A quick search through the archives of this blog should turn up a passel of posts on the importance of making good first impressions in a job search.
Where do these groups get the clothes? That's where you come in. Donations of lightly used business clothing fill the closets of Career Gear, Dress for Success and Women's Alliance affiliates and chapters. Several national retailers sponsor annual events where customers can donate clothing for use by these organizations, but all accept donations year round.
What one wears is a key element in making that first impression. As the old cliche has it, "clothes make the man" -- or the woman. You've probably put a lot of time and thought into buying and choosing the clothes you will wear to a job interview -- a good business suit is a must.
But what about those who can't afford a suit? There are organizations that make it their business to help the struggling unemployed get work ready by dressing right.
For women, Dress for Success Worldwide and the member organizations of The Women's Alliance offer clothing and accessories for disadvantaged women seeking to enter or re-enter the world of work. Career Gear offers the same for low-income men.
The assistance these groups offer doesn't end with the suit, however. All three organizations provide support and counseling programs designed to help their clients keep their jobs once they land them and reorient themselves to the habits and culture of employment.
They all also have the same prerequisite for those receiving assistance: A referral from a service agency or educational program and a scheduled job interview. With those two things in hand, clients can receive clothing, image counseling, and other supportive services to help them improve their chances of getting the job.
Where do these groups get the clothes? That's where you come in. Donations of lightly used business clothing fill the closets of Career Gear, Dress for Success and Women's Alliance affiliates and chapters. Several national retailers sponsor annual events where customers can donate clothing for use by these organizations, but all accept donations year round.
You can find out more about these organizations, including the locations of chapters in your area, by visiting their websites:
If there's not a chapter in your area, why not help start one?
Outfit your career with a job that suits you at BusinessWorkForce.com.
By Sandy Smith
Sandy Smith is an award-winning writer and editor who has spent most of his career in public relations and corporate communications. His work has appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia CityPaper, PGN, and a number of Web sites. Philly-area residents may also recognize him as "MarketStEl" of discussion-board fame. He has been a part of the great reserve army of freelance writers since January 2009 and is actively seeking opportunities wherever they may lie.
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