Yuliia and her 7-year-old daughter arrived in the UK from war-torn Ukraine in April 2022. After months of failed job applications, she worked with Lambeth Council’s Connecting Communities team and has started a new managerial role with Victoria Beckham Ltd.
“When the British government announced support for Ukrainians, I was offered a family visa. For a long time I couldn’t understand where to turn for help, how to get to know people like me. I signed up for a language course at Lambeth College. Three girls there told me about Lambeth Council’s Connecting Communities team and a week later Roy Ramkali from the team invited me to discuss my CV, job expectations, experience and qualifications.
“I have a master’s degree in banking and worked as a financial analyst in a manufacturing company in Ukraine. I like working with numbers, I enjoy when my work provides understanding and helps form company strategy.
Push to focus
“Roy asked me what jobs I was applying for and suggested that I copy him my CVs and covering letters. I was applying for vacancies from office administrator to financial manager.
“It was a push to focus, in a good way. It prompted me to analyse my applications, discover mistakes and think ‘am I doing everything right?’. He helped me write a covering letter, to use the STAR technique in interviews, and gave me confidence that I’m not alone in this city.
Interview practice
“Although Roy updated me every week about new job opportunities and job fairs, all my applications were unanswered or rejected.
“Then in December I was invited to my first interview. I called Roy and told him I was terribly nervous and afraid to mess up. He reassured me and offered a meeting to discuss all the questions that could arise. I was invited to the next interview, again we discussed the questions, and practised giving answers in English. I was collected and had ready answers to possible questions, but didn’t get the position.
“Roy also helped me understand how to make my LinkedIn profile more active and visible. I found this job as a financial manager with Victoria Beckham Ltd on LinkedIn. When I was invited for the first interview, I prepared as Roy had taught me. Then I was invited to a second interview, then a third and… received an offer. I started a three-month probationary period in February and hope to keep working here.”
Connecting Communities
extract from connecting communities logo
Are you unemployed and living in Lambeth? Connecting Communities is here to help.
Connecting Communities is Lambeth Council’s new free employment support service, helping residents with jobsearch and career development. The Connecting Communities team of employment specialists can provide a range of services including:
- One-to-one support, CV development workshops, jobsearch, application forms and interview preparation.
- Access to a wide range of vacancies through our networks and partners, linking into jobs and apprenticeships, and London Living Wage opportunities.
- Flexible funding to support your journey into employment, including childcare, travel, training, equipment, and work clothing.
- Skills support to help improve your English and maths, or to access roles in particular sectors e.g. construction and healthcare.
The service is flexible and personalised to your needs. Your employment consultant will work with you to understand what the right next steps are for you. Connecting Communities is a voluntary programme and participating will never affect your benefits.
To register for Connecting Communities, you must be:
- Aged 18 or over
- Currently unemployed
- Resident in Lambeth
More information
If you’d like to find out more about how Connecting Communities can help you to achieve your career goals, please give us a call on 0207 926 0500 or email opportunitylambeth@lambeth.gov.uk and one of the team will get back to you.
