A path back to employment: Marylee Nwoye shares her return-to-work experience
Marylee's Success Story
I decided to become to become a member of Mosaic Clubhouse in October 2023 after being signed off sick and did not want to be at home alone unproductive without a job. Mosaic Clubhouse is a collaborative work place where staff and members work side-by-side in a ‘work ordered day’. I threw myself into it volunteering at Mosaic Clubhouse as I did not want to have a gap in my CV and wanted to be able to have recent work and a reference, for my next role which was important to me.
I heard of Dress for Success Greater London through Mosaic Clubhouse because they are corporate partners. I was informed of a Career Development Day event- for returners to the workplace. I was excited and booked to attend the event on 3 December 2024. The event was held in lovely serviced offices by The Boutique at Holborn Town Hall, London.
It was important for me because I was transitioning to a brand new career sector, and part of the day involved a CV audit. Whilst I considered my CV to be quite good for my most recent job and skill set, I definitely needed help to adapt my CV for this new career path.
I also benefited from the mock interview session as it had been a while since I had been invited to an interview and it helped me realise that I can just be myself rather than just reeling off experience from my CV. We were assisted on a one-to-one basis, and my main take away from that session was how to draw out my key skills from my experience in order for the recruiter to be able to get a fuller picture of the person behind the words on the page. The day ended with a feel-good make-up session by N°7 on how to use makeup to boost your confidence for a job interview. We also received a free gift bag with make-up samples from N°7. Finally an invitation to get dressed for interview was given.
After the day I found new confidence in myself to pursue my new career with vigour. I put in the job search work, while continuing to volunteer at Mosaic Clubhouse to gain experience. The hard work paid off as I secured a job interview for January 2025.
I contacted Dress for Success to inform them of my good news and book in for my ‘first dressing’. I was treated with care and kindness, and I felt very special in the moment. Two interview outfits are provided and invitation to a ‘second dressing’ should I be successful in securing the job.
I felt really confident entering the interview because I knew I had lots of cheerleaders at Mosaic Clubhouse wishing me well and I was in a beautiful interview outfit from Dress for Success. I am happy to say that I got the job! When I contacted Dress for Success Greater London to inform that I had got the job, I was booked in for a ‘second dressing’- for my capsule wardrobe.
Again, I was treated with great care and respect. I was listened to and five beautiful and flattering outfits were chosen, which I could use in different combinations to create a capsule wardrobe. I was also given more skin care products.
My journey from the Career Development Day to my first day of work was five months. I did put in the hard work of researching job opportunities and volunteering prior to the event, however I took on board what I learnt about focusing on my skills, and changed my strategy on the job search based on the advice I received.
I would definitely recommend the Dress for Success Career Development Day if you are looking to get back into the workplace after an absence for whatever reason, or just need a boost if you are looking for a career change. I also thank Mosaic Clubhouse for the opportunity to volunteer and gain experience and for recommending the event to me.
- Marylee Nwoye
Mosaic Clubhouse
The Mosaic Clubhouse is a Lambeth-based charity that provides opportunities for people experiencing mental health issues to regain the confidence and skills necessary to lead productive and satisfying lives.
In partnership with the Living Well Network Alliance, the charity offers members and visitors a wide range of opportunities, access to education and employment, crisis support and information and signposting to other local organisations.
Find out more information about Mosaic Clubhouse by visiting their website or downloading and sharing the following flyers:
