I went to the jobcentre today for my fortnightly signing and while I was waiting I overheard a conversation between a claimant and jobcentre worker. The claimant was being told that his jobsearch efforts were not good enough and given a quiet warning that he had to make more effort. This came across as a friendly and wise warning and hopefully in two weeks time that guy will bring in a jobsearch booklet with enough details to keep everyone happy. I was given the all clear concerning my efforts and it is important for everyone unemployed to at least make the required effort in applying for vacancies because no one knows what targets jobcentre staff have been given. Of course you don't apply for vacancies that you don't have the skills for but jobs that they would expect you to apply for are always worth applying for. It's far harder to get a job than lose one at an interview and any intelligent employer will see instantly if you are not enthusiastic about a job even if you say all the right things. Body language gives away a load of information regarding how keen you are for the job. Next year is going to be tough for the unemployed with Universal Credit being started and although most of us think it is going to cause chaos I hope it works properly and no innocent person loses out. Politicians earning good salaries won't lose any sleep if we end up with our benefits being messed about with and leaving us without food or money to pay bills. Better to be safe than sorry so next time you have to attend a signing day make sure that jobsearch booklet at the very least contains the minimum acceptable efforts and I always apply for more jobs than I need to just to be safe. Nothing clever in being sanctioned because you took things too lightly especially as we are approaching christmas. Cold weather and no food don't make a good combination.