Can/should I apply for this job?

[Brievandekamp]

The odds of me getting it are probably non-existent but here goes.

There's a job for being a Universal Credit coach an hour away from where I live (I'll need to get the bus until I pass my driving test (probably June). It's £10k a year more than what I'm on now. I work full time but it's just above minimum wage so I get topped up with UC. I don't know if I'll even stand a chance getting a job in a place that I have had appointments for UC at? And the fact I'm currently on UC. Is it even worth applying for? My only work experience that may help is retail management. Is it even worth applying for? TIA.

Apply away - lots of DWP people are UC customers even though they work there.

Really @ArnoldBee ?? As in they receive UC and work for UC?

Do you meet their 'essentials' criteria for shortlisting? It should be in application. If so apply regardless of claiming UC.

It doesn't have essential criteria listed just says if you have a levels then please bring them.

There you go then, go for it!

Thanks @Chocmallows ❤️

Yes of course. A very large percentage of DWP staff are ex customers. My hubby was one :-)

You're welcome. I claim WFTC as work part-time due to childcare and wouldn't let it put me off applying for other positions including DWP etc.

Research UC as an organisation online and at interview show an interest in their strategy, maybe learn a few key objectives. They will be more interested in you if you show you are interested in them.

Would a minimally competent bloke with the same skill set and experience as you feel okay to apply for the job? If so, go for it! That's your benchmark. Slightly rubbish white man thinks he would have a shot? You have a shot.

So you'd earn ieo 25k before tax. Approx 20k after.

Have you worked out the cost of childcare if not getting 85% off?

Plus the additional transport costs - cost of buying a car, insurance, tax, breakdown, servicing, would be in my experience wiping out 6.5k in the first year with a cheapish car purchase.

Plus you'd obviously lose your uc payments on top of your current income.

You could find that with the new job in the first year you're worse off.

But potentially thereafter would only just make even including travel costs.

But if there's opportunity for progression and you'd prefer thus you should definitely apply!

‘Slightly rubbish white man thinks he would have a shot?’

Eh?

Your guess is as good as mine @Keepmewarm

I'm very fortunate that I don't have to pay for childcare (and I don't believe that I would with this change).

Go for it OP! Good luck!

I think ‘Slightly rubbish white man thinks he would have a shot?’ is referring to literature that suggests men will apply if they feel like they meet around 20% of the criteria, whilst women feel they should meet at least 80% of the criteria could be wrong though

Sorry, yes, a glass of wine had been taken and was mid-rant about how really strong and qualified women often lack confidence when they don't feel that a job is an absolutely perfect fit, whereas men often take a punt at something they're not that qualified for and are successful in landing it relatively often. A friend of mine was saying that she wished that qualified women (and people of colour, which she is) were as confident as an underqualified white bloke. It seemed relevant at the time.

Didn't come out and write it clearly at all, though, did I? Nor was it actually any use to the OP. Sorry OP! Good luck with it.