SUCCESS STORIES
We understand the challenges that some people face when moving into work. We aim to assist in whatever way we can to make sure our customers have the best possible chance of sustaining their employment. Read some of our favourite success stories below.
ROMINA'S STORY
Romina initially came to us for interview clothes, help with her CV, interview preparation, and a sector specific mock interview.
Romina had previous HR experience and had worked in a patisserie in Iran. Although she had numerous skills, she struggled to convey these in an interview setting.
We supported her with confidence building and helped to improve her interview technique. By coaching Romina, she felt confident for her interview and was successful in getting the job.
Her new role was not due to start for two months, and Romina wanted to work in a customer service setting before starting her new role, so, we supported her to apply for the Adult Work Experience Scheme with Bolton at Home.
Romina was successful in her application and worked as a volunteer for Working Wardrobe, which helped her engage with the local community, build on her confidence, and enabled her to complete courses on our Customer Training Programme. Romina is really enjoying her new job and continues to volunteer with us in her free time.
She's also hoping to set up her own baking business. If you'd like to see some of Romina's excellent bakes, visit her Instagram page @my_sweet_oven21.
"There's a blessing behind every delay."
Anon
KANE'S STORY
"I was struggling to find employment due to slow labour market following the Covid pandemic, so, I applied for a Kickstart role in Bolton at Home’s Property Maintenance Team.
I was successful in being invited to an interview with Bolton at Home and I was referred to the Working Wardrobe for tailored interview preparation and the option of interview clothing.
During my appointment, I was shown how to use flash cards as an interview technique and what’s known as the STAR method on answering interview questions to ensure I was able to give clear structured answers to questions. I was successful in the interview and was offered the job..!
Then, after my Kickstart position came to an end, I applied for an Apprentice Joiner role with Bolton at Home as I’d enjoyed my time there under the Kickstart scheme. I got back in touch with Shaira from Working Wardrobe and she invited me to come back for interview preparation and a mock interview.
I had a total of three coaching sessions with Shaira, who went above and beyond to help and support me, as well as staying after work to help me prepare my interview notes and flash cards to ensure I had an understanding on what may come up on the interview and to be prepared for the possible questions.
I was again successful in my interview and was offered the Apprentice Joiner role..! I couldn’t have done it without support of Working Wardrobe- thank you!”
"Believe you can and you're halfway there."
Theodore Roosevelt
IT ALL STARTED WITH A PAIR OF SHOES...
When we first met her, Amanda (name changed) mentioned that she needed some comfortable walking shoes so she could walk to work, as it would be quicker for her to walk there than catching four busses every day.
Over time, Amanda's trust in our service developed, and she disclosed more information about her past, having been in and out of Fortalice as a child and then again as an adult with her own relationships. She had no family support and struggled with confidence.
Unfortunately, Amanda's first job didn’t work out, and she wanted a career change- so, Amanda was referred to our Career and Life Coaching Service, which helped her to look for jobs and complete application forms. Amanda landed her dream job interview, and was then referred to Shaira at Working Wardrobe for her to work her magic. Shaira styled Amanda in the perfect outfit and worked to prepare her for her interview.
Amanda was offered the job and was over the moon- as were we! After visiting Shaira again for more office attire, Amanda was ready to start her new job.
It was a shaky start despite all the preparation. On the morning of Amanda's first day, she began having anxiety attacks and was unable to leave the house. Fortunately, she felt comfortable contacting our In-Work Support Officer who was able to reassure her. Over time, her anxiety decreased and soon she was enjoying work and hitting all her targets. Her manager was really pleased with her progress, and her confidence had a massive boost!
Six months on and now Amanda has passed her probationary period at work and her confidence is at all time high.
"Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day."
Dalai Lama