Our service

Smart Works is a UK-wide charity offering free interview-appropriate clothing and interview preparation support to all women who are unemployed or on a zero-hours contract.

We are here to support all women, including transgender women and non-binary people who feel their gender expression connects with the Smart Works service and wardrobe.

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

Smart Works North East helps women that are based in the North East region.

How our service works

At the heart of Smart Works sits an Interview Dressing and Preparation service designed to help our clients feel and look their best in their job interview.

Our dedicated, volunteer-powered team is on hand to help clients feel relaxed, confident and ready to put their best foot forward

Find a centre

01. Referral

Smart Works operates on a referral basis. Our clients are referred to us from Job Centres, mental health charities, women’s refuges, homeless shelters, the prison service, care service and youth organisations. We offer appointments at our 10 UK centres as well as virtual appointments over Zoom.

02. Interview Preparation (Dressing)

The two-hour Interview Preparation begins with an Interview Dressing session.

Each client receives a bespoke, hour-long dressing consultation with two trained volunteers, to find a high-quality interview outfit that will fill her with confidence. This is free of charge and the clothes are hers to keep.

03. Interview Preparation (Coaching)

This is followed by a one-to-one 60-minute coaching session with an expert interview coach, where each client receives valuable interview preparation, unlocking her potential and enabling her to succeed at her interview. Each client also receives a free interview guide to take home where they can find additional advice on how to succeed.

04. Second Dressing

68%of the clients Smart Works supported ahead of an interview secured employment. Once a woman gets the job, she is welcomed back for a Second Dressing and receives a capsule working wardrobe to last until her first pay cheque.

Virtual Service

Clients who aren’t based close to our centres are welcome to access our service virtually.

“My dressing call with Jo was brilliant and she was so lovely. I didn't feel judged or awkward, even though I am financially on the floor, and she breezily made some great suggestions and oozed positivity. My coaching call was simply brilliant. I left the call after an hour full of confidence and belief in myself. What an incredible charity this is and what an amazing thing you have all done for me."

Sam, Smart Works North East client

What our clients say

I have successfully gained a role. It is thanks to you that I didn’t give up altogether. I had lost all hope when I was put forward to you. I now cannot wait for Monday morning and a new adventure.

Janet, Smart Works North East client

I would not have gotten the job without the support from Smart Works. I can guarantee it, because my confidence was at rock bottom. Things were really bad, but then that appointment just changed everything.

Nancy, Smart Works North East client

No interview? No problem!

We 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.

Get support

Make a referral

What we do > Our service

Our service

Smart Works is a UK-wide charity offering free interview-appropriate clothing and interview preparation support to all women who are unemployed or on a zero-hours contract.

How our service works

01. Referral

02. Interview Preparation (Dressing)

03. Interview Preparation (Coaching)

04. Second Dressing

Virtual Service

Clients who aren’t based close to our centres are welcome to access our service virtually.

What our clients say

No interview? No problem!

Do you have a question about our service?

What we do > Our service

Our service

Smart Works is a UK-wide charity offering free interview-appropriate clothing and interview preparation support to all women who are unemployed or on a zero-hours contract.

How our service works

01. Referral

02. Interview Preparation (Dressing)

03. Interview Preparation (Coaching)

04. Second Dressing

Virtual Service

Clients who aren’t based close to our centres are welcome to access our service virtually.

What our clients say

No interview? No problem!

Do you have a question about our service?

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