Bijoy, a recent immigrant from India, faced the challenge of navigating a new cultural landscape while preparing for a crucial job interview. With our support, Bijoy was able to build confidence, master the nuances of local professional expectations and ultimately secure his dream job in Aotearoa. Through his story, we see how dedication, the right resources and a supportive community can transform uncertainty into success.
How did you hear about Yes for Success?
I learned about Yes for Success through my English language class. My teacher, Ruth, mentioned YFS as a great resource for interview styling. I was preparing for an upcoming interview at the time, and Ruth suggested that I and my entire class consider YFS for support. Her recommendation really caught my attention, and I decided to reach out for their assistance.
Why did you come to us for assistance?
I wanted to boost my confidence and make a strong impression in my upcoming interview. I was determined to perform well and secure the position, but I felt that I needed a bit of extra support to present myself effectively.
How did we help you?
Yes for Success provided invaluable assistance by connecting me with a stylist who offered expert guidance on appropriate dress codes. The stylist recommended smart casual attire for the position I was applying for, which was a new concept for me. I learned a lot about what smart casual entails and how to apply it effectively. In India, we don’t have similar support for understanding local dress norms, so I was very grateful for YFS's help. Their expertise made a significant difference in helping me adapt to the cultural expectations here and present myself confidently in my interview.
How did our volunteers make you feel?
The volunteers made me feel very supported and at ease. Ayesha, who was the volunteer assisting me that day, was impressive. She was confident and took the time to understand my needs. She provided me with valuable interview tips and a helpful guide on how to answer common interview questions, as well as assigning me a stylist who offered tailored advice on professional attire. Overall, Ayesha’s support was instrumental in boosting my confidence and preparing me thoroughly for the interview.
How did our programmes meet your expectations?
As someone who was new to the country and finding it challenging to adapt to a different culture, the styling programme was incredibly helpful. It provided me with a clear understanding of the professional dress codes and interview expectations here. The programme not only helped me blend into the local culture but also equipped me with valuable interview tips. Overall, it exceeded my expectations and significantly aided in my transition and preparation.
What was the result?
The outcome was very positive. Thanks to the support I received, I felt much more confident and prepared. I succeeded at interview and will be starting my new job soon. The styling tips from Irene were incredibly useful, and I plan to incorporate them into my daily professional life.
How would you define success?
To me, success is synonymous with happiness. It’s about engaging in activities and pursuing goals that bring joy and fulfilment. The pursuit of happiness is a continuous journey, and for me, ultimate success is finding contentment and satisfaction in doing what I love. When I’m happy and passionate about what I’m doing, I consider that to be true success.
What advice would you give others?
Changing and adapting can be challenging, especially for immigrants. My advice is to stay persistent and keep striving toward your goals, even when the journey feels difficult. Take advantage of the resources available, such as courses offered by organisations like Yes for Success and English Partner programmes. Remember to give yourself time each day to adjust and grow, but don’t be too hard on yourself. With dedication and a positive mindset, you’ll find that you can achieve your desired goals and successfully navigate the transition.
What’s next – have you set any other goals?
Success is an ongoing journey, and I’m always striving for something better. Moving forward, I’m interested in continuing to improve and adapt to the local work culture. It would be incredibly helpful if Yes for Success offered additional resources or courses focused on NZ work culture, communication styles, and common idioms and phrases used in everyday interactions. Such support would be valuable for immigrants like me, helping us integrate even more effectively into the professional environment here.
Keep learning. Take the opportunities that come your way. Stay positive and be open he lessons it teaches you.
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