Claiming Jobseeker's Benefit and interview on proof of seeking employment

Hi,

A friend who is 53 and has been unemployed for the first time for about 8 months now has been told by friends that he will most likely be called for an interview with a Social Welfare officer to prove that he is seeking employment. As he has never had any experience of this type of stuff before he is wondering what exactly to expect.

As he is over 50 he is finding it very hard to get a reply to his applications never mind an interview. He held a clerical position for over 25 years.

Has anyone else been for one of these interviews and what should he need as proof of job applications. Somone mentioned to him that S.W. are all too aware that realistically his chances of finding a job are slim because he does not have many qualifications.

thanks.

Photocopy and date any job applications.
Keep a notes of dates and places of interviews attended.

Register with FAS and keep a record of any courses applied for and any jobseeking assistance offered.

Remember SW are looking for proof that he has tried and applied for work and not whether employers have replied to him. If he recieves replies or interviews, well that's a bonus.

Can I suggest a notebook listing jobs applied for with the names of the employers, dates of application, dates of replies (if any) or even enter No reply. As Cat 101 has said keep copies of application letters or e-mails. Copy of Fas registration