Sadija gets supported by Smart Works

Smart Works is a service that helps women get access to job interview clothing while helping to get them ready for job interviews, and to boost their confidence. The women who receive support from Smart Works are referred from Job Centres, women’s refuges, homeless shelters, the prison service, mental health charities and youth organisations.

Interview Styling and Coaching – how Smart Works helps women looking for work in Greater Manchester

After referral, each client (who has an upcoming job interview) will have 1-hour with a friendly volunteer stylist, to select a complete high-quality interview outfit that they feel confident and comfortable in. The outfit is free of charge and hers to keep.

Following this, the second hour of the appointment is spent with a trained interview coach, where each client spends a further 1-hour preparing for their interview, going through interview techniques and advice.

After having this appointment, clients who get the job are invited back for a Second Dressing, where they receive a capsule wardrobe of clothing to last until their first pay cheque.

Sadija’s Story with Smart Works

Sadija was referred to Smart Works Greater Manchester from The Big Life Group. After looking for work for around one year, the process of applying for jobs had left her feeling much less confident in herself. Sadija initially received the Career Coaching service, receiving a dressing consultation and a job interview outfit.

After then securing an interview, Sadija returned and received the Interview Styling and Coaching service, where she was supported by an expert interview coach. Following this, Sadija had a successful interview, and she got the job and she was supplied with a capsule working wardrobe through Smart Works’ Second Dressing service.

Smart Works were happy to see Sadija’s confidence grow and improve, and in speaking to her afterwards, Sadija had this to say about the support she received from the Smart Works team:

“I really appreciated the level of support I’ve received…the styling made me feel comfortable in outfits I could have never imagined myself wearing.”

To learn more about what Smart Works does for women in Greater Manchester, visit their website here.

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