Getting a job is never easy and with rising unemployment is becoming more difficult. Just getting an interview is a challenge. First impressions count. Smart Works comes to the aid of unemployed women. To tell us more, Helen Oldham, chair of Smart Works Leeds, gave us an insight into how Smart Works Empowers Women to Succeed.
Smart Works, a UK charity provides high quality interview clothes and interview training to unemployed women in need. It provides women with a work outfit from stock of high-quality clothes and accessories. With styling advice and interview training, the support helps women feel more confident and increases their chances of securing a job. Half the women have previously been unsuccessful in over 20 applications. A third have been turned down from over 50 jobs. All are suffering from a lack of confidence in their own abilities.
Smart Works work with many referral agencies, including Jobcentre Plus, work programme providers and charities working to support women back into employment. Helen highlighted the 80% success rate Smart Works has achieved in helping women into employment.
Clothes and cash donations as well as grants fund their work.
Soroptimist International of Yorkshire President Linda and guests from Clubs from throughout Yorkshire also joined our Zoom meeting.