How do I get out of ‘intensive support job training’ - writing a resume and all that crap?

Firstly, this has been used by some artists to write grants, update cv’s, do proposals, and other things useful in an art context.

You can always get out of a specific day if you are doing ‘paid work’. Ask too if you can do these things on your home computer (’as you have all the references on there’) - they need the resources, and you can often go home early.

Art Schools programs are a great thing to mention here. Most art schools have a professional practice course, and art schools cover most of the things they want to teach you anyway. Give them your art schools projects or CVs etc if you want to make it really abvious.

You can be excused from this requirement completely if, for instance, you have a master or phd degree, or you teach at an art school (usually university), something like that. I teach professional practice at several art schools, and I always use that. If you do get out of it, you may be put onto ‘intensive support job search contacts’ instead. This is a less onorous version where you have to have a meeting every two months for six months (3 in total) ‘to see how you’re going’.

After your dole diaries are processed, if they think anything was slightly dodgy (say, too visual arts related), you may get an ‘employer contact certificate’ (EEC) letter, requiring you to apply to two advertised jobs, and to send the interviewees two forms - checking your interview skills were up to scratch, and that you applied for ’suitable’ jobs. For a list of reasons they might have sent you one of these, go to http://www.facs.gov.au/guide/ssguide/62150.htm

How do I get a good Job Network Provider?

Some artists have reported a better run with charity Job Network members, like the Salvation Army. Personally I’ve found them mixed from one office to the next. Pros – they sometimes value your life choices more, cons - sometimes they keep bugging you in a misguided attempt to ‘help’. Others prefer for-profit places, they are ruthless, and won’t give a damn if you’re on your right track or not, but if you’re not worth the effort they can sometimes leave you alone.

I’ve found it’s good to be honest that you are an artist and mention my art schools background, and tell them any other career developments, it makes them feel more positive that you know what you’re doing. Don’t forget to tell them in these meetings about your memberships, grant applications, arts jobs email listings, all the looking for work stuff you do anyway but don’t usually think if it that way. If you score an understanding job network provider, it can make the world of difference.

What are some of the bonus things you can ask your Job Network providers for?

“When you have to do your compulsory 2 hour job search on the computers during your intensive jobsearch crap, ask if you can be logged on to Arts Hub. This is one of the only websites that posts purely arts-based jobs and usually costs around $60 to aquire a login password.”

“once i hit one year and moved into ‘customised assistance’, i got $300 to buy ‘interview clothes’ (read sneakers, jacket, jocks etc). you have to know you can get it and ask for it though. just mention your lack of wardrobe when they get you to talk about your impediments to being able to find work. I’ve heard you can get petrol money too, but I found it was only $10 a month or something like that.”

one contributer found a job network provider that provided professional practice money to develop her art career. this included a cheque to cover slides, and for printing (thanks b!).

“I had to give some workshops and lectures at some art schools. Since art schools are the number one employer of visual artists in their mind, I was able to leverage clothes and petrol money - to look like an art school lecturer, and to get there on time.”

How Do I get Out of Job Network Interviews?

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Can I change my ‘provider’ if we don’t get on…?

If you don’t get along with your job network member you have to try and get a transfer which can be difficult depending on the provider. A transfer consists of going into your job network and requesting one. If they refuse you can call the feedback number on the service guarantee form (they by law have to provide you with this on your first visit and you can request copies). Complaints that will get job networks in trouble mainly relate to them breaching your privacy. You need a good reason to transfer, it can’t be because you don’t get along with them. You can try to use the location and get a transfer to a closer job network. Centrelink need irreconcilable dispute to force the job network to transfer you.
(This info was current January 2007. They change things more than I change my underwear so it might be outdated already)

Anushka Ra