pole emploi - regular meeting

Just had a phone call from a friend of mine who has just signed up for the ememployement benefit (chomage) and is due to have the first meeting (convocation) with them. She was asking me what to do, so for those who don't know how to do it, here is what I did over the year.

The monthly meeting with pole emploi is a mandatory.  While you receive your benefit, you either attend a training (formation professionnel) acknowledged by the pole emploi or you have a monthly meeting with them. 
The meeting is to find out what kind of job hunting activities you do and what can you do until the next meeting.  I'd advise you to list all the companies you applied (with dates applied and receive reply) so that way they know what you do.



Within the extend of your existing professional experience, you can ask for a training if it's available. It's worth asking, as they are more reactive, they don't suggest you otherwise.

I've asked for two trainings ; French language and reviewing CV to apply French culture - it was worth it, as they contacted them straight away and I got registered immediately. 


While you receive your benefit or not, you must log in to pole emploi website to declare your current status(L'Actualisation) -(period varies each month).  If you want to take time off (summer / X'mas holiday), you must tell them that you are away from job hunting and ask for the approval from the pole emploi. If you can't attend the regular meeting, you must let them know to reschedule it. 

The facility at the pole emploi is great, there are computers dedicated to pole emploi search website and print if necessary,  the photo copy machine, telephones.

I found they are very supportive as long as you show that you are seriously looking. Indeed, I have come across a few issues (mostly the paper got losts..) with them, but that's a problem in process. I've seen some people shouting at them at the pole emploi office, but that won't solve anything.. 


For foreigners who have to renew their carte de sejour every year, you need to send them a copy of the renewed card to avoid being cancelled of your registration.  If the valid date is expired while on benefit, they'll stop it - mine did and I had to send the copy several times until they re-activate my ID. That also happened after I finished my training, assuming that I got a job - not as easy as they think.

Any questions, please drop me a comment.