To assist clients who have recently lost their job, Cardif Czech Republic started an original and effective progamme called Job Care. Job Care aids individuals with a step-by-step process in finding a new job. The programme, which is free of charge, helps build and improve relationships with its clients who have recently lost their job.

This programme is provided in three steps. First, a client who has recently lost his job contacts the Cardif call centre and makes a claim. Over the phone, he can discuss his current situation and basic needs. He is also given information and advice how and where to seek a new job, how to write a CV, how to prepare for an interview and get ready for the first day of a new job. This information can be difficult to find at times, especially for individuals who have trouble or are not accustomed to using the Internet as their primary job search tool.

After working a job for many years, it can be challenging and stressful to start the process over. Cardif’s clients greatly appreciate the help that has been provided for them to get back on their feet.

The second step in the programme is the opportunity for the client to attend a special seminar where they can discuss their situation with the specialists and gain valuable experience as well. This seminar is provided by the partner of the programme, the global HR agency Manpower. After attending this seminar, Manpower’s regional office cooperates with the client on seeking a new job for him. This entails sending out CVs and arranging interviews, which is the third step of the programme.

Cardif Czech Republic had already launched this programme in November 2007. After two-year operation, one of the Cardif’s biggest partners – Ceska sporitelna bank (part of Erste Group) – has decided to participate on this programme. So since September 2009, Ceska sporitelna, as the partner of the project, has been compensating the costs of the seminars for its clients. With such good feedback from participants, Cardif plans to continue this altruistic initiative.