Context
In today's rapidly changing world, equipping individuals with essential skills is paramount for fostering inclusivity and opportunity. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by migrants in Türkiye, Hande and I developed a workshop titled "Interview Skills for People with Fewer Opportunities in Türkiye " as part of this Erasmus+ project focused on inclusion. This workshop aims to provide migrants with the tools and confidence needed to excel in job interviews, ultimately enhancing their employability and integration into the local community.
The Inspiration and Importance of the Workshop
The idea for this workshop stemmed from a comprehensive needs assessment, during which we identified three key groups in Türkiye facing significant barriers: individuals with low levels of education, those from rural areas, and migrants. Among these, migrants emerged as a particularly marginalized group, often struggling with language barriers, unfamiliar cultural norms, and limited professional networks. Addressing these challenges, the workshop aims to provide tailored support to help migrants navigate the job market more effectively.
The significance of this initiative cannot be overstated. Job interviews are crucial gateways to employment, and many migrants lack the experience and preparation needed to succeed in this setting. By focusing on interview skills, we aim to bridge this gap, empowering participants to present themselves confidently and competently to potential employers.
Erasmus+ and Its Role in Promoting Inclusion
The Erasmus+ program has been instrumental in bringing this workshop to life. By providing funding and a framework for collaboration, Erasmus+ supports initiatives that foster social inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunities across Europe and beyond. This project aligns perfectly with these goals, aiming to create a more inclusive society by equipping marginalized groups with essential skills and knowledge.
Creating a Comprehensive Workshop
The workshop's design was guided by a clear set of objectives and a thorough understanding of the participants' needs. The target group, migrants in Türkiye, required a customized approach due to their diverse backgrounds and varying levels of education and skills. The following elements were crucial in shaping the workshop:
1. Setting Clear Goals: The primary objectives were to help participants understand their emotions related to interviews and to prepare effectively for future job interviews. This clarity ensured that the content remained focused and relevant.
2. Understanding the Audience: Knowing the participants' backgrounds allowed us to tailor the workshop to address their specific needs. This understanding ensured that the activities were appropriate and beneficial. While this workshop was conducted in a ‘controlled environment,’ it might need to be further adjusted when presented to vulnerable groups; this would remain at discretion of the facilitator.
3. Interactive and Engaging Activities: The workshop featured a variety of activities designed to keep participants engaged and facilitate active learning. These included energizers, roundtable discussions, mock interviews, and feedback sessions. By incorporating diverse methods, we maintained high levels of participation and interest.
4. Effective Use of Materials: Preparing all necessary materials in advance, such as, pens, posters, sticky notes, and feedback sheets, helped avoid last-minute stress and ensured smooth execution.
5. Practical Applications: The workshop incorporated Kolb’s learning cycle, which emphasizes thinking, watching, feeling, and doing. This approach catered to different learning styles and ensured that participants could internalize and apply what they learned.
6. Providing Guidance and Resources: Anticipating potential questions and providing comprehensive answers helped address participants' concerns and increased their confidence. Topics covered included where to look for jobs, how to calm down before an interview, appropriate interview attire, and effective body language, among others.
7. Creating a Conducive Learning Environment: The venue was arranged to facilitate learning and interaction, with careful consideration of seating arrangements and accessibility of materials. For example, for the first mock interviews, chairs were first arranged so that participants would be seated back-to-back, whereas for the second mock interviews, chairs were arranged so that participants could face each other and maintain eye contact.
8. Gathering and Utilizing Feedback: Collecting participant feedback was essential for evaluating the workshop's success and identifying areas for improvement. This feedback would help refine future sessions and ensure that the workshop will continue to meet participants' needs effectively, regardless of the environment and target group.
A few last words
The "Interview Skills for People with Fewer Opportunities" workshop represents a significant step towards empowering migrants in Türkiye. Through the support of Erasmus+, we have created a program that not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to the long-term goal of social inclusion. By equipping participants with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in job interviews, we are helping to build a more inclusive and equitable society.
In the spirit of Erasmus+, this workshop exemplifies the transformative power of education and collaboration in fostering a more inclusive future for all. We hope that this workshop will be facilitated in many countries by the participants of this Erasmus+ project.
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