h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I told them because they asked if I'd been doing any paid or unpaid work. It is a bit annoying and intrusive, though I guess I understand the insistance that you not work more than 16 hours a week - you are supposed to be looking for paid work after all.

I do mention h2g2 on my CV, but the Job Centre doesn't see it.

Bagpuss, you have my deepest sympathy. I honestly don't know what I would do if I actually had to go fill out a job application. I'm not sure I could remember who I worked for it has been so long since I have worked for other people.

However, I'm sure the right job with the right people will show up for you.

Yeah, filling in applications is a pain. I've organised myself to an extent, so I have several CVs and a file called "complete cv" which lists all the stuff application forms sometimes ask for: addresses, salaries, reasons for leaving.

I must admit that I'd no more think about putting down 'Subbing for h2g2' as unpaid work on an unemployment application form than I would 'Growing cacti', 'Watching movies' or 'Making models of the Eiffel Tower out of matchsticks'. It's a hobby, a pastime. Something done during the hours when one isn't working.

Well that's partly what landed me in trouble - I didn't declare it straight away, but then I thought of it and asked and they said I should have declared it.

Have you printed off examples of your work for prospective employers? Putting "subbed entries for the BBC website H2G2 for xx-number of months/years" could mean zilch to some, but I have a folder containing my printed-out entries inside plastic sleeves which I keep in a ring-binder. It's more tangible and gives them an opportunity to ask you questions.

As a prospective employer I'd rather see constructive stuff (especially voluntary) that's been done in someone's spare time than to be told their leisure hours are spent playing video games, etc. Someone somewhere, will take note.

GB's idea is a great one. As an employer I am interested in actual work experience obviously, but I also am willing to consider people who demonstrate they have the necessary skills even if they weren't obtained on a formal job.

No-one's asked to see any of my subbing work, but I'll bear that in mind. If I go to an interview where it's relevant it'd be good to be able to show people what I've done.

The last interview I had at the job centre, I showed my folder to the lady and she was very impressed. We spoke for about half-an-hour - she was especially interested in the research I'd done on Harold Shipman and was impressed that I answered her questions about the case. Her favourite was the Streakers and Streaking entry

I took my folder along to my next medical and the Doctor asked me how I spend my time, so I showed him the folder. The top one was the History of the Transit of Venus entry and it was a moment for him, he was an amateur astronomer and he had witnessed the latest transit (in 2004) with his father who had recently died.

You just never know what triggers something off and creates a bond between people. I am not nervous or scared any more like I used to be, I can hold my own. I have H2G2 to thank for that, that's why it'll never be "just a website" to me.

By the way, thanks Hypatia!

Bagpuss, when you're ready to print out your entries, change the URL skin to "plain" - it'll save a heck of a lot of ink, and the BLOBs look fantastic

I use plain anyway, though I sometimes switch to brunel for the fancy editing gadgets. At the moment, I think I should be employed next week anyhow, but I'll definitely bear this in mind.