saying it's easy, but I know people who've been employed after five, ten or more years unemployment by public sector bodies. It's possible.

Fruittea

It's all about technique.

Now... I'm not saying it's easy, but I know people who've been employed after five, ten or more years unemployment by public sector bodies. It's possible.[/QUOTE]



Exactly right Tomtern - the system is very formulaic and usually counts points against criteria. Sometimes staff short listing don't even see the profile of the person - just their application against the person spec.