Universal Credit Job Fair..

[Starsintheskye]

I’m currently on universal credit as a lone parent. My DC is 4 and is in full time school. I’m wanting to get back into work but have confidence issues and anxiety. I’ve been booked into go to a job fair tomorrow at the job centre, specifically for people with disabilities as they are aware I struggle with my mental health. Tbh I’m feeling nervous about this, I’m still working on my confidence at getting back into work, I’m not great in social situations, all this I’m working on and trying to overcome but I’m not sure I will sell myself well at this job fair. I’m shy too and I stumble on my words when I’m nervous. I don’t really want to go but I think I’ll receive a sanction if I don’t attend as it’s on my claimant commitments. Has any one ever been to a job fair at the job centre before? Just looking for some advice though as I’m over thinking it but I just don’t do well in these kind of situations

Hi I am in a similar situation to you, it’s not too bad. Just go & see what’s there. Check in with your work coach if you have to & you never know you might see something you’d love to do x

As someone who regularly attends job fairs as an employer, I can promise you that you won't be expected to sell yourself. Just make sure you sign in when you arrive, so that the DWP won't sanction you. Have a wander round, and pick up some business cards. Take your time and don't feel pressured. Hope it goes well x

I had to attend one once, crippled with anxiety. It was far worse in my head than what it turned out to be. Make sure you sign in and then just mill about the stands, see if there's anything you find interesting. You're not being monitored on interactions so don’t worry. If you find something, great! If you don’t, you've fulfilled their box checking exercise. Leave when you're ready to.

You don’t have to ‘do well’ or ‘sell yourself’ you just have to turn up. You aren’t the main focus of everyone’s attention, you won’t be the only one there battling anxiety or dealing with issues, everyone has their own shit going on.

Set a good example to your kid, go, focus on what you can get out of it instead of what’s going on inside your own head and you’ll be one step closer to getting a job.