Excited by the prospect of building a better life for himself, Emmanuel was ready and raring to go! Focused on advancement, he couldn’t fathom why his past kept on interfering with his present and, ultimately, his future. Seeking out resources, he knew he needed guidance to navigate the road toward gainful employment but it seemed as if the brakes slammed after every forward move. That was until he got a green light from Working Wardrobes’ intake.
Full speed ahead, Emmanuel embraced every available resource. He found allies who guided him through résumé revisions, job searching, and job fairs, developing interview skills (including how to pare down responses for specificity), access to certifications to up his qualifications, transportation resources, and an interview suit. Encountering people who listened to his situation without judgment only to then empower him with kindness, tools, and reinforcement was life-changing.
“Going to an interview with a really good set of clothes made a big difference,” said a confident Emmanuel. “The motivation that comes from Working Wardrobes, giving you a friendly push in terms of how to get things done, was very helpful. The people here are very organized, experienced, and know what recruiters are looking for. I was seen as a more serious, well-prepared candidate.”
The now full-time, full-benefits OCTA new hire was genuinely grateful for this experience. “I feel very happy! I feel motivated. I feel supported.” He also proffered advice to future jobseekers “Be patient. Be honest. Have a mindset of where you want to go. Utilize and maximize the resources that are offered. Be proactive and do your part. Be strong mentally and physically and be patient. Continue working on yourself.”
Congratulations on your success, Emmanuel! Your positivity and resilience are genuinely inspiring.