Keep applying for jobs and no responses whatsoever...what else can i do?

foolofbeans

frenchplonka wrote: »

With the new rules you now have to document that you are applying and looking for work for a minium of 5 hours per day 7 days a week

Is that true? I understand the reasoning behind it but if people really want to work they just need some help to get them into work not constant monitoring.
If a person doesn't want to work then I don't think they will work no matter what the penalties are.

Guest101

foolofbeans wrote: »

Is that true? I understand the reasoning behind it but if people really want to work they just need some help to get them into work not constant monitoring.
If a person doesn't want to work then I don't think they will work no matter what the penalties are.

Don't be ridiculous, the job centre isn't there to help you get a job!


That's like the petrol station selling you petrol!!!... oh wait...

auldblerk

foolofbeans wrote: »

Is that true? I understand the reasoning behind it but if people really want to work they just need some help to get them into work not constant monitoring.
If a person doesn't want to work then I don't think they will work no matter what the penalties are.

Yes it is true, the claimant commitment requirement of UC is 35 hours a week logged/written account of jobsearch's, applying, interviews etc. The JC aren't bothered how you do it i.e. 5 hours in 7 days, 7 hours in 5 days etc just as long as you fulfil the commitment or face being sanctioned.

serious_saver

Have you considered agency work? I found I was able to build up some good evidence of skills through doing agency work and it really helped me build up my CV. It also gives you a chance to get a good recent reference.

Some jobs sites, like Reed, allow you to create a profile and set an availability status for temporary work. It means that employers can find you if they need someone quickly. I've done this myself and picked up holiday and sickness cover, usually for a couple of weeks at a time.

EDIT

I don't know what it's like where you live but my local council has its own agency. Again, I did a few months work with them a couple of years back. If I had been interested in any other posts, it would have been a great way to get into the council as they mostly only hire internally.

TyreLever

Guest101 wrote: »

For the few months I was on job seekers it was 12 a week. Given my sector, there were not 12 jobs available within 100 miles every week.


In the end I cancelled my claim prior to employment as it simply wasn't worth the hassle

You need what I call a "dumbo CV". This is a CV that has the odd typo in it, but not glaringly obvious ones. This CV will also not be written in your most professional way and it will exclude your most lucrative skills, talents etc. Alter a single digit in your contact details if you want to guarantee you wont be contacted (many job adverts are just fishing anyway). This is the CV you need to use on Universal Jobmatch to apply for any and every job, regardless of whether your suitable or not. By allowing your job coach to view your account activity, it will look like your going above and beyond the expectations. This does waste both your time and a potential employers, but when there are not enough suitable jobs to apply for to meet your UC agreement, its probably the only way.

Obviously use your real CV or whatever when applying for roles you really want.

Got2Save

It's tough because I am applying for jobs I feel I am suitable for. The jobs I am applying for aren't high paying jobs, just minimum wage. I used to work for a supermarket but the line manager is no longer working there, and this was a few years ago. I can't get a reference to prove customer service, even though I did work there. The only work I have recently been doing is labouring for my brother, but I don't want to do labouring any longer and am looking for something in sales or customer service even, preferably office based. Warehouse work I am not opposed to neither, but it's having the relevant experience, which usually job requirements are at least 1 year in a certain job. The jobs which do not require this experience are the ones I have been applying for. Just need to get my foot in the door and then go from there, but cannot even get an interview. If an employer would give me a trial period though, even unpaid, that would be something because I could prove myself and then get paid work. My CV is as good as it can be, and I have included all the necessary wording needed to catch the attention of employers, or at least the machines/admin scanning over it. Don't know what else I can do apart from all this.

bugslet

I've no idea if this translates to other sectors, but in haulage, if someone wants a new job, there is a lot to be said for the person who knocks on doors and is ready to work there and then. Look smart, be polite, smile and thank them for their time and hopefully leave your number. Won't work with the big firms, but smaller outfits, it may well do.

Good luck.

torbrex

Have you tried for a zero hours jobs with OCS?

Got2Save

It's something I have been considering. I have never done it before, only one time the other day, but was thinking of going into many hotels and restaurants where I live and seeing what they say. I know for one that establishments such as wetherspoons will likely ask for a c.v or application form, but like you say, the smaller establishments may be willing to listen to what I have to say and offer me some kind of opportunity.

Got2Save

Who are OCS?