What to expect in 1st JSA interview

JaneDoeJohnDoe

This will be my first interview in a Job Centre for many many yrs & so things have changed over the years.

Just want any hints/tips/etc on what happens/what not to say etc please.

I've been found "Fit for work" from IB/ESA - not something that I accept, but that's another thread re Mandatory reconsideration & appeals etc. I know NOT to say "I'm not fit for work" or else I'll get no money JSA.

I know not to hand in a doc's Sick note either yet, as that'll just screw things up.

I want to get in/out of the Job Centre asap but be shown to be willing.
What should I take with me to avoid delays etc? Thanks.

Sncjw

Well I had to get them to fill in the form again as some reason it didn't work when I did it online. They done that and set up my jsa agreement, theh will ask what kind of work your after. I got this set up and then they asked me to sign the sign on paperwork and they completed the thing on their computer, I'd take bank account details just a card will do in case they need to complete form. Any evidence of anything that could help you for other benefits but if they need evidence they should tell you to bring it in for next time, also when I did it online it told me to bring some stuff can't remember what that was.
I was passed to my advisor who asked me what I wanted to do my past experience, they explained about universal jobmatch and to create a cv and cover letter for next time to come in. They will give you your day and time to come in for sign on and you got to bring your work booklet they give you each time. I write what I'm going to do and what I have done I write see universal jobmatch . They may ask you to come in weekly which is Ethier to sign on or to see advisor to see how your doing.

Sign on usually takes around 10 mins or so each week but advisor meetings can be longer.

JaneDoeJohnDoe

I didn't fill in online - I rang up, as transfer from ESA-JSA so assuming same principle applies re interview

jobbingmusician

I am not writing from personal experience, but perhaps others would like to comment.

You (seem to) have accepted that you will be on JSA and therefore searching for jobs. My understanding is that you will have to report each week on jobs you have researched and applied for. It might get you off to a good start if you turned up with details of your current job search at the FIRST meeting, so that they can see you are serious about your job search

Podge52

At your fist signing your advisor will set up your jobseekers agreement, this will set out what you need to do to be able to receive your payment, ie apply for x amount of jobs and job searching activities.

It used to be the case that for a new signer this agreement was drawn up with input from yourself as to what is reasonable although I don't know if that is still the case.

JaneDoeJohnDoe

I'm going to turn up & ask to have an appt with disability adviser as I've a heap of medical issues which will severely restrict what & hrs I can do. But i'm not going to say I won't try work. I just don't know where to start as been very long term IB/IS but not passed the AToss test to get ESA. (Currently ESA claim going thru Mandatory reconsideration period.) My CV is virtually non-existent, but I will bring along relevant info re voluntary stuff I've done in the past to show I am prepared for the job-route.