A right
dressing-up
By Ingrid Green
Jodie was referred to Dress For Success by a social worker provided by family support.
Her confidence had suffered as a result of finding it difficult to get employment after being out of the workforce for a few years while raising children. Having previously worked in the same job for a long time, she was daunted by the prospect of preparing a resume and going to a job interview. She’s also struggled with depression.
Keen, however, to find a better job and support herself and her boys, she called Dress For Success and told them her story.
“From the moment I called them they were so inviting and understanding, they don’t look down on you. They do nothing but encourage you and make you feel good about yourself.”
She attended a makeover, where a stylist helped her find clothes for an interview, right down to foundation garments. “They make you feel like it’s a safe place. You don’t feel intimidated and you don’t feel scared.
“It definitely made me feel more confident and I am willing to change and challenge myself.
“They put bright colours on me, it made me feel good.
She now goes to Dress For Success every Wednesday for their employment workshops.
“Having compliments from random people makes you feel amazing.
"Normally I’m all about my boys and making them look perfect, making sure their hair’s perfect. It was time to start looking after myself."
At the weekly workshops Jodie has the opportunity to attend mock interviews.
“The workshops are amazing. They really help. The first time I felt like I was going to pass out. [The staff] were encouraging me without pushing me.
“You get so much out of it. It’s really boosted my confidence.
“Yesterday I had a mock interview and it was so much fun. I would never had said that one or two months ago.
“Once you get comfortable you get to go to an interview somewhere else.”
These involve panel interviews with up to three people.
“So many people go through the same thing. If you’ve worked at one job for a long time.
“You get scared, you get depressed. We just wouldn’t be feeling good about ourselves if it wasn’t for Dress For Success.
They’re also helping her find her passion. “They sent me a brochure about work in the automotive industry. I said: ‘Oh, I love cars!”
The time and care from the people at Dress For Success had really made a difference to Jodie's confidence.
“I want to start something totally new and I’d love to learn, do whatever it takes, training.
“This time I want to challenge myself. I want to have a management-type role within two years. I want to do it for myself and for my boys.
• Symes Group thanks Jodie for sharing her story and we wish her the very best in her future endeavours. If you would like to help the Dress For Success program, see their website about donating clothes, holding a dontation drive, becoming a corporate partner or referral agency, or volunteering your time.
"Normally I’m all about my boys and making them look perfect, making sure their hair’s perfect. It was time to start looking after myself."
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Dress For Success a giver of clothes and confidence