Frequently asked questions
- Q. "I missed the start of the programme. Can I join mid-way?"
- A. Certainly. That's when most people join! Although each programme, which typically lasts 12 weeks, goes through a natural job seeking cycle, you cannot choose when you will be made redundant. We make every effort to help people who join mid-way to ensure that have the essentials of what they have missed.
- Q. "I'm not an 'executive', so is it for me?"
- A. We aim to help any unemployed person. The club is of greatest benefit to those with experience of participating in and actively contributing to group meetings. Executive, managerial and professional jobseekers are among those likely to find this style of support familiar and helpful, but many others do too. If in doubt come along to one of our meetings to see what we do, you will be put under no obligation to join.
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- Q. "I manage projects not people, so is it for me?"
- A. We have assisted large numbers of project & programme managers.
- Q. "I don't live or work in Bracknell - does it matter?"
- A. We regularly have members from the fringes of our area. You may find it more convenient to attend one of the other executive job clubs in our network at West Berkshire (Newbury), Windsor & Maidenhead, Aylesbury or Gerrard's Cross.
- Q. "I'm expecting to be made redundant but it hasn't happened yet, can you help?"
- A. Come along to see us so that you are prepared if it happens and you may save yourself considerable time if it becomes necessary to look for work.
- Q. "I imagine it to be very formal?"
- A. The meetings are structured. However, we are friendly and informal - dress code is flexible, casual if you prefer.
- Q. "Is it really completely free of charge?
- A. Absolutely. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and volunteers.
- Q. "Who delivers the programme and what is their background?"
- A. It is delivered by volunteers who have managerial experience and in most cases personal experience of redundancy themselves - they want to help other people who wish to get back to employment/economic activity as quickly as possible.
- Q. "I only found out about you by accident. Why don't you publicise more"
- A. Unfortunately we have very limited resources.
- Q. "Is the organisation affiliated to any other groups?
- A. No. We are entirely independent. Our only affiliation is to the wider Thames Valley Executive Job Club network (including other Careers Springboards). We are not a recruitment agency.
- Q. "Will I have to offer to volunteer myself?"
- A. No.
- Q. "The group is a 'self-help group' - what does that mean?"
- A. We share expertise and advice and network with each other. The whole idea is about helping and supporting one another.
- Q. "If I decide not to 'sign on' (at the Job Centre) can I still use the group?"
- A. Absolutely.
- Q. "What relationship does the organisation have with Jobcentre Plus?"
- A. We have 'intermediary status' with Jobcentre Plus which means that they can refer jobseekers to us.
- Q. "What services can you offer in addition to the regular meeting programme?"
- A. Access to career counseling, CV advice, access to a database of vacancies, interview coaching and networking opportunities including access to local Chamber of Commerce events.
- Q. "I know all the ropes about recruitment. As a manager I used to hire professional staff regularly."
- A. Even very knowledgeable job seekers find the networking, mutual support and comradeship of our club extremely valuable.
- Q. "You haven't answered my question"
- A. Then please contact us at cs@careersspringboardbracknell.org.uk
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