In the North, a traveling truck helps young rural people succeed in job interviews

A funny, colorful van parks in the parking lot of the municipal library of Caudry (North). On its sides, a name: “The mobile solidarity tie”. In a few minutes, the walls slide and the removable platform unfolds, transforming the vehicle into a real room. The ground is tilting “but we have already moved to less developed places,” smiles Mariem, project manager.

Since 2021, the truck The solidarity tie de Lille travels across the North and part of Pas-de-Calais to meet people looking for work and who rarely travel to the main cities. The objective is the same as in the Lille premises: to succeed in the job interview. These people “come from a social environment where corporate codes are not or no longer mastered,” explains Mariem.

Give confidence

The association offers two-hour “Help” workshops, including the donation of suitable clothing and advice from human resources (HR) professionals. Anyone of working age can participate, provided they have a defined project.

“Our goal is to improve the image they have of themselves so that they feel more confident,” underlines the project manager. “La Mobile”, as the team calls it, works in partnership with social and professional integration structures, local authorities or the associations which finance it.

Image coaching

This time, the local city Mission registered five candidates aged 16 to 25. Marine is the first to appear in the reception room. The 21-year-old young woman wants to become a hospital services agent: “My tutor told me it was good for me. I’m stressed and I need help to move forward with my project,” she admits. Célia, a volunteer image coach, searches through a wardrobe provided, supplied by individuals and businesses. She looks for the right clothing depending on the future job and the applicant’s tastes: “I want the outfit to please,” insists the volunteer. “When the candidates are relaxed, they take on another posture and sometimes even gain a few centimeters!”

Marine opts for a fitted shirt, a gray suit and earrings: “I feel more comfortable,” she confides. Then comes the photo session to complete the candidate’s CV. This task accomplished, Marine enters the last room where Philippe, a volunteer HR coach, is waiting for her, who simulates a job interview, then gives her advice on structuring her argument. “Generally, candidates get lost in the details,” notes the retiree, former operational director. We are rarely taught to have clear self-talk. »

“Without The Solidarity Tie, I would have missed one interview out of two,” assures Dorian. At 24, the Caudrésien is looking for a position in sales. Enchanted by the results of his workshop, he highlights the opportunity represented by the truck’s visit to his city: “It’s great, it helps a lot of people, close to their homes.” In France, 38% of young rural people looking for work say they have already given up on having an interview due to travel difficulties*. La Cravat Solidaire has also designed in-company training to raise recruiter awareness of the diversification of profiles.

Growing success

But teams sometimes struggle to motivate participants. That day, a candidate withdrew at the last minute. “It happens a lot,” admits Mariem. Some forget the appointment, others do not know their telephone number or postal address, which makes follow-up complicated. However, the mobile device is experiencing increasing success. 900 candidates were supported in 2025, with a reintegration rate of 60 to 65%.

Caudry is among the new territories covered. The network is expected to expand further. A second truck has been circulating since 2023 to serve other areas of the department: “The goal, ultimately, is for there to be a Solidarity tie one hour from every inhabitant in France,” explains Mariem. After completing a questionnaire to organize the follow-up of his efforts in the coming months, Dorian leaves the parking lot more motivated than ever.

* Study of the Terram Institute and Chemins d’avenir,