Jobseekers can now receive free expert career coaching thanks to a new community enterprise.
The Pay it Forward Enterprise, based in Coventry, offers career advice, CV and cover letter writing as well as proofreading, interview practice and follow up support, all with a focus on improving the jobseeker’s confidence and mental wellbeing.
With over 800,000 people in the UK unemployed due to Covid-19, and the West Midlands hit particularly hard, bosses hope this will throw a lifeline to those who need it most.
The community project is supplying its services free of charge so is calling for corporate sponsors and donations from members of the public to fund the work.
Director and founder Rebecca Pay has been working in this field for more than six years through her company Pay for Precision and has put together a team of people who are all experts in coaching, mentoring and recruitment.
Their guidance is usually provided through a paid service, but the aim is to help people who have lost their job due to the pandemic.
Professionally qualified proofreader and CV writer Rebecca said: “2020 was a hell of a year and those who were made redundant have had a mountain to climb to get their confidence back and look for a job in a saturated market.
“As we come out the other side of this pandemic and opportunities increase we wanted to support those who need to get back into work with professional and kick-ass CV, and interview support and career coaching.
“We hope it will have a really positive impact on people’s mental health and make a big difference to their lives going forward.
“When you support this project, you are supporting UK jobseekers, your community, your economy and your neighbours.”
The enterprise has already successfully helped its first few entrants, who remarked on how unique and insightful they found the coaching.
Jobseeker Sarah Jooste said: “It was really good to focus our minds on how you can get to the desired outcome of the job search but also the importance of being mentally strong and resilient.
Paul, Gill, another user, who has since gone on to secure a position, added: “I would definitely say that it is a worthwhile coaching session to attend and would have no hesitation to recommend other job seekers to the Pay it Forward Enterprise CIC.”
Candidates must have been made redundant at some point since March 2020 and have proof of their redundancy, be a UK resident and agree to commit to the process, including group coaching sessions.
To get involved visit https://mailchi.mp/520d425421eb/c5z9nc6ja9 or email info@PIF.org.uk
For those interested in corporate sponsorship visit https://mailchi.mp/a7289cf8a251/payitforwardenterprise
