What I Learned from Interviewing ESOL Learners at Working Men’s College

As part of our commitment to giving back, I recently had the opportunity to volunteer at Working Men’s College in Camden. I ran a mock interview workshop for a group of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learners — and honestly, it left a lasting impression on me.

The session setup was simple: one chair at the front of the room, me asking competency-based questions, and one learner at a time stepping into the “hot seat.” After each mock interview, I offered feedback and suggestions for improvement. But what unfolded was more than just interview practice — it was a lesson in courage, growth, and untapped potential.

For many of these learners, English is not their first language. That alone makes the challenge of a mock interview daunting. Add in the fact they were doing this in front of their peers, under pressure, and it becomes something else entirely. And yet, one by one, they stood up, took their seat, and gave it their all. They pushed themselves — not just outside their comfort zone, but far beyond it.

From where I sat, it was impossible not to be moved. Their willingness to show up, participate, and embrace the challenge was impressive. It takes a special kind of person to be that brave — and in my view, that bravery speaks volumes. These learners are already standing out, just by doing the hard thing when it would be easier not to.

There’s a huge amount of potential in this group — people with resilience, adaptability, and a real drive to grow. Qualities that are often hard to teach but incredibly valuable in any workplace. With the right support and opportunities, I’ve no doubt they’ll thrive.

At Red 5 People, we’re passionate about helping people unlock their potential, and volunteering in this way is just one of the ways we aim to give back to the communities we work with. But truthfully, it’s us who gain so much from experiences like this. It’s a reminder of what matters — and of the power that encouragement, opportunity, and belief can have on someone’s journey.

To everyone who took part — thank you. You reminded me what true determination looks like. And to employers who are looking for people who are ready to work hard, grow, and bring fresh perspectives — you may just be missing out on some exceptional candidates.