Job Seekers for students awaiting graduation?

[SupaAbzyBall]

Hello there. I have just recently finshed uni and awaiting graduation in mid July. Currently, I am unemployed. I was wondering when can I visit the job centre now for a job seekers interview and subsequently receive job seekers benefit? Would I have to wait until after graduation or can I claim now? Thanks in advance to all replies.  

[twiglet4frog]

well if u have finished studies u should go along and try and get it now, best thing is to go down tomorrow and try as they can only say no and at least if they do u will be able to ask them when u will be entitled to it

[Lillabet]

You can visit now. What is important is that you are available for work. Assuming that lectures, exams etc have all finished and that you want to start working as soon as possible then you will be eligible.

[acw]

http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/cms.asp?Page=/Home/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/497#caniget

According to this, you get �44.50 a week, IF you work less than 16 hours a week.  Wouldn't you be better off getting a bar job in the evenings while you dedicate your time to sorting your career?  Well, not for me to judge.  But the information is there on that page. 

[SupaAbzyBall]

Most of the part-time employers dont wanna take graduates are we are more likely to leave. Ive have already been turned down for two jobs becuase I am 'over-qualified'. Thanks for all your help people!

[acw]

Hey,

I actually meant to take a job in catering, or in temporary office work.  Hardly a career move, but something to cover the bills until the right full time position comes along.  Perhaps you will have to apply for things WAY below you qualifications just to get by.  I've been waitressing for years.  I'd be gutted if I didn't get beyond that having achieved an LLB (Hons), but needs must when we're new grads!

[METU]

Try not to claim job seekers benefit unless absolutely necessary. On occasion, a potential employer may ask if you have ever claimed, and it looks better if you can answer 'no'. 

[METU]

Sorry for the above, I am new and 

technologically inept!! Anyway, to 

repeat - try not to claim job 

seekers unless absolutely

necessary. On occasion potential 

employers will ask if you have

claimed it, or if you are

currently on it, and the best answer

to give would be 'no'

[METU]

Apologies again, having problems and

can't find edit function!!

[acw]

METU - there is no "edit" function!!!  Pain isn't it!?!  Welcome anyway!!  Watch out for posting hiccoughs.  Sometimes the space bar THINKS it's the "submit" button and your post gets submitted repeatedly with only an extra word each time!  Total pain, but the only thing you can do is watch out for it!

Anyway - your advice is sound and something we'd all overlooked.  A period claiming JSA will NOT flatter a CV. 

[catra1]

I claimed it immediatley after Uni for about 3 months until my next paid post- no problems at all