BOOKCAREERS INITIATIVE
WHAT IS IT?
Bookcareers Initiative is a networking group/job club specifically created to help those already within the industry who are currently unemployed and facing a prolonged job search. Unlike other groups, the Initiative will meet during the daytime.
There will be three groups:
Bookcareers Initiative Professionals* meets in London twice a month. This is aimed at Directors, Managers and Senior staff.
Bookcareers Initiative Associates* meets in London once a month and is aimed at those who are first/second jobbers, have limited experience or a recognised publishing qualification.
Bookcareers Initiative Oxford meets in Oxford, currently once a month. This may split into two groups if necessary.
These are NOT 'open' meetings - Registration is essential. *Group allocation will be decided by bookcareers.com
THIS PROJECT HAS ALREADY BEEN ENDORSED BY THE BOOK TRADE CHARITY BTBS, THE PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION, SFEP, THE SYP AND WOMEN IN PUBLISHING.
Read their comments.
HOW DO I JOIN?
Please send an email to suzanne@ bookcareers.com with your CV. If you are already registered with the CV Clearing House, there is no need to attach your CV, just mention in your email that you are already registered.
ARE YOU AN EMPLOYER, RECRUITER OR A PUBLISHER?
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP
WHAT WILL HAPPEN?
Each meeting will start promptly at the scheduled time, where news and highlights will be announced. You will then be divided into smaller groups, to allow for discussion and feedback.
The meeting will usually then have a formal presentation or speaker, who will be invited to give you specialist advice or training that you would not be likely to hear elsewhere. It is also hoped to invite particular employers within the industry who are currently recruiting.
We are still in testing period and the format may change from time to time; there is no guarantee that there will be a speaker or guests at every meeting.
CLUB RULES
All meetings will be 'off camera'; what is said in the meeting room stays in the meeting room.
DRESS CODE
You are requested to come dressed for work; jeans are NOT permitted. This is to recreate a professional atmosphere and for you to be prepared should a potential employer be 'dropping in'.
DATABASE
We aim to compile a database of those attending and send a summary of skills to recruiters within the industry. There will currently be no charge to recruit from the group, although companies will be asked if they can make a donation to The Book Trade Charity, BTBS.
REFRESHMENTS
Usually Tea and Coffee will be provided (but this may not always be possible), the cost of this will be donated by The Book Trade Charity, BTBS.
WHO IS ALLOWED TO JOIN?
Membership is open to those who are unemployed and from the UK book publishing or bookselling industry, which has suffered major redundancies in the past year. Membership will be free to qualifying individuals. Entry Level candidates will be expected to have either a publishing degree, relevant work experience or membership of the Society of Young Publishers. To maintain a balanced membership, bookcareers will assign you to a particular group.
Numbers are strictly limited and membership is solely at the discretion of Bookcareers.com - it is important that we capture those who meet our key criteria first. We DO NOT discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, sexual orientation, race or disability.
FAQs
I might meet someone at this group who is going after exactly the same jobs as me. Will I have to share with people what interviews or jobs I am applying for?
No. You share with the group as little or as much personal information as you wish.
The date/time of the meetings clash with the time that I am due to ‘sign on’. What should I do?
Let bookcareers.com know and we will write you a letter for you to take to the job centre, requesting that your signing on time is moved as it clashes with an excellent opportunity for you to look for work within your chosen field.
Is there a membership fee?
Currently there is no membership fee or charge; This is a not-for profit- venture. bookcareers.com are giving their time freely; 3 Monkeys Communications are helping with room hire; the Book Trade Charity are sponsoring the tea and coffee.
I’ve been doing work experience for 6 months do I qualify?
Relevant work experience qualifies you for the Associate group; however, places are strictly limited.
I’m having a terrible time at the moment… will it be one of those groups where you have to stand up and share all your problems?
No. This is a dignified, positive work-focused group, there will be no whinging and no self-pity – everyone here will be in the same boat.
Can I turn up see the guests and leave?
No, this is not a 'drop in centre' it is a formal meeting and you will be expected to commit to the whole meeting. If you are seen to be abusing the meetings you may be excluded from future meetings.
WHAT THEY ARE ALREADY SAYING ABOUT
BOOKCAREERS INITIATIVE
Annabel Dunstan, Managing Director, 3 Monkeys Communications David Hicks, The Book Trade Charity, BTBS Angela Solomon, Chair of the Society of Young Publishers Women in Publishing |
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