Hi all, following a recent conversation with a colleague I became aware of a charity called Smart Works. For those who do not know Smart Works is a UK-based charity dedicated to helping women secure employment and transform their lives. They provide high-quality workwear, coaching, and support to unemployed women, boosting their confidence and helping them succeed in job interviews1.
Their main Centre's are in London, with locations in Islington, Ladbroke Grove, and Croydon they also have a Centre in Reading.
Here are some key aspects of Smart Works:
- Workwear: They offer professional clothing for job interviews, ensuring women feel confident and presentable.
- Coaching: Clients receive one-on-one interview coaching from experienced volunteers.
- Impact: Over 63% of their clients secure a job within a month of their appointment1.
- Community: The charity is supported by a community
The Smart Works experience is designed to be empowering and supportive. Here is what a typical visit might look like:
Warm Welcome: Clients are greeted warmly by volunteers, creating a friendly and encouraging atmosphere.
Personal Styling Session: A professional stylist helps clients choose an outfit that suits their style and the job for which they are applying. This includes clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Interview Coaching: After the styling session, clients receive one-on-one interview coaching. This session is tailored to their specific needs and the job they are applying for, providing practical tips and boosting their confidence.
Follow-Up Support: After the initial appointment, clients can return for a second dressing and additional coaching if they secure a job interview.
Their goal is to ensure that every woman leaves feeling confident, prepared, and supported.
Below is the experience of a colleague who has kindly agreed to share her experience with Smart Works. Thank you very much Brenda for agreeing to share your experience with others. Remember ‘Knowledge is Power.’
At my age, I never envisioned that I would seek help from the Government. Now, I am in my 50s, nearly reaching my 60s, and I never dreamt I would find myself unemployed. After two appointments with the DWP (Department of Works and Pensions), I was assigned a new coach who deals with the over-50s age group.
Following a couple of unsuccessful interview attempts, my job coach informed me about a company called Smart Works that deals exclusively with women aged 16+ who are currently unemployed or on zero-hours contracts. They provide free interview clothing and coaching ahead of any upcoming interviews. Even if you do not have an interview lined up, they will still offer 1-2-1 support.
My coach explained that, because I am unemployed and receiving Universal Credit (UC), I am eligible to be referred, and she would now complete a referral to Smart Works.
I remember receiving an email from the Local Authority regarding Smart Works to select an interview slot. I had an interview date set for the following Friday. I contacted my coach through the Journal and let them know who referred me to Smart Works at short notice.
On the actual day I spoke to a lovely, polite lady from the team who sent me an appointment letter with directions and a Smart Works booklet to take to their office in Croydon. On the following day, Wednesday, I arrived for my appointment. I was greeted by a member of staff and escorted to a sofa, where I was offered refreshments. First, I spoke to a job careers coach about the position I had applied for. She gave me lots of useful interview tips.
The highlight of the day was having three personal shoppers choose an outfit for my interview on Friday. I was amazed by the quality of the clothes, with brand names like M&S, shoes, jackets, trousers, suits—all new.
To top it off, they provided Bobbi Brown makeup, jewellery, shoes, handbag and an outfit for my interview on the Friday. Finally, you get a second fitting once you successfully gain employment and get to keep all the outfits. This company is just for women, and from start to finish, the experience is worth getting your job coach to refer you. The ladies are welcoming, polite, and patient, and give every client a lot of support and confidence so please mention Smart Works to your job coach at DWP to access this service. Smart Works gets a thumbs up from me!