‘IT WAS MY FIRST INTERVIEW IN A DECADE’

Claurdet Royes, 52, lives in London with her children, Dominique, 20, and Kevin, 10.

In January 2018, I signed on to receive Jobseeker’s Allowance after working as a PA at a doctor’s surgery for more than eight years. I’d enjoyed it, but resigned as it didn’t offer the flexibility I craved to spend more time with my children, Dominique, then 17, and Kevin, seven.

While hunting for something with better hours and claiming benefits, I completed courses at Westminster Adult Education Service in Bookkeeping and Accounting. Then, in July 2019, after being unemployed for 18 months, I secured a job interview for a temporary admin role through a Government website. I was thrilled but daunted as it’d be my first interview in a decade, so was relieved when an organisation supporting people returning to work, called Kennedy Scott, referred me to Dress for Success.

When I arrived at their studio in east London, I instantly felt comfortable. The stylists took genuine interest in the job I was going for and asked what I’d usually wear. I explained that I wanted to look smart, with a bit of colour to brighten things up and was given a selection to try, from designer to high-street. I loved every moment and took home a capsule wardrobe of tailored black trousers, peach blouse, colourful scarf, with pretty earrings and a matching bag. I even got some tips at a make-up masterclass.

At the interview I exuded confidence, and got the job! Now, I’m on the books at a temping agency, and love spending more time with my children.

I’m glad I took time out, retrained, and proved to myself it’s never too late. In fact, I feel like I’m just getting started.

‘I’M JUST GETTING STARTED’