When Asha came to Smart Works her confidence was at an all-time low. She had left her previous job after suffering with her mental health. After a short break Asha felt ready to go back to work but wasn’t sure where to start.

Although she was getting interviews, Asha wasn’t being offered any jobs and after finding out about Smart Works at a local jobs fair, she decided to contact the team for support.

During the appointment Asha’s confidence began to return andshe now has a job she loves and is looking forward to a bright future.

This is Asha’s story:

“I had to leave my last job because of the impact it was having on my mental health. I was really struggling – suffering from anxiety and depression. I was having a very hard time.

While I’d been focusing on my mental health, I’d beenkeeping an eye out for jobs but hadn’t been too focused. But then it got thepoint where money was tight, and I needed to get a job.

I’d been okay at finding jobs to apply for and getting interviews, but then I’d have the interview and wouldn’t be successful.

I decided to go to the Job Centre as there was a jobs fair happening. One of the Smart Works representatives was there, I was introduced to her, and we had a quick conversation and she suggested I come to the centre.

On the day of my appointment, I was greeted by so many smiling faces. During the time when I wasn’t working, I'd kept to myself a lot. I wasn't in a great place, and I don't think I was making it any better by not socialising and seeing people. So it was really nice going into a place where everybody was so welcoming.

Before my appointment I was very nervous. I had a jobinterview coming up and this was going to be my first in-person interview sinceleaving my last role, all the other interviews had been online.

The first part of the appointment was a fitting. I ended upgoing for something very bold with some bright red trousers, a dark blue blazer, and a white shirt. I felt incredible, it wasn’t what I would normally go for, but I felt great.

I also had the interview prep, which was eye-opening. I'd been trying to convince myself that I can do this, that I am good enough. But speaking to someone else who confirmed that was heart-warming and suddenly it was like, oh okay, I can do this.

We went through some interview prep on specific questions, and I felt so much more confident. Leaving after the coaching and with my clothes I was so excited. On the day of the interview, I didn’t have to think about what I was going to wear which was a lifesaver and gave me the opportunity to focus on how I was going to answer the questions and make the best impression.  

Giving Smart Works a chance, paid off I've met so manylovely people.

This is about so much more than just clothes - my confidenceimmediately increased. My first appointment was fantastic, and since gettingthe job I have also had the chance to meet other women who have used theservice. Getting to speak to them and hear their experiences, my confidence hascontinued to grow. I'm so much more confident than I was before.

Now I see myself and what I've done as being valuable. I know skills that I have are going to help me in the future. I'm in a really good place.