I think I'll be joining you on the dole next week (if I can - I have a partner who works but only through an agency so no fixed money plus I'm doing some teaching this term - Chances are I'll be rejected).

I had an interview today that I'm 90% sure I'm not going to get. From their questions I don't think I quite have the right experience and I'm now kicking myself about how I should have answered a couple of questions.

My advice to anyone just starting a Phd to think about techniques you can incorporate into your Phd that can enhance your employability. I did structural
MRI but wish I'd insisted on adding functional MRI as that's what the jobs seem to involve.

I'm sorry to hear you don't think the interview went well, it's terrible pressure to be under when you know what might be ahead if it doesn't come off. I can only wish you luck. If you can't get a job, do find out if you can sign for your N.I. contributions, at the very least.

All the very best.

I'm sorry you think you didn't get the job Catalinbond... I always kick myself after interviews too but I've learned that we never know who else may have applied for the job so we always have a chance!! You never know... good luck!

Claudia and Delta, so weird that you've been talking about NI because since my last post, I called them up and apparently I probably wouldn't get any money either because hubby works full-time. So if I apply it'll only be for NI contributions.

I suppose it's better than nothing but it's just come to me... will I still have to sign on every other week? If so, I'm not so sure it's so worth it, but saying that, I don't understand much about these things...

(Sorry, the ideas don't quite flow together, I'm in a rush for lunch!)

======= Date Modified 13 Oct 2011 13:09:50 =======
Hi Skig,

I'm not entirely sure but I think you literally need to sign on every two weeks, even if it's only to keep your contributions up to date but you would be best to check this.

Hi Mac,

I know, I read you post and found it very helpful (up). I just don't know if the same applies if someone only wants to maintain their N.I. contributions

Thanks for clarifying but I'm not sure if it's worth the hassle to be honest. Anyone thinks it might be worth it?

Well that was the fastest rejection ever! Interview 11.40, rejection email at 3.40!

That's rotten Catalinbond - sounds suspiciously like there was a 'shoe-in' internal candidate. My quickest (this September) was interview Wed afternoon, rejection email Friday morning :-(

There has to be jobs out there for us all - somewhere, anywhere ...

Sorry to hear about that Catalinbond. I had hopes for you...

I'm trying to think about my quickest rejection recently but I've only had one interview for the past few months and they never got back to me. I wonder if they're still thinking lol

I'm sorry you didn't get the job but at least you haven't been kept waiting. It does sound as though the decision was made with speed and so perhaps there wasn't a decision to make, if you know what I mean.

Very soul destroying though but fingers crossed for future jobs.

Sorry to gatecrash your thread Delta, I hope you dont mind. I was just wondering; my 3 years of funding is due to finish in January by which time I am hoping to have finished my lab work and have written the majority of my first draft. I am intending to start looking for a job straight away as I have no savings to survive on. Therefore I was planning on claiming JSA from January as I have a loan that I am paying off. I am living with my boyfriend at the moment in a flat we share, and he is happy for at least a few months to pay the rent and bills while I finish and get a job, but we think at the most we could manage for 3-6 months on his one income and (hopefully) my JSA. However, from some of the threads I have read it seems that my boyfriend's income will prevent me from claiming JSA, can someone confirm that this is correct? If so, I'm guessing my only option will be to move back in with my parents, and hopefully claim JSA untill I find a job? Can anyone confirm that this is correct?

Thanks guys

Phew...I've been told I can refuse to do placements or voluntary work for 18 months and then if I refuse it may result in my benefits being stopped. I do not intend to be unemployed 18 months from now and have been applying for a lot of jobs and will continue to do so. I'm also going through the ideas people posted on another thread to see what is viable and 18 months gives me time to develop some business ideas. I will consider doing some voluntary work but doing something I enjoy and which I feel could best benefit me and others.