Getting back to work

[Arch]

You didn't answer my first question Speicher for some reason? Why can you not just go and apply for the job directly?

I think (and correct me if I'm wrong Speicher), that she is applying independently (online), but perhaps there was some aspect of suitability she needed to discuss or something like that?

I think the point is that for a lot of people who've been out of work for sometime for whatever reason, the whole process is quite intimidating (especially if it causes issues with benefits or tax credits), and having an 'Employment Office' that make you run rings and jump through hoops to get any advice is worse than useless...

I imagine it's especially galling when a person thinks they could perhaps do the job of the person at the Employment Office better than the person currently doing it.

 

[domtyler]

The Library is part of Worcestershire County Council. They have a well-established procedure for applications for jobs. You download an application form, Person Specification and Job Description. After carefull reading of the requirements of the job, you then fill in the Application form, possibly on-line as I am doing, and submit it. You may get an interview.

If I turn up at the Library and ask to see the Manager, or even if I phone first, I would be told to politely go away. They have no desire to see my CV, and they do not serve coffee.

You may be right I guess, I know that there are some stickler types working for local authorities but have little experience of applying for work with one myself. Is this a fact though or are you making an assumption here? This is a genuine question btw.

 

[Speicher]

The problem arises, when I wish to complete the bit about
"How many days sick leave have you had in the last 12 months, and give reasons."

"I have had no days off sick, because I have not been working" would seem inaccurate and impolite. I would like the advisor to whom I was allocated, to break off from his "other job" and advise me how to communicate in a positive light, that I feel ready to return to work part-time, after a long break. In light of the Government's "push" to get back to work, I think they might be more helpful.

There is also probably someone somewhere being "pushed" back into work too early. Perhaps my "Advisor" could advise me of his colleague who has more time on his hands to fulfill the demands of his job.

* Please note the subtle use of low-key sarcasm.

 

[Speicher]

You may be right I guess, I know that there are some stickler types working for local authorities but have little experience of applying for work with one myself. Is this a fact though or are you making an assumption here? This is a genuine question btw.

Please credit me with the intelligence to know this as a fact. I have worked the County Council before. If a prospective employer says they will disregard CVs, I tend to take them at their word.

 

[Arch]

yes, that's the sort of query that can really throw you, I agree. The trouble with any form is, being a form, it has to be formulaic, and many people's lives aren't, so they don't fit the question. And if you are the worrying or consciencious sort, you want to put the right thing (whereas some seem able to just bung down anything, and not be too bothered)

I guess it depends how much space you have. I guess it might be something like "For the last year I have not worked due to a medical condition, which is now resolved. However when I was in work, I had x days off for the following reasons/had an excellent attendance record" or whatever is applicable (apologies for making assumptions about your case, this is just an example really)

The annoying thing is, the chances are most of the application form might not get looked at in much detail, but you tie yourself in knots trying to get it right...

 

[Speicher]

Thank you for that suggestion, Arch. I might use something very similar, "resolved" has a resonance to it. I should have known to contact you earlier.

 

[Arch]

Thank you for that suggestion, Arch. I might use something very similar, "resolved" has a resonance to it. I should have known to contact you earlier.

Do bear in mind, I've a pretty crap record when it comes to getting jobs! Most of mine have been got through word of mouth or knowing someone! But if there's anything I can suggest... PM me if you prefer, I'll be offline for a bit, but will pop back later today I suspect.

 

[domtyler]

Please credit me with the intelligence to know this as a fact. I have worked the County Council before. If a prospective employer says they will disregard CVs, I tend to take them at their word.

Very well, good luck with your application.

 

[summerdays]

The problem arises, when I wish to complete the bit about
"How many days sick leave have you had in the last 12 months, and give reasons."

"I have had no days off sick, because I have not been working" would seem inaccurate and impolite.

Hmm I hated that bit on the form too ... but on mine there was no explanation so I just put 0 days sick (I couldn't remember how many I had off when I had last worked pre-kids, not many).

I definately understand how intimidating it is trying to return to work - and I hope you get the job even if temporary it would give you something to put on the next form and may open doors to other jobs.

When it came to the interview they had very set questions and even though I had answered a subsequent question as part of a previous answer they apparently had to ask me that set question!!!

 

[surfgurl]

I think I did the same as summerdays on my form when it asked about my sick record. I had been signed off on incapacity benefit for a few months and then jobseekers. I think when asked at interview why there was a gap in my employment from last job to present I answered truthfully that I had been ill but the Doctors and job centre now saw that I was fit to work.
Fill out the medical form correctly and you will probably have to see a Doctor at occupational health.

 

[Van Nick]

Have a look at the following page and scroll down to the comment by "By Anonymous Coward".

Very funny, but also very true.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/07/31/it_jobs_good_or_bad/comments/

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Very good, Van Nick. I especially liked this:

IT Job Adverts...
By debaser
Posted Thursday 31st July 2008 11:31 GMT
...often crack me up. The skill sets required or 'advantageous' for some fairly junior positions are often unbelievable.

This is an actual advert

Systems Analyst Sought: Home Counties

Local 2-bit company with few long term prospects seek an experienced IT professional to take full reponsibility for anything with a chip in it.

Must have at least 5 years supervisory experience as you will be required to train and develop others. (Michael, the MD's son on summer work experience).

You will have sound working knowledge of SQL, C++, citrix, cisco and anything else we find when copying someone elses advert (as we have no idea what we actually want or need)

You will hold a degree in a computing subject and be MCSE qualified (we don't have any training budget so you better know your sh*t. Again, we don't know nor care what MCSE is or whether it's any real world use - it was on another advert ok)

While not formerly essential (but actually essential as there will be 50+ applicants) you will also be fluent in French, Spannish, Japanese and Scottish.

You must have excellent people skills as you'll be helping everyone but at the same time be not be too ambitous or inclined to poke your nose in middle management affairs.

As well as being responsible for running the WHOLE F8CKING SHOW on a shoestring, and taking all the flack the moment anything goes wrong, you will also have workable solutions to Global Warming and long term peace in the Middle East.

Competitive Salary (to £15,000, pay award pending)

The reality is my friends is that few other industry sector require so much knowledge and skill sets for such mediocre rewards. Sadly, too many employers still see IT for the expense and not the opportunity.

 

[Night Train]

Competitive Salary (to £15,000, pay award pending)

The reality is my friends is that few other industry sector require so much knowledge and skill sets for such mediocre rewards. Sadly, too many employers still see IT for the expense and not the opportunity.

Sounds just like a teaching post.

 

[Abitrary]

Thank you for that suggestion, Arch. I might use something very similar, "resolved" has a resonance to it. I should have known to contact you earlier.

You always had the answer in you speicher, coz a cutesy urbane bird like you always does.

 

[Speicher]

You always had the answer in you speicher, coz a cutesy urbane bird like you always does.

Abitrary - I had to look up urbane in the dictionary.