Free suits a boost for job seekers
Appearance is paramount in making a good first impression, particularly when looking for employment. But if you’re between jobs, paying hundreds of dollars for a new suit is not always possible.
That’s where Moores Clothing for Men’s annual suit drive comes in. Through July, the chain collected “gently used” suits from customers in exchange for coupons for 50 per cent off their next purchases.
Then on Thursday, jobseekers were invited to check out the items at a “pop-up” shop in Lincoln Fields Shopping Centre. Throughout the day, about 300 men lined up to look through racks of suits and shirts, and tables of shoes and ties and walked away with a free suit.
With the city’s unemployment rate at about 6.1 per cent — slightly lower than the national average of 6.8 per cent — it’s important to have a leg-up on the competition, and clothing helps, says Rhonda Beauregard, program manager at Pinecrest Queensway Employment Services Resource Centre, which worked with Moores to coordinate Thursday’s distribution.
“There are lots of people in general who don’t necessarily have the money to dress appropriately to go to work or dress appropriately to go to interviews,” Beauregard said “It’s very important to walk in with the most amount of confidence that you can have and look the best that you can when you are doing an interview.”
David Currie, 29, is seeking communications work.
“It’s a really discouraging job market, especially in an election cycle where we are constantly hearing about the middle class,” he said, trying on a jacket. “And when you are broke, that is a really depressing thing. So in order to be motivated to apply for a job, it is very important to feel good about yourself, and clothes do that.”
To gain job experience, Algonquin College student Byron Senior, 24, volunteered at Thursday’s event, now in its fourth year. He said getting appropriate clothing for a job interview can be a stress reliever.
“There are a lot of people who can’t afford suits, and one of the hardest parts for a job interview is looking good,” said Senior.
Taxi drivers are among those who know they have to stay ahead of the curve.
Abdul Azizi, 37, just started working as a driver with Uber. He wants to make a “nice impression” on his first day.
“I found a suit and tie,” he said. “I like this because if you go to the mall it’s going to cost $300 or $400.”