Building Confidence and Community: The 'How-To Series'

Workshop participants were also invited to our hub for a free styling session and outift.

Over the past couple months, women across Wellington have been part of our How-To Series workshops — practical sessions focused on building confidence, sharpening job-seeking skills, and creating genuine connections. We were lucky to partner with the Wellington Women’s Health Collective and the Wellington Women’s House, with generous support from The Strachlachlan Fund, to make this happen.

Building Confidence with Practical Tools

For many, these workshops were the first chance in a while to stop and focus on themselves. Together we looked at how to structure interview answers, refresh CVs and cover letters, use LinkedIn more effectively, and even how to navigate the recruitment process in the age of AI.

One participant said, “I have learnt how to present my skills and abilities better, how to improve my CV/Resume, Cover Letter and my interview skills.” Another shared, “I feel I now have the tools to edit my CV and keep it shorter.”

The Power of Connection

More than anything, participants spoke about the value of being in the room together. Many said it was reassuring to realise they weren’t the only ones facing certain challenges, and they appreciated hearing each other’s stories and advice.

As one woman put it, “It’s reassuring to know the questions and concerns I have been shared by other women.” Another added, “Meeting the wonderful women and facilitators on the workshop was a highlight.”

At the final Health Collective session, women were swapping contact details, heading out for coffees, and even asking for a follow-up catch-up in a couple of months so they could keep supporting each other. That sense of community is exactly what we hope these workshops can spark.

Acknowledgements

We want to thank the Wellington Women’s Health Collective and the Wellington Women’s House for opening their doors to us, and the Strachlachlan Fund proudly managed by Perpetual Guardian for supporting this series. Your support has made a real difference for women preparing to take their next steps with confidence.