Adventures in unemployment
Discussion
I signed on today. That was an experience I'm not participially keen to repeat. Filled in the form on-line including them asking when I could attend. Of course the one appointment is when I couldn't attend. Re-scheduled via calling a number, selecting an option, then speaking to someone who put me through to my branch (lovely and inefficient). The appointment was basically a repeat of the form filling exercise and they couldn't cope with what I do so I was dumped into the closest category. I go back on Thursday for another appointment.
It's all very depressing.
Things I have learnt since being made redundant
1. It's a bit of a shock.
2. Have more of a financial buffer.
3. Networking is important.
4. Things move much slower than you want them to.
5. Some recruitment consultants don't listen.
6. LinkedIn can help but allows the recruitment vultures to hunt you down more easily.
If anyone needs a contact centre pre-sales specialist with nearly 15 years experience please let me know.
It's all very depressing.
Things I have learnt since being made redundant
1. It's a bit of a shock.
2. Have more of a financial buffer.
3. Networking is important.
4. Things move much slower than you want them to.
5. Some recruitment consultants don't listen.
6. LinkedIn can help but allows the recruitment vultures to hunt you down more easily.
If anyone needs a contact centre pre-sales specialist with nearly 15 years experience please let me know.
You don't say where you are or what your core competencies are. With a good CV, some hard work targeted inteligently and a prevailing wind I would think it would be possible to place a motivated individual. Maybe share some more info and one of us may be able to signpost you, or better, place you. Good luck!
When you have your interview, you may be lucky to be passed to a good adviser. You'll probably get a bad one though. They'll ask you a couple of questions and tell you that you will be looking for work in a customer service role up to 90 minutes away.
For the next 6 months (and on the assumption you can spell your own name, otherwise you'll be sent on "courses") you'll then be more or less left to your own devices to seek work. As long as you write down half a dozen "actions" to secure employment each fortnight (mainly making applications, but also visiting agencies, going to interviews etc.), they'll keep giving you the money.
After 6 months you'll be passed to the most miserable adviser in the place. They will condescend, belittle and downright insult you, will set up interviews for you at minimum wage jobs with a 90 minute commute, and do everything possible to get you to discontinue your claim, whether or not that results in a job for you.
That was my experience anyway.
For the next 6 months (and on the assumption you can spell your own name, otherwise you'll be sent on "courses") you'll then be more or less left to your own devices to seek work. As long as you write down half a dozen "actions" to secure employment each fortnight (mainly making applications, but also visiting agencies, going to interviews etc.), they'll keep giving you the money.
After 6 months you'll be passed to the most miserable adviser in the place. They will condescend, belittle and downright insult you, will set up interviews for you at minimum wage jobs with a 90 minute commute, and do everything possible to get you to discontinue your claim, whether or not that results in a job for you.
That was my experience anyway.
It's a good point. That was my job title.
What I actually do is advise on hardware/software and professional services needed to put together a contact centre. A solutions architect. I primarily word with Cisco Unified Contact center Enterprise and express based on CUCM and Aspect Unified IP on whatever platform (normally Lync). I also work with the related technology areas such as VoIP, call recording, workforce management, CTI and CRM integration etc.
My prime focus has been on the inbound voice sector but also outbound(diallers), email, web chat, social media, video and mobile.
My last job was supporting the sales team, consulting with customers and responding to RFP's. I have also done everything from being an agent through to support and deployment.
What I actually do is advise on hardware/software and professional services needed to put together a contact centre. A solutions architect. I primarily word with Cisco Unified Contact center Enterprise and express based on CUCM and Aspect Unified IP on whatever platform (normally Lync). I also work with the related technology areas such as VoIP, call recording, workforce management, CTI and CRM integration etc.
My prime focus has been on the inbound voice sector but also outbound(diallers), email, web chat, social media, video and mobile.
My last job was supporting the sales team, consulting with customers and responding to RFP's. I have also done everything from being an agent through to support and deployment.
Bullett said:
It's a good point. That was my job title.
What I actually do is advise on hardware/software and professional services needed to put together a contact centre. A solutions architect. I primarily word with Cisco Unified Contact center Enterprise and express based on CUCM and Aspect Unified IP on whatever platform (normally Lync). I also work with the related technology areas such as VoIP, call recording, workforce management, CTI and CRM integration etc.
My prime focus has been on the inbound voice sector but also outbound(diallers), email, web chat, social media, video and mobile.
My last job was supporting the sales team, consulting with customers and responding to RFP's. I have also done everything from being an agent through to support and deployment.
My advice is to remove the phrase contact centre from whatever you take to the Job Centre, otherwise they'll try and pressure you into answering phones in one. Not ideal. Stick with all of the high tech acronyms and they'll leave you alone.What I actually do is advise on hardware/software and professional services needed to put together a contact centre. A solutions architect. I primarily word with Cisco Unified Contact center Enterprise and express based on CUCM and Aspect Unified IP on whatever platform (normally Lync). I also work with the related technology areas such as VoIP, call recording, workforce management, CTI and CRM integration etc.
My prime focus has been on the inbound voice sector but also outbound(diallers), email, web chat, social media, video and mobile.
My last job was supporting the sales team, consulting with customers and responding to RFP's. I have also done everything from being an agent through to support and deployment.
davepoth said:
My advice is to remove the phrase contact centre from whatever you take to the Job Centre, otherwise they'll try and pressure you into answering phones in one. Not ideal. Stick with all of the high tech acronyms and they'll leave you alone.
I once told a tax inspector my business was "in IT". His reply was "What's IT?"
I had to sign on a while back, and it was pretty depressing. I was only entitled to contribution-based JSA - for six months - having been a higher-rate taxpayer for most of my working life, but hey-ho 
The advisers were ok, surprisingly un-patronising. The worst part were the other 'clientele'. I'm sitting waiting for my turn to sign on, next to a girl who has the latest iPhone, plus fake tan, hair extensions and nails.
Where is she getting the money for that?
Maybe she's on the game (a distinct possibility considering her fashion sense) but her boyfriend has ingrained paint on his hands and is clearly working in some capacity. Yet here they are, getting everything paid for. Living The Dream.
Meanwhile, I have to pay my (substantial) private rent from my rapidly diminishing savings. No beauty treatments here. My nails are mangled from hauling and chopping wood for heating, and I cut my own hair.
Over there, are a couple who stink of fags, dogs and stale alcohol. By the looks of it, neither of them has ever had a job, nor any intention of getting one.
f
k me. If I hadn't seen these individuals with my own eyes, I would have refused to believe that such creatures existed.
This is the kind of dross you'll be among. I gave up signing about 4 months into my Generous Entitlement. Although the £65 a week would have put petrol in the car and bought a bit of food besides, I just couldn't face signing on. I'm sure I am not alone in this.
The advisers were ok, surprisingly un-patronising. The worst part were the other 'clientele'. I'm sitting waiting for my turn to sign on, next to a girl who has the latest iPhone, plus fake tan, hair extensions and nails.
Where is she getting the money for that?
Maybe she's on the game (a distinct possibility considering her fashion sense) but her boyfriend has ingrained paint on his hands and is clearly working in some capacity. Yet here they are, getting everything paid for. Living The Dream.
Meanwhile, I have to pay my (substantial) private rent from my rapidly diminishing savings. No beauty treatments here. My nails are mangled from hauling and chopping wood for heating, and I cut my own hair.
Over there, are a couple who stink of fags, dogs and stale alcohol. By the looks of it, neither of them has ever had a job, nor any intention of getting one.
f
k me. If I hadn't seen these individuals with my own eyes, I would have refused to believe that such creatures existed. This is the kind of dross you'll be among. I gave up signing about 4 months into my Generous Entitlement. Although the £65 a week would have put petrol in the car and bought a bit of food besides, I just couldn't face signing on. I'm sure I am not alone in this.
Mobile Chicane said:
This is the kind of dross you'll be among. I gave up signing about 4 months into my Generous Entitlement. Although the £65 a week would have put petrol in the car and bought a bit of food besides, I just couldn't face signing on. I'm sure I am not alone in this.
Been looking 6 weeks or so now but its not a quick process. Besides entry level investment positions are fairly few and far between even with the right CV).
New POD said:
When I was made redundant, someone in PH reviewed my CV and helped me to make it snappier. I've since done the same for a couple of people. I think most people need someone to be ruthless. So if anyone wants a second opinion I'm happy to assist for free.
As I said on another thread, tailor your CV to the role you are applying for. For example, if its a role that is call centre based then your experience should be described in a call centre context, but if the role is more about VOIP but not in a call centre environment then stress all the experience with VOIP and barely mention that it was for call centres.Look at what they say that they want and write your CV to make you sound like the ideal candidate. Don't lie, obviously, but stress those qualities you think they are looking for. It's better to apply for a small number of jobs well than a large number badly so be prepared to spend several hours or a day on a single application for a good job.
Mobile Chicane said:
I had to sign on a while back, and it was pretty depressing. I was only entitled to contribution-based JSA - for six months - having been a higher-rate taxpayer for most of my working life, but hey-ho
The advisers were ok, surprisingly un-patronising. The worst part were the other 'clientele'. I'm sitting waiting for my turn to sign on, next to a girl who has the latest iPhone, plus fake tan, hair extensions and nails.
Where is she getting the money for that?
Maybe she's on the game (a distinct possibility considering her fashion sense) but her boyfriend has ingrained paint on his hands and is clearly working in some capacity. Yet here they are, getting everything paid for. Living The Dream.
Meanwhile, I have to pay my (substantial) private rent from my rapidly diminishing savings. No beauty treatments here. My nails are mangled from hauling and chopping wood for heating, and I cut my own hair.
Over there, are a couple who stink of fags, dogs and stale alcohol. By the looks of it, neither of them has ever had a job, nor any intention of getting one.
fk me. If I hadn't seen these individuals with my own eyes, I would have refused to believe that such creatures existed.
This is the kind of dross you'll be among. I gave up signing about 4 months into my Generous Entitlement. Although the £65 a week would have put petrol in the car and bought a bit of food besides, I just couldn't face signing on. I'm sure I am not alone in this.
I last signed on in 2001, and the other client sitting at the desk next to me, was not impressed when I got out my looking for work file, which was 3 inches think after less than 2 weeks looking, and included details of 50 plus applications and 4 interviews. His "handler" looked at my "handler", turned back to his client and said "Now when I ask you for proof that you are seeking work, what I expect to see is a file that thick" points at my file. The advisers were ok, surprisingly un-patronising. The worst part were the other 'clientele'. I'm sitting waiting for my turn to sign on, next to a girl who has the latest iPhone, plus fake tan, hair extensions and nails.
Where is she getting the money for that?
Maybe she's on the game (a distinct possibility considering her fashion sense) but her boyfriend has ingrained paint on his hands and is clearly working in some capacity. Yet here they are, getting everything paid for. Living The Dream.
Meanwhile, I have to pay my (substantial) private rent from my rapidly diminishing savings. No beauty treatments here. My nails are mangled from hauling and chopping wood for heating, and I cut my own hair.
Over there, are a couple who stink of fags, dogs and stale alcohol. By the looks of it, neither of them has ever had a job, nor any intention of getting one.
f
k me. If I hadn't seen these individuals with my own eyes, I would have refused to believe that such creatures existed. This is the kind of dross you'll be among. I gave up signing about 4 months into my Generous Entitlement. Although the £65 a week would have put petrol in the car and bought a bit of food besides, I just couldn't face signing on. I'm sure I am not alone in this.
I made myself scarce as soon as I could.
Nellist said:
I agree, but at least when your unemployed u can have as many homosexual orgies as you want without having to worry about being late for work 
I have as many homosexual orgies as I want anyway, despite working all the hours god sends! I also watch as much daytime television as I want as well, despite never being near a television at the appropriate time...New POD said:
Mobile Chicane said:
I had to sign on a while back, and it was pretty depressing. I was only entitled to contribution-based JSA - for six months - having been a higher-rate taxpayer for most of my working life, but hey-ho
The advisers were ok, surprisingly un-patronising. The worst part were the other 'clientele'. I'm sitting waiting for my turn to sign on, next to a girl who has the latest iPhone, plus fake tan, hair extensions and nails.
Where is she getting the money for that?
Maybe she's on the game (a distinct possibility considering her fashion sense) but her boyfriend has ingrained paint on his hands and is clearly working in some capacity. Yet here they are, getting everything paid for. Living The Dream.
Meanwhile, I have to pay my (substantial) private rent from my rapidly diminishing savings. No beauty treatments here. My nails are mangled from hauling and chopping wood for heating, and I cut my own hair.
Over there, are a couple who stink of fags, dogs and stale alcohol. By the looks of it, neither of them has ever had a job, nor any intention of getting one.
fk me. If I hadn't seen these individuals with my own eyes, I would have refused to believe that such creatures existed.
This is the kind of dross you'll be among. I gave up signing about 4 months into my Generous Entitlement. Although the £65 a week would have put petrol in the car and bought a bit of food besides, I just couldn't face signing on. I'm sure I am not alone in this.
I last signed on in 2001, and the other client sitting at the desk next to me, was not impressed when I got out my looking for work file, which was 3 inches think after less than 2 weeks looking, and included details of 50 plus applications and 4 interviews. His "handler" looked at my "handler", turned back to his client and said "Now when I ask you for proof that you are seeking work, what I expect to see is a file that thick" points at my file. The advisers were ok, surprisingly un-patronising. The worst part were the other 'clientele'. I'm sitting waiting for my turn to sign on, next to a girl who has the latest iPhone, plus fake tan, hair extensions and nails.
Where is she getting the money for that?
Maybe she's on the game (a distinct possibility considering her fashion sense) but her boyfriend has ingrained paint on his hands and is clearly working in some capacity. Yet here they are, getting everything paid for. Living The Dream.
Meanwhile, I have to pay my (substantial) private rent from my rapidly diminishing savings. No beauty treatments here. My nails are mangled from hauling and chopping wood for heating, and I cut my own hair.
Over there, are a couple who stink of fags, dogs and stale alcohol. By the looks of it, neither of them has ever had a job, nor any intention of getting one.
f
k me. If I hadn't seen these individuals with my own eyes, I would have refused to believe that such creatures existed. This is the kind of dross you'll be among. I gave up signing about 4 months into my Generous Entitlement. Although the £65 a week would have put petrol in the car and bought a bit of food besides, I just couldn't face signing on. I'm sure I am not alone in this.
I made myself scarce as soon as I could.
For me, when I was ejected from my last job and I started signing on, I have to say my JCP advisors were actually pretty nice, professional people, and understood my comedown from well-paid, senior management positions to unemployed scum, and treated me with a great deal of respect and decorum.
Also, I didn't really notice or experience anyone else around me in the Job Centre who I found offensive or chav-like. But then, I was signing on in Winchester...so maybe we have a better class of unemployed?!
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