Job seekers can dress to impress
New initiative offers free clothes so nervous interviewees look the part
NIKI TENNANT
Job seekers in East Kilbride are being given the chance to banish pre-interview nerves by selecting from a wardrobe of free clothes.
And it is hoped that th enew wardrobe will boost their confidence and impress prospective bosses.
Routes to Work South (RTWS) has pioneered The Dressing Room – a bespoke boutique, fully stocked with new and donated workwear and hygiene essentials to help make their clients who are offered an interview or have successfully secured employment dress to impress in the workplace.
The brainchild of RTWS lead adviser, Joannie Greer, The Dressing Room has all the comforts of a high-end boutique.
Male and female clients can browse rails of smart clothing – from suits and dresses, to pressed shirts, ties, scarves and handbags – in a relaxed environment in Cambuslang’s CTEC building.
Joannie came up with the idea after clients told her during interview coaching sessions that they don’t feel fully equipped to shine in a job interview if they don’t have appropriate clothing.
The Dressing Room, which is available to all job seekers and new starts in South Lanarkshire, was developed and led by staff in consultation with people they support.
The resources – which include a complimentary bag of essentials such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, tissues, toothbrush and toothpaste – help to give job seekers and new recruits the self esteem and confidence to make a good impression.
The facility complements RTWS’s existing services, which include providing one-to-one and group support to unemployed residents, and includes CV writing, application form support and interview techniques.
RTWS has developed a close partnership with Re:volve Recycle – a local swap shop operated by charity LEAP, which ensures any clothing received by RTWS that is not workwear will be passed on the Re:volve, ensuring people in the community still benefit.
Since its launch, The Dressing Room has supported 50 clients and aims to support a further 120 over the coming year.
“The prospect of going to an interview is nerve-wracking at any time for anyone, but if you are worried about what you are going to wear, it can be daunting,” explained RTWS operations manager, Nicola McNaughtan.
“The mock interviews we conduct here can be quite formal, but The Dressing Room is relaxed and eases the nerves.
“It doesn’t look like an office, but neither does it look like a normal shop dressing room where you are just standing in front of a mirror.
“It is about making the person feel comfortable, rather than putting them into a room in an office to try things on. It gives people privacy and lets them feel at ease.”
Routes to Work South chief executive Stephen Barr said: “We are finding that more and more people are going without basic essentials, whether that is food, sanitary products or, in the case of The Dressing Room, help with clothing and appearance. People want to work and this is an inexpensive way of giving them a bit of dignity and respect to help build their confidence and succeed in whatever they choose to do.
“We are delighted with the support of employers, South Lanarkshire Council and the local community and hope to build on this to offer more services.”
Donations of smart interview clothing for men and women can be dropped into Routes to Work South, EK Work and Training Hub, Unit 57, The Plaza G74 1LW, tel 01355 201 999.