Richard finds a new role after redundancy

There’s a well-known saying that when one door closes, another one opens – and this has proven true for Richard who recently accepted a position working with the New Zealand Archives! When his previous role as an IT manager was disestablished, Richard began exploring other options and discovered the support available to him through YFS. He joined our Career Coaching programme and was paired with Anita. They met regularly over the next six months, during which time Anita helped Richard hone his CV and cover letters, while targeting his applications and focusing on what employers were really looking for.

Richard says that working with Anita gave him the confidence to look outside of the box in terms of roles and advised him on how to sell his transferable skills. The result is a new job, not in his original field of IT, but one that gives him the opportunity to utilize his people management and leadership skills. We’re thrilled for Richard and congratulate him on this new step in his career.

How did you hear about YFS?

I’d heard of Dress for Success in the past, but to be honest, I can’t remember how they got on my radar. I knew that DFS was female-oriented and wondered if you’d started providing a service for men, so I Googled it and ‘voila!’ I found YFS.

Why did you come to us for assistance?

Initially, it was because I was very unsure what to wear to an interview nowadays. I had been in my previous role for nearly 20 years until I was made redundant and hadn’t applied for a role outside of the organisation within that whole time, so was very nervous about how things must have moved on.

How did we help you?

Initially it was for a styling appointment and a set of clothes to wear for interviews. At that stage I wasn’t getting any, but wanted to be prepared just in case something did come up.

Then I found out about the other amazing services you offer, and attended various workshops, and received career coaching too. The workshops were interesting and helped boost my confidence. The career coaching was simply amazing, and I don’t think I could have landed the job I ended up getting without them. I can’t thank YFS and my coach more for this, it made such a massive difference to me.

How did our volunteers make you feel?

The staff at YFS have always made me feel good about myself, and that I still have something valuable to contribute to the workforce. Everyone has been fantastic, and I couldn’t sing my praises for YFS more highly.

Did our programmes meet your expectations?

Absolutely, in fact they’ve exceeded my expectations.

What was the result?

I felt more confident, and better prepared to apply for jobs, participate in interviews, and rejoin the workforce.

How would you define success?

I got a job! But also that I feel more confident in my appearance, and as a person. YFS gave me the belief that I am employable and that I could actually get another job.

What advice would you give others?

Participate in everything you can, even if you’re not 100% it’s relevant. Get out there and meet people, take every opportunity that comes your way, and just keep telling yourself that you’re worth it. However long it takes, you’ll get there in the end.

What next - Have you set any goals?

My current role is only a fixed term contract until June. It is unlikely to extend, so I am determined to get another role before then.