Job club can help, unemployed told (From Bucks Free Press)

Job club can help, unemployed told

9:37am Wednesday 4th July 2012 in Politics

JOB seekers are being encouraged to sign up to a club which will help them to get back to work.

Micklefield Job Club, run by Rachel New and Matt Knight, offers advice and tips on improving CVs and aims to boost confidence for those lacking self esteem when applying for new positions.

The group recently celebrated its first anniversary, having helped about 50 people so far.

One of its success stories in that time was John Ambrose, 54, from Micklefield.

He had been unemployed for over a year and despite lots of applications never heard anything back.

Club helpers told him to resend his applications but with more details in his email and his phone rang almost immediately asking him to interview.

He was offered the job as a passenger support assistant with a taxi firm on the spot.

He said: "When I got to my interview I wasn't nervous at all, after all the interview preparation the club gave me.

“While there are so many applications for every job advertised, the job club helps people to find ways to stand out from the crowd.”

Mr Knight, a Liberal Democrat Wycombe District Councillor said a 55 year-old woman from Wycombe Marsh also shows the difference good advice can have.

He said: “She had been made redundant after many years, and had lost her confidence. At the Micklefield Job Club, she took part in mock interviews, developed her presentation and communication skills, and updated her computer skills.

“She was also inspired to take part in voluntary work to help update her skills and experience. After nine months, club members celebrated when she finally got a job in administration.”

Mrs New said: “We want to provide the care and support that people need when they have been set challenging targets by the Job Centre.

“Many people coming to us need practical help with CVs, intimidating online applications and interview techniques.

“It is really important that people get a sympathetic ear, and support from others in the same boat.”

The Micklefield Job Club runs on Thursdays from 9.30am – midday at the Micklefield Library in term time. All are welcome. Visit www.hwjowc.org for more information.