Anu kick-starts her career with confidence and style

Volunteer Anuradha has found employment after making the most of what Yes for Success (YFS) has to offer.  Anu moved to New Zealand from India last year. Nervous about finding a job in a new culture, she got a jump-start by volunteering as a retail assistant at our Wellington Hub. She also attended various workshops and ‘How to’ sessions offered through YFS including a confidence workshop, CV and cover letter training, networking skills, workplace styling and learning how to reach employers on LinkedIn. It just goes to show how being proactive can unlock opportunities; applying everything she learned, Anu secured a new job in June.

“YFS prepared and supported me during the tough time of finding a job,” says Anu. “After coming to a new country and knowing no-one, the sense of community provided by YFS and the team is something I cannot describe in words. I will always be grateful to this organisation.”

Congratulations Anu, we wish you all the best in your new role.

How did you hear about YFS?

Through Volunteer Wellington, I saw the opening for a retail assistant and applied for it.

Why did you come to us for assistance?

I wanted to volunteer with a not-for-profit organisation and YFS was the perfect fit for me. After coming for an interview with Sasmita, I got to know the various programmes and workshops provided here for people who are looking for a job, including interview styling.

How did we help you?

I started working as a retail assistant which helped me gain confidence talking to people. Through interactions with the YFS team and customers I learned greetings and how to make small talk and it helped me understand the accent as I am not originally from New Zealand.

How did our volunteers make you feel?

I am new to the country, away from my family and friends. At YFS I found a community I can relate to which made it easier for me to settle in Wellington. The volunteers are friendly, approachable, and supportive of each other’s skills.

Did our programme(s) meet your expectations?

Yes, the various workshops and programmes really helped to boost my confidence, understand the New Zealand job market and how the job application process works and gave me tips for interviews. The interview styling was excellent. In India we have different smart wear called chudidar which I would normally wear for work. But here the culture is different and I wanted to fit in. I was worried because I didn’t have anything to wear for my first week of work. After my YFS styling I came away with a whole week’s work wardrobe and felt so much better.

What was the result?

I believe I was able to secure my job because of all the things I learned in the YFS workshops. Also, I just love all my YFS outfits and I believe they were key to making a good first impression in my job. The stylist, Irene, asked me about my new career so she could suggest the appropriate types of clothes. I came out feeling happy and beautiful. It gave me extra confidence as I introduced myself to my new colleagues.

How would you define success?

Success for me is financial freedom, having my own income and having time to spend with my family and friends.

What advice would you give others?

Try to understand expectations around the job application process in the local recruitment market. How to find and apply for roles, but also CV preparation, interview techniques, building confidence and language skills in the New Zealand workplace and looking and feeling the part. Having those tools really increases your chances of success.

What next - have you set any goals?

I want to succeed in my career and upgrade myself with new skills.