Charlotte’s story

Charlotte rebuilt her confidence with help from her employability coach and careers adviser.

Feeling stuck

Charlotte had worked in the voluntary sector for 18 years. She enjoyed supporting people but had been looking for a more senior role for some time. After many unsuccessful applications, her confidence began to drop.

She said, “I was stuck in a cycle of apply - interview - rejection. It was becoming frustrating and was impacting on my wellbeing.”

Charlotte met employability coach Thanuja Hettiarachchi when Thanuja was asked to speak to a group of asylum seekers Charlotte was helping. As she listened to Thanuja explain how she helps people progress in their careers, something clicked.

She explained, “As she was talking, I felt like she was talking to me. I came away and booked an appointment the next day.”

Finding her confidence

In one-to-one sessions with Thanuja, Charlotte explored her career path, her skills, and new opportunities she hadn't thought about before.

She said, “I never imagined I had anything to offer the private sector or Welsh Government, but looking through jobs together opened my eyes to my own skills and how I could use them elsewhere.”

Charlotte decided to discuss her dyslexia for the first time. She said: “Thanuja reassured me that being open about it wouldn’t disadvantage me. It actually meant the process could be made more equal for me.”

Careers adviser Carly Havard helped Charlotte to apply for a Personal Learning Account. With Carly’s support, she learned about imposter syndrome and how to prepare for interviews better.

She said, “I looked at people I admired and realised that their route to more senior jobs hadn’t been linear either. Some didn’t have degrees. This was a real revelation to me.”

Charlotte aimed to leave her job within a year. She expanded her search with help from friends and advisers.

Building momentum

With Thanuja’s help, Charlotte sent in six applications. She got three interviews in nine months. She shared draft applications for feedback and felt more confident with each step.

Charlotte said, “She gave me excellent feedback. I disclosed my dyslexia on the form and felt ready to move forward.”

As a reasonable adjustment, Charlotte received interview questions in advance. Each interview helped build her confidence.

“Having the chance to practise applications and having had two interviews meant I went into the third with more confidence and determination - and that’s the one where I was successful.”

The final step

Charlotte got the job as Senior Diversity, Inclusion and Outreach Lead at Welsh Government. She received excellent feedback from the panel. They told her it had been a highly competitive field.

She felt proud of what she achieved. Reflecting on her journey, Charlotte said, “I’m thankful to my previous employer where I gained the skills, experience and knowledge that helped me take this next step.

“My success started with Thanuja listening, letting me have a little cry, and giving me support through the whole process. It has finally landed me a new, rewarding and exciting role.”

Explore Personal Learning Accounts to find out more, or Contact Working Wales.

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