
Nine ways a french job centre can help jobseekers - and employers
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FROM CV ADVICE TO LANGUAGE LESSONS THE NEW FRANCE TRAVAIL IS GEARING UP TO INCREASE EMPLOYMENT The Pôle Emploi has changed its name to France Travail and, alongside a new logo, has a new
director. In theory, France Travail is a completely new entity but changes will be incremental. Eventually, however, it is expected to simplify the administration involved in registering for
benefits and accessing help to get back into training and/or employment. Between now and 2027, when the new structure is expected to be fully operational, jobseekers will become more
closely supervised. They will be expected to spend at least 15 hours a week actively attending training sessions or job-hunting, and will face sanctions if they fail to comply. READ MORE:
FRENCH JOBSEEKER REBRAND AIMS TO INSPIRE ‘ACTIVE’ TAKE ON EMPLOYMENT The services offered by Pôle Emploi/France Travail – which employs around 58,000 people and runs approximately 890 job
centres across the country – include the following: 1. SUPPORT FINDING WORK Anyone, even those currently in employment, can ask for information about job opportunities, training, career
progression, and mobility. The Pôle Emploi/France Travail website is the largest job listings website in France and anyone can consult it. As well as jobs in France, it lists opportunities
abroad. Staff also construct and maintain close contacts with employers in their area, meaning they can advise jobseekers which might be recruiting soon, and where best to send spontaneous
applications to get ahead of the game. READ MORE: JOBS IN FRANCE: THESE KEY SECTORS ARE ACTIVELY RECRUITING 2. HELP CLAIMING BENEFITS Staff can inform jobseekers about unemployment benefits
available, and help apply. If necessary, they can help applicants complete their employment history. This is important because if, for example, a short employment contract has been omitted
from an applicant’s record, it could adversely affect the benefits they receive. READ MORE: RECEIVE FAMILY BENEFITS IN FRANCE? WHY YOU MUST CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD READ MORE: FRENCH BENEFIT:
AJPA THE CAREGIVER OR COMPASSIONATE LEAVE ALLOWANCE 3. WRITING A _LETTRE DE MOTIVATION_ Staff can help write the all-important covering letter, or _lettre de motivation_. They will correct
spelling and grammar and suggest what to include. This can usually be typed – the requirement to copy it out in your best longhand is dying out. 4. CV ADVICE Staff can help applicants write
their CVs, which entail professional-looking layouts, attractive fonts and sometimes a photo. French CVs need to be adapted to each job opportunity. Some job centres run group sessions or
short courses. Otherwise, applicants can check their own CV with their personal adviser. 5. LANGUAGE LESSONS Receive help accessing French lessons to improve both written and oral language
skills. Depending on the area, sometimes staff can even point you in the direction of free courses. Otherwise, they can help navigate the CFP (_Compte Personnel de Formation_) system, where
applicable. READ MORE: A1, C2: WHAT IS THE CEFR LANGUAGE RATING IN FRANCE? 6. VOCATIONAL TRAINING In certain circumstances, jobseekers can sign up for paid vocational training. Staff can
help find these opportunities locally, and explain who is eligible/how to apply. 7. INTERVIEW PRACTICE Prepare for upcoming job interviews, either in real life or, as is increasingly the
case, online via platforms such as Zoom. Where the job centre has a relationship with a prospective employer, they can let candidates know what to expect at the interview. 8. FREE USE OF
COMPUTERS Jobseekers can use the computers and printers to apply for jobs, draw up CVs and write covering letters. Many job centres have workstations to use without making a reservation, but
check first. 9. EMPLOYER SUPPORT Staff can help employers list jobs by explaining the rules and regulations to follow and the types of opportunity that can be created. They can also help
recruiting. RELATED ARTICLES MORE CHECKS TO CATCH UNDECLARED WORKERS IN FRANCE UNLIMITED PAID LEAVE IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS, SAYS US FIRM IN FRANCE TEN THINGS YOU CAN DO AT FRENCH PREFECTURES
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