Resources

Please find below a variety of links to organisations providing further advice, guidance and support to help you with your job search and working life and if you have any further queries, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@m3jobclub.co.uk

Please note that the M3 Job Club does not support or recommend any third party organisations for the links supplied, nor are we affiliated to any product, service or business listed bar those stated as our partners. All the organisations and information listed here is for your information and research purposes only. If there is any other information that you think would be valuable to add, please let us know. Else, please share information via the M3 Job Club Group page.

Dropbox

Once you’ve registered as a member of the M3 Job Club you’ll be able to access shared areas of our Dropbox which is filled with a wealth of helpful information. Find lots of free resources including, PowerPoint presentations, documents, e-books, questions and templates on a variety of topics including CVs, interviews, starting a business and volunteering. For more information contact Judith, Administrator at info@m3jobclub.co.uk

CV Library has an excellent resource page full of career advice. They also write content for us to share on our website on complimentary topics, such as CVs, Interviews, etc. See our News and Events sections for latest articles. We have an affiliate scheme with CV Library so for every new CV uploaded to their site, using the link on this page and subsequent click-through’s, they pay a small amount to M3 Job Club. Please share this affiliate link with anyone else you know, to help raise needed funds for M3JC – https://www.cv-library.co.uk/aff/102401

Health & Wellbeing

Basingstoke & Deane Community Leisure Trust Healthy Body = Healthy Mind. Keep up your health and wellness by benefiting from concessional rates at Basingstoke Aquadrome, Basingstoke Golf Centre and Tadley Swimming Pool. You’ll need proof of Job Seekers Allowance and must be a Basingstoke and Deane resident.

Networking & Getting to Know Your (Basingstoke) Area

Networking is an excellent way to connect with individuals and businesses both face to face and online. Below are a number of ways that you can build and maintain a professional network to help you connect and improve your chances of finding employment and in your working life.

Basing View vast investment is being made on major redevelopment and transformation of this fast-growing area, stay up to date with the latest news and developments by visiting the Basing View website. Look out for networking opportunities at some of the meetings with local business.

Destination Basingstoke take a look at the many companies and locations in the Basingstoke area as a good starting point to search for jobs directly on their careers/jobs pages

Local Agencies apart from the usual national and generalist agencies, there are a number of local and specialist agencies around that may provide a more focused and dedicated service to help you find your next role. If you’ve got any to add, please let us know by sending an email to Judith at info@m3jobclub.co.uk

Networking in Berkshire an independent guide that lists networking events in Berkshire.

LinkedIn known as the professional business networking tool of choice, it’s widely recognised for its use in networking with other business professionals in addition to connecting with previous work colleagues and/or suppliers. Use the Groups to interact and discuss topics in like-minded groups as many companies use this platform to advertise for roles. Others seek advice and comment, where your input may lead to potential opportunities. Some information on using LinkedIn is on our Dropbox site. You don’t have to have a paid account, the free one will give you enough and knowing how to use it will make it more powerful. See Our Programme for the next session…

Twitter used by millions of businesses for not only general information and marketing but also for advertising available positions (try: #job, #jobs #[company name jobs]). There are some more helpful hints in this video. In addition, you can also try Twitter Jobs. Jobsite has come up with another approach to get relevant job tweets as a DM (direct message) to your Twitter account. More details of how to set this up can be found here. If your new to Twitter, see this new user guide to use the service. Easy and free to set up, make sure you follow us to be kept up to date @M3JobClub.

Chamber of Commerce North Hampshire Enterprise is the Chamber of Commerce that covers the Aldershot, Andover, Basingstoke, Fleet and Winchester areas. Not only does it cover local Chambers, you can also connect with Chamber members across the country and internationally. Worth looking at their site or signing up for free local business networking events.

Connecting Biz Have you got a business? Even if not, and you’re looking to meet with other businesses locally, ConnectingBiz can help you to connect, which could mean more connections for you! Remember, for those who’ve attended the DISC session, use your ‘strapline’ to help engage conversation.

Company Information Searches

Companies house is a great way to find out about companies before you target them as a prospective employer, or equally to gain some useful information before an interview. It’s worth looking at their investment pages (for larger corporate business’) as sometimes these have more details than the rest of their site as they provide information to tempt investment in their business. Download any Annual Results documents that are publicly available for all PLCs.

There is more excellent advice on company information searches here.

Glassdoor, is your free (you’ll need to set up an account) ‘inside look’ at companies’ from an employees perspective. They are also a job and recruitment site. Employees (past and present) post information about their employer and exactly what they think. Glassdoor “holds a growing database of millions of company reviews, CEO approval ratings, salary reports, interview reviews and questions, benefits reviews, office photos and more. Unlike other jobs sites, all of this information is entirely shared by those who know a company best — the employees”. To be taken with a ‘pinch of salt’ as many will be negative as employees vent their views but useful to get an insight.

Interviews and Career Information

Here are some great articles to help you prepare for interviews. Have a look at these Common Interview Questions with example answers which can help you feel fully ready to give the best impression! See M3JC Dropbox site for more information and example interview questions. Remember to also take a look at the Presenters Information for templates that may also help you practice. Be-My-Interviewer is a great resource and we’d recommend that you watch the video and WRITE DOWN your answer, so you can check what you ACTUALLY said in comparison to the interviewers ‘expected’ response.

Totaljobs also has a careers page that is worth taking a look at. And don’t forget to explore the M3 Job Club Dropbox site for more templates and advice.

The National Careers Service provides confidential and impartial advice, guidance and information to help you make decisions on learning, training and work opportunities. Supported by qualified careers advisor, discover how to set up a free ‘Lifelong Learning Account’ by clicking here.

The Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership is a public/private partnership set up to support and sustain economic growth at a local level. They provide training and support for small businesses and start-ups in the local area and are a valuable resource for information on the region’s economic well-being.

General Information and Advice

This section provides some great general websites and blogs that may be of use. Do bear in mind that some of these are American, however, there is a lot of overlap between the experiences of people in the UK and the USA except where it comes to Government advice, benefits, etc…

Employment

ACAS the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) exists to help employment relations through supplying up-to-date information, independent advice and high-quality training. Working with employees and employers, ACAS looks to solve problems and improve performance.

Citizens Advice Bureau the central hub for the CAB, the Work section provides you with access to information regarding your rights. This includes benefits, debt, consumer and legal issues in addition to employment and housing. You can also visit your local CAB centre for advice in-person.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) is the professional body dedicated to representing the interests of the UK’s £19.7 billion recruitment industry in Parliament, Whitehall, the European Commission and to the press and opinion former’s. The REC represents 3,750 Corporate Members, with more than 7,700 branches, and 5,550 Individual Members within the Institute. The REC is committed to raising standards and highlighting excellence throughout the recruitment industry and all REC Members must abide by the REC Code of Professional Practice. Useful for articles and information on standards for recruitment and articles that may help your job search.

Finance and Discounts

Money Advice Service discover free, unbiased and independent information regarding benefits, finances, insurance, job hunting and redundancy rights. Check Dropbox under the Presenters Information for “Joel Arif – Budget Planning” that has templates and further information to help you manage your finances during your period of worklessness.

Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card you may be entitled to reduced cost travel if you are receiving Jobseekers Allowance. You’ll also need to obtain a Travel Discount card, you can also look at the TFL site for details.

Training and Development

Balance Global is M3JC’s training partner providing high quality e-Learning courses covering an array of professional qualifications for Project and Change Management. Please see the Training folder on Dropbox for more details on the courses and costs. M3 Job Club receive up to around 80% discount for members for the various PRINCE2, AGILE and Change Management courses. Discount codes are available to be used when booking. For every course sold, M3JC receives a donation. Please feel free to pass on these offers to friends and family

European Computer Driving Licence the ECDL (or ICDL) Advanced Programmes enable you to develop your computer skills through a variety of certification programmes. Some of these courses are free, speak to your Jobcentre to find out more.

Qualifications what do the different qualification levels mean? Different qualifications are grouped together into various ‘levels’. This can help you (and employers) see how qualifications compare and how one type can lead on to another. To find out about the different levels and where you can get advice on which qualifications to choose see this slide or go to the Ofqual website for more details.

The Open University you can find details of over 600 free online courses at the OU, ideal for keeping your mind sharp and focused by new learning. Check out our project and change management training options on Dropbox

Government

Click on the following links for advice.

Calculating your redundancy pay

Calculating your state pension

National Insurance credits

National Insurance options. Use this form to claim back tax and if you think you have paid too much tax on your savings interest

DWP

Jobseekers Allowance all the information you need to know how to sign on and claim jobseekers allowance. If you receive any benefits, use the benefits calculator to find out your entitlements.

Universal Credit is also due to role out in Basingstoke soon, so please see this site for more information. Your local (Basingstoke) Welfare contact is:

Stephen Judd
Specialist Welfare Support Officer
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
Tel: 01256 844844
Stephen.Judd@basingstoke.gov.uk
www.basingstoke.gov.uk

Universal Jobmatch search and apply for full or part-time jobs in Great Britain and abroad.

Log in to Universal Jobmatch if you have an account. You can still search and apply for jobs without an account.

Reset your password or user ID if you’ve forgotten them.

Job Search

Talent Retention Solution (TRS) is a free service that puts skilled individuals looking for work and over 1000 companies searching for new employees directly in contact with each other. “TRS supports careers in manufacturing, engineering and technology for UK plc. We help industries to attract new talent, individuals to develop their potential, and the UK to retain key skills. TRS is a not-for-profit programme set up by industry leaders and funded by sponsor companies, trade associations and unions.

Job Fairs UK find your local job fairs to go and speak face to face with potential local employers

Basingstoke Business sign up for local business networking events, news and information

Self Employment

Information if you’re considering setting up your own business or help if you are already self-employed or a sole trader / freelance or contractor.

Growth Accelerator starting or started a new business? An affordable service provided by the country’s leading business growth specialists. It’s known for delivering unique tailored advice to high-flying businesses. It’s a partnership between private enterprises and government.

Inspiring Enterprise “We know there are people out there who just need a chance and have what it takes to make a success of their own life or change the lives of those around them”, Inspiring Enterprise “helps unemployed people and graduates in North Hampshire and South West Surrey develop the skills and confidence they need to build their own business or social enterprise”.

Federation of Small Business the UK’s largest campaigning pressure group; promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. Formed in 1974, it now has 210,000 members across 33 regions and 194 branches. Useful for some free local networking events and making new connections.

Businesses and Self-employment government information on a vast range of business and self-employment topics

New Enterprise Allowance you may be eligible to a mentor and weekly allowance up to 26 weeks to get you started.

The ‘Take-Home’ Calculator if you’re looking to find out more about your annual gross salary, this handy calculator will advise you on what it’s worth on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, taking into account NI, pension and student loan contributions. Useful if you’re trying to work out a comparable ‘day rate’ for a contract

Volunteering

Although these sites may not necessarily be work-related, these organisations aim to engage you and give you the opportunity to meet people. Volunteering also helps you to use your skills at the same time helping others in potentially greater need than oneself.

Basingstoke council works closely with Basingstoke Voluntary Services who are a member of the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) that collectively form a network of local charities offering support and development services to the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) across the UK. Set up in 1965 as a result of the town expansion, it has been instrumental in starting many of the charities that are now household names in the Borough.

Do-it launched in 2001 with the first national database of volunteering opportunities in the UK, Do-it is part of the registered charity YouthNet, a non-profit-making organisation. Do-it do not charge people to use the database as they believe that volunteering should be free to the user and so make a small charge to organisations registering their opportunities to ensure this.