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Essentials Careers Applications and interviews Smart Works Reading

Smart Works Reading

A charity providing high quality interview clothes, styling advice and interview training to women in need

What is Smart Works? 

Smart Works is a UK charity that provides high quality interview clothes, styling advice and interview training to women in need. Smart Works gives women the confidence, the self-belief and the practical tools they require to succeed at interview and start a new chapter of their life. In nearly ten years, the charity has helped over 20,000 women across ten centres in the UK. You can read more about your local  Smart Works centre on their website. 

What does Smart Works do?  

If you are referred to Smart Works, you will attend a two-hour core dressing and interview preparation session.  

In the dressing session, with the advice and expertise of volunteer stylists, each client is offered an excellent selection of high-quality clothing to wear for their interview, all free of charge and yours to keep. Stylists will work with you to find an outfit that you love and that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.  

Following the dressing session, highly skilled volunteer interview coaches will work one-to-one with you in a compassionate and supportive way. The interview session focuses on increasing the awareness of your own strengths, building confidence, answering questions effectively and understanding what is expected of you at interview. 

In a focused session, ahead of a job interview this can have a significant impact on a client’s confidence.  

Interview volunteers at Smart Works are all senior managers, HR professionals or executive coaches. 

When a Smart Works client gets a job, they would be delighted to support you with a full working wardrobe to start your new role. So, clients can come back and see them for additional items of clothing to see them through to their first pay cheque.  

 

How do I get a referral? 

If you meet the eligibility criteria below and would like to make an appointment with Smart Works, please complete their short online form.  

Once submitted, the form will be checked by a member of the Careers Team and then sent to Smart Works, who will then contact you to arrange a date for your appointment.  

 

Eligibility   

Smart Works is open to any female identifying client 

Candidates must have a confirmed interview for paid employment, apprenticeships, internships, or work placements. 
 

Submit your referral form

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