Misbah was looking for a job role that would be flexible to allow her to continue to look after her family. After a recommendation from her Work Coach, Misbah decided to join the course with Release Potential with the hopes that it would help her find a position in the Civil Service. Through her time on the course, Misbah was able to gain support and practice for interviews, which boosted her confidence and enabled her to go on to get the job she has today! Read below to hear more from Misbah!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
I had been out of work for a few years before I started the course with Release Potential. Prior to this, I completed a BA (Hons) in Business Management at the University of Roehampton. Before taking my degree, I was focused on raising my family. I had some employment experience in a call centre before this.

How did you find out about the training?
My Work Coach, Shuhill at Sparkhill Job Centre in Birmingham recommended the course to me. He knew I needed to manage my family commitments and said that the Civil Service could provide opportunities for flexible working. Originally, I had been looking for part-time work, but was aware there were more opportunities if I was prepared to work full-time. Shuhill suggested the course would help to ease me back into work again.

Why did you decide to join?
I didn’t know how to go about applying for Civil Service roles and thought the course would help me. If I could get more information about the whole process, it would make it easier for me to find the type of work I was looking for.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
I had been out of work for a long time, and at first didn’t think I could apply for something like Civil Service jobs. The course covered a lot of information I didn’t know which helped me. The tutors encouraged me and made me realise I did have relevant skills and could apply for a job like this.
On the course, I had a practice interview, which was in the form of a recording to simulate what to expect. The actual interview I had for my role was face to face in the Jobcentre, but it was still helpful. I was nervous because it had been a while since I last had an interview. We learned how to use the STAR format.
The course helped me to navigate the Civil Service website and find jobs I was interested in. It also helped support me to complete sample tests, and personal and behaviour statements. We received feedback on these which I found useful as it was important to know I was doing the right thing. The training also helped to give my CV a boost.

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
I had been out of work for too long and my confidence was low. Although the interview practice and support on the course was beneficial, I did find it daunting. The tutors were all supportive and comforting, but I needed to be eased into this part of the course.

What are you doing now?
My new job is with the Home Office as an Asylum Decision Maker. I have two months of training to complete first. There is a lot to remember, and it is a bit overwhelming at first! In the unit where I’m based, I will be supporting minors under the age of 18. I feel the job brings a lot of responsibility with it.

What impact has the training had on your life?
Taking the course has definitely played a part in helping me to get my new job. I have gained more confidence and feel I have the ability to apply for different Civil Service positions.

What are your plans for the future?
Eventually, I would like to progress to a position with some degree of supervisory responsibility. Since joining the Civil Service, I have seen for myself that there is a lot of scope for progression. Some people have been able to progress into a completely different role to the one they started in. In other areas of work, opportunities might not come about so quickly.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
It has been very beneficial for me. The tutors are amazing. If you need support, they get back to you quickly. Completing the course makes you confident to apply for good, flexible jobs.