Erica

Erica worked as a CEO for a small charity, a job she loved. Sadly, due funding cuts, the charity was forced to close, with the result that everyone was made redundant.

“I knew there was a chance it might happen but, when it does, it’s a shock,” remembers Erica.  “I initially applied for some jobs, but the level of competition is enormous. If you’re older and not used to the new ways of applying, it’s hard. Even though I had a large range of experience, I knew I needed help and support, so I called Resource.” 

The first thing that happened was that Erica was matched with one of Resource’s expert advisors, Jonathan. 

“We talked about what I was looking for, I told him my experience was with the charity sector and social care. I didn’t mind what the job was, but I wanted to work somewhere where I could contribute.”

 They worked on Erica’s CV but Jonathan also let her know that Resource offered a whole range of seminars. 

“I signed up for everything, like the LinkedIn session which showed you how to update your account.  I tweaked my profile, so it was more targeted, as well as rewriting my LinkedIn bio. To my surprise, almost immediately people started contacting me. It gave me so much confidence.”

Soon after that, a job came up: a small Jewish charity, were looking for a CEO. 

“Even though I had the experience, I still had to do my homework on the organisation: what are they looking for? What are their values? I wanted to show I’d done my research.”

It wasn’t long before Erica was invited in for an interview. To help prepare her, Resource arranged a mock interview, with Eric, one their experts. 

“It was so useful. We went through the questions I was likely to be asked, my relevant experience and what I could bring to the charity.

“After the first interview I was called back again. I made sure I was prepared and asked questions as well offering some general ideas.”

 Within days, Erica received a phone call – she’d got the job! 

“I’ve been at the charity for several months now. The job is such a good fit and I’m really enjoying it. Without Resource’s support, I am convinced I wouldn’t have the role. They gave me the understanding and tools that I didn’t have. I could have never done it on my own.”