Smart Works
Smart Works is a UK charity that provides high quality interview clothes, styling advice and interview training to any woman with a confirmed interview. They give women the confidence, the self-belief and the practical tools they require to succeed at interview and start a new chapter of their life.
At the core of their service is a dressing and interview appointment at one of their Smart Works centres. During her visit, each woman receives a high-quality interview outfit (theirs to keep) tailored to their taste and style by Smart Works’ stylists. This is followed by dedicated one-to-one interview training with an experienced recruitment, HR or coaching professional.
The Smart Works service is currently run in six locations across the UK: North London, West London, Edinburgh, Greater Manchester, Reading and Birmingham, with more on the way.
Case studies
Tina Singh
Tina came to visit Smart Works for the first time in September 2015 and was successful in securing a role as a catering assistant in early October.
“I had no smart clothes to wear for interviews and my confidence was at an all time low when I was referred to Smart Works in September.
The dressers at Smart Works made me look super sharp for my interview. They were so kind and friendly; they knew how to dress me and gave me lots of styling advice. They really were experts.
The interview techniques and tips I learnt during the interview coaching was also so very useful, and really helped me prepare for my interview properly.
Everyone at Smart Works made me feel worthy. They really built up my confidence and I would recommend the service to anyone.”
Letitia Adu-Sarkodie
Letitia visited Smart Works in April 2015 having applied for over 30 jobs unsuccessfully in the previous 6 months. Shortly after coming to Smart Works Letitia secured a job at Google in their HR department.
“Being unemployed for a long time and being unsuccessful in so many applications had really impacted negatively on my sense of self worth and confidence. I didn’t really believe in myself at interview which I am sure showed, and I know I wasn’t instilling confidence in the people interviewing me.
Coming to Smart Works gave me a real confidence boost, it was a fantastic experience.
The Interview session was priceless as it gave me so many good tips on how to answer tricky interview questions. I really appreciated being able to go through my CV and I learnt how to speak about my skills and experience positively.
I definitely left with a smile, and to top it all off I survived a very hard three hour interview and got the job!”
Appointments at Smart Works are by referral only. Each local Smart Works works with a large range of referral partners who support women back into work. If you are unsure you can find Smartworks contact number and they will be able to advice you.
For further information, please visit the website.
Posted on: 30th January, 2017
