Welcome to Smart Works North East

We help unemployed women to get the coaching, clothing and confidence they need to secure employment and change the trajectory of their lives.

How we can help

We support unemployed women in their job search through the power of high-quality interview clothing and coaching.

We support women regardless of their unemployment circumstances. Whether you are recently unemployed, coming back to work after a long employment gap or looking for your first ever job, the Smart Works team are here to help you on your journey.

At the heart of Smart Works sits an Interview Dressing and Preparation service designed to help our clients with a scheduled job interview feel and look their best at a crucial moment. This includes a 60-minute dressing-appointment followed by a 60-minute personalised interview preparation, completely free of charge.

No interview? No problem!

We also provide dedicated 60-minute Career Coaching sessions to our clients to help them secure an interview and take the next step toward employment. Once an interview has been scheduled, the client can come back to us for an Interview Dressing and Preparation appointment to receive high-quality clothing and one-to-one coaching ahead of her interview.

Our impact

Since 2018, we've been working hard to deliver our service in communities across the North East.
3,700+
women supported by Smart Works North East
68%
of the clients Smart Works supported ahead of an interview secured employment
95%
felt more confident they would succeed at their next interview
Hannah*

“All I want is to have a stable career so I can support me and my family.

The interview practice was so helpful, and I feel amazing in the outfit I received.
Honestly, I'm blown away, I actually feel excited for my interview now!"
Miriam*

"I needed a job with flexibility, it was proving too hard to find something permanent and flexible at the same time.

I really enjoyed the meeting. I was overwhelmed with happiness and left feeling confident. Felt like I was myself again. There was joy, support and friendliness."
Olivia*

"I'd wanted a job for a long time but struggled a lot to even get to an interview. A job would mean a new start and a chnace to build. It would mean a lot to me to be able to just say, I'm employed.

Everyone I came across was so friendly but professional. I left feeling great about myself."
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Our centre
Welcome to Smart Works North East
We support North East women into employment through the power of high quality interview clothing and coaching.

A two hour appointment at Smart Works North East can give women the confidence, to fulfil their potential, get the job, and transform the trajectory of their lives.

Our service can be accessed by all women who are unemployed, aged 16+ and based in the North East.
Our centre
At Smart Works North East, we not only understand how daunting navigating the job market and preparing for interviews can be but we also value the power of confidence.
We are committed to making sure every person who walks through our door, leaves feeling confident in themselves, their skills sets and able to get the job.
Our centre
The centre is run by a close-knit staff team of 5 who are supported by over 40 dedicated volunteers and trustees.
We operate on a referral basis, partnering with organisations and charities to provide our services to women with upcoming interviews, as well as offering one-to-one career coaching to any woman who can benefit from it.

Make a donation to Smart Works North East

Transform a woman's life

Join our mission to support unemployed women across the North East who need help getting into work. Every donation helps us to deliver our service to be able to provide high quality interview-appropriate clothing and interview coaching to women who need it the most.
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Our supporters

We are grateful for the support and commitment of our corporate partners and grant funders.

The Shears Foundation LogoThe Barbour Foundation logo

Looking for a different Smart Works centre?

We have 10 centres across the UK and offer virtual appointments if you’re not close to one of our centres

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