Asha

Asha’s first job after university was at a start-up but she wasn’t prepared for it to shut down after just eight months. 

“I was shocked and it left me with no idea what to do. I applied for loads of for charity and events jobs, and I even had interviews, but I always got the same response - I didn’t have enough experience. It was such a miserable time, and really scary, particularly as people I knew were also finding is so hard to get a job. 

“I’d heard about Resource through a cousin who found them incredibly supportive and helpful. In fact, she ended up with a job at a large accounting firm, So, it certainly seemed worth giving them a call.

“The first thing that happened was that they arranged for me to meet with an advisor, Anupa. We talked about my experience and what I was looking for.   Anupa showed me how to put together a really strong CV, build on my skills and capitalise on my strengths. She advised me to include the time I’d been a youth leader, which showed I had leadership skills. I was also a volunteer events co-ordinator for an education charity, which meant I could add events to the CV – something I never would have thought of.”

Besides regular meetings with her advisor, Asha took advantage of the seminars Resource run, which include sessions on interview technique, AI and networking. 

“They were definitely worth doing. I also had the chance to talk to other people on the course and share our experiences, which was so helpful.”

After several months, Asha saw a communications job advertised for the Civil Service – a job that played to her strengths. “Anupa was amazing, helping me put together a really strong CV, as well as filling out forms that I needed to complete.”

When a few weeks later Asha was invited for an interview, Resource organised a mock interview with Eric, another trained advisor. 

“It felt like the real thing. I’d rehearsed what to say and made sure I presented my skills.  After the mock interview was over, I was given feedback, looking at what I could do better. It was incredibly helpful.” 

It wasn’t long before Asha heard back from the Civil Service – she was offered the job! 

“Going to Resource was a hundred percent game changer for me. When I started working on my application, they helped me with each step. It made a huge difference. How are you meant to know what to do on your own?  One thing I do know is I wouldn’t have got the job I have without them.”