HR Magazine

Ahhhh, the budget. I took an interest in all that was said, but I was obviously keen to know what this wonderful government is going to do about rising unemployment. The figures are now at the highest since 1997 (hmmm, isn't that when Labour came into power?) and I appreciate there is no magic wand, but not much has been promised, unless you are fortunate to be under 25. If you are lucky to be that young and unemployed for 12 months or longer, then resources are to be thrown at you: a job, training or work placement. Why can't this help be offered to everyone, why only the young? Surely this is a form of ageism? I am intrigued to know where the jobs are that are to be offered; if they already exist, why are they not being filled? It all seems a bit odd to little old me; there is a necessity for older, experienced, skilled workers - experience the youngsters don't yet have, but they will gain from older, experienced, skilled workers! Maybe it's a cunning plan to rid society of older people and to usher in the new wave, a bit like a football team having an end of season clear-out of the 30+ year-olds. This government has to channel resources at helping the older unemployed, as business needs them, otherwise it will become unbalanced with too many unskilled in the workforce. A great deal of bleating has been done about the 50% higher tax bracket. We need good people at the top and I don't resent them earning bundles if they deliver, but a great many people are now in dire straits, so when you hear the big earners whining about having to pay a little bit more, it's a tad irritating to the likes of me. On the other hand, if there is an exodus of talent as some predict (although I doubt it), then the skills imbalance will be even more acute. Time will tell if this budget will go anyway close to helping the unemployed and getting this country back on its feet. Other business: no news to report on the two jobs I went for; hopefully next week.

Two weeks ago I had the first of the two interviews I had lined-up with PR companies, with Red Lorry Yellow Lorry. If location is important, then this hits the spot for me; 12 minutes train journey, a short walk from the station and in a vibrant area. If premises are important, then my spot was hit again (there was a red and yellow theme going on!). If the people you meet at the company are nice, friendly and welcoming, then all is well. This was a great opportunity to present myself to a different business environment, and in my humble opinion, the meeting went very well. The person I met is the creative services director and he made me feel at ease. He started by informing me the job I was there to discuss was not the only potential role available, as the company is bucking the current trend by having growth plans. This put me slightly off kilter as I then didn't know what to discuss; all those well rehearsed lines blown out of the water and having to ad lib! It was decided to talk about the advertised role (phew!) and we did at length. The job is perfect for me and the company seems to be a good one, so I am certainly very interested in working for them and wait to see what they come up with. Last week I saw the other PR company, Global Tolerance, and again it went well. This one is more promising, because although there isn't a specific role on offer, it appears they are keen to get someone like me onboard as the business is small and growth is wanted. I will be meeting them again to go into greater detail for me to see what is required and where I can help. On the down-side (although it should be up-side), I had the 'back to work' chat at the jobcentre. I'm currently feeling in a good mood and don't want to spoil it by writing about that episode now. Overall, a good week, let's hope something good comes out of it.

Ahhhhh, it's happening again, I have a 'help me get back to work' interview with job centre people this week. I almost cried when I saw it - with laughter! I find it interesting they call it an interview rather than a meeting, suggesting that it's an interrogation. It's a strange mix of 'we can help' to 'what the hell are you doing'. On the first page of the booklet-thing included with the letter is this rather bold opening statement: 'Many people find work quickly after becoming unemployed'. The next paragraph put a wry smile on my face: 'Even in recession, many jobs are available through Jobcentre Plus and in the wider labour market'. (As an aside, what does the Plus part mean?). I'm looking forward to this meeting as I am going to ask to see evidence to support these statements, because if it's that easy, I want to know what I'm doing wrong. Of course, when I attend the meeting I have to provide evidence of my job search: honestly, what do these people think? Obviously, finding a job is way down my to-do list and I know I shouldn't allow myself to get wound-up by all this bureaucracy - but I can't help it! I think I need to go for a run to shake off these feelings of irritability. Anyway, I have a proper interview this week to look forward to with a PR company in north London and need to do some research for that, and of course, I had a meeting with a PR company last week which I will report on next time.

You wait ages and then two come along together: interviews. I have been thinking long and hard about where I want to be, so last week I decided to contact PR companies as I feel there is a connection with what I do. One of the companies I am visiting is for an exploratory meeting with no guarantees, but I assume that a busy MD isn't going to take time to meet me unless he thinks I have something to offer. However, I am a realist and if it comes to nothing I won't be surprised, but it has at least opened a channel for possible networking opportunities. The second interview is for an advertised role posted on the company's website. I was looking for contact details on the site and found a 'join us' section. In this was a project manager position and the job description fitted me very well, so I duly applied and within two days invited for an interview next week. I was stunned! I have now been boning-up on the company and had a one-to-one session with Tony at Penna who gave me some valuable advice. Let's hope I am able to put into practise the stuff I have learned. I have found the PR fraternity far nicer as those I have contacted replied, which makes a nice change. Let's hope I have good news next time.