My name is Vanessa, and I am currently unemployed. I live in Plymouth with my partner and two children, and I'm originally from South Africa. I've been out of work since my son was born, who is now 18 years old. I am currently studying animal care at college and volunteering at a local zoo.

I believe that employers should be more open-minded and considerate of the person behind the CV and covering letter. Not everyone works best under the pressure of an on-the-spot interview, and nerves can often get the best of you. I feel that if employers were more understanding of this, it would help a lot.

There is a lot of stigma attached to being unemployed for a long time, and I think that employers should try to be more open-minded about this. I know that I can work harder than what I may look like on the outside, and I am aware of my appearance. It is my own fault, but I am working on it and willing to put in the work, even if it may not seem like it at first glance.