Pocono News Section

PA Working Wardrobe Assists Job Seekers

PA Working Wardrobe Assists Job Seekers - Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 5:34PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 @ 05:34pm EST
WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY- They say you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Now some job seekers in Central Pennsylvania are getting a hand up in that department.

We all know heading to that first job interview can be awfully nerve-racking. Especially if a low budget has left you with little confidence in your clothes. That's where the PA Working Wardrobe comes in.

Richard Crowner, of Williamsport, said, "You know some people can't afford the suits and ties and everything, so this will help them, very much so."

It's a pilot program through the Salvation Army that pairs job seekers with the threads they need to succeed.

Salvation Army worker Pamela Hicks explained, "Somebody's idea of an appropriate interview outfit may not be the best interview outfit to get the job. So we try to steer them in the right direction to look as good as they can for that first impression."

Through a referral from the County Assistance Office or Career Link, job seekers are provided with the right attire for the interview and even their first week on the job.

Sharon Distasi, of Cogan Station, noted, "I think there's probably a lot of women out there that can't afford to dress for success and I think it'll give them such confidence and help them get a job. I think it's wonderful, I'm all for it."

Volunteers here also have plenty of other tips for landing the job. Hicks added, "As far as eye contact, poise, you know just the right way to go about the interview, we would try to provide information along those lines as well."

The PA Working Wardrobe relies heavily on donations of new and gently used business attire for both men and women. If you'd like to help, contact the Williamsport branch of the Salvation Army.