Employment Advice

• Claiming benefits can help you financially whilst you are searching for a job, or if you have a low income from your current job role.
• Starting a new job or losing your current job is classed as a ‘Change of circumstances’. These need to be reported to the relevant benefit agency to ensure you are receiving the correct amount of money. Failure to report such a change could mean you are not getting money you are entitled to or you may be overpaid, in which case you will have to pay that money back.

Self- Employment:

• Being self-employed can be difficult at times, with challenges around trying to manage your money when having a less reliable or stable income and claiming benefits when self employed.
• If you are struggling to budget or feel you are on a low income, Cash Wise may be able to help. We can talk through your average income and outgoings, as well as checking if you are eligible for any benefits such as a Universal Credit top up.
• WDH CEA also have advisors for self-employment, whether you are already self-employed or would like to be. Contact them for more information.

• Jobcentre Plus Rapid Response Service can support you if you are about to be made redundant, or up to 13 weeks after you have been made redundant. You can contact them via email on enquiries@dwp.gov.uk for further help and support.

Being made redundant can be an overwhelming and worrying time. Cash Wise's top tips are;

• Try not to worry and do ask for help if you are struggling, agencies such as Cash Wise are here to help and advise.
• If you receive a redundancy payment such as a lump sum, it's important to budget your spending and bills whilst you are searching for a new job, to minimise the risk of financial hardship.
• If you are on benefits, report a change of circumstances so that your payments are accurate.
• Update your CV and start applying for jobs as soon as you can. Why not try something different or learn some new skills?

Our top tips for getting back into work are:

1. Keep up to date with your emails and missed phone calls as these may be employers offering you an interview.
2. Keep your CV relevant and up to date, as well as highlighting your key skills and experience.
3. Research the company and job role before any interview as this will show your enthusiasm and interest in the job.
4. Check a range of social media and job advertising websites so you have access to as many advertised jobs as possible, giving you a higher chance at gaining employment.
5. Practice answering interview questions, so you go in prepared. This will also help with your confidence.
6. Do voluntary work whilst you are unemployed and looking for a job, as this can help build your CV and skills.
7. Employers may ask you the reason for any gaps in employment, it is best to be honest but do explain the skills you have built and the experience you have gained in other ways whilst you were not working. You can also mention volunteering and any caring responsibilities you may have had during any gaps.

CVs

A CV (also known as a Curriculum Vitae, or résumé), is a written summary of your skills, education, and work experience. Prospective employers often ask for your CV when you are enquiring about/applying for a job. Here are our top tips in relation to CVs.

• It is always advisable to send a covering letter along with your CV if possible. This letter is to demonstrate why you would be good for the job role, why you would be a good fit for the company and to show your enthusiasm for the job.
• Include recent and relevant work history and skills, this should be in the order of the most recent first working backwards to the oldest. This includes any courses and skill building sessions you may have completed. If you are unsure of what to include, contact WDH's CEA's or there are lots of templates online.
• Give an overview of your role and responsibilities in current and/or previous jobs so when an employer reads your CV, they have a more in-depth idea of your capabilities.

Application Forms

Some employers require you to complete an applications form when applying for job vacancies rather than A CV. Here are our top tips in relation to Job applications.

• If a question on a job application form  is not relevant to you or the job role you are applying for, write ‘Not applicable’ rather than leaving it blank, this shows you have read and understood the form fully.
• If you are handwriting the application form, take your time and keep your handwriting as clear and neat as possible. If you would prefer to type, most local libraries have computer facilities you could utilise.
• Carefully read the application form to ensure you are completing it correctly and to the best of your ability.
• Use the Person Specification and Job Description if provided when completing application forms to ensure you match yourself to the role and meet the requirements of the position, this can increase your chances of being shortlisted for an interview.

The idea of a job interview can be daunting, especially if you haven't had an interview for some time. Below are some typical interview questions that you may be asked in any job interview, along with some advice about why the interviewer may be asking that question and how you could respond.

1. Why do you think you would be good for this role?

• This question is asking what skills and experience you have that relate to the role and how you could use these to do the job well. If possible, use examples.

2. Why does this job interest you?

• This question is asking you to highlight key areas of the role advertised that sound interesting to you. For example, you may say in response that it sounds like “an exciting, new challenge” or “it appears to be a great place to work with good opportunities”. It is also a great time to mention your knowledge of the company. However, it is not advised that you mention the pay as a reason for your interest.

3. Why are you leaving your current role?

• When responding to this question It is best to remain positive and refrain from saying negative things about the company you work for. You can reframe negative answers to sound more positive, for example instead of saying “I don't like working there" you can say “I am eager to develop my skills and experience, and meet new people”.

4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

• This question is asking you what you think your main strengths are in terms of skills and experience and how these relate to the job role you are applying for.  It is also asking you to outline what areas you may have previously struggled in and what you have done to improve your performance. For a weakness, it can be best to use something not applicable to the position you have applied for and turn it into a positive. For a strength, focus on ones most relevant to the job you are applying for and back them up with examples. The interviewer is looking for signs of honesty, self-awareness, and personal growth.

During the interview process, some prospective employers may also ask if you have any questions to ask them. This is another great opportunity to show your interest in the role and the company, but coming up with a question can be difficult. Below are some examples of questions you could ask in this situation.

Questions you could ask the employer:

1. What do you enjoy about your role and working for this company?
2. What further training and experience opportunities are potentially available?
3. (If not already mentioned) Regarding the role, what are the hours/days and working locations expected?

• Follow this link to find your local Jobcentre Plus.
• Call the Universal credit helpline on 0800 328 5644
• WDH CEA - Call on 01977 788825 or email CEA@wdh.co.uk.