PREPARING for a job interview can be daunting in the "best of circumstances", but a face-to-face support service has landed in the Hunter to help women dress the part to put their best foot forward.
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Dress for Success Newcastle has set up shop in Hunter Street to help women find the confidence to achieve economic independence, volunteer, Dr Kate Davies, said.
"It is really about supporting women on that journey back to work," she said. "Returning to work, or preparing for a job interview, can be so daunting - even in the best of circumstances. But if you've already got a bunch of complex stuff going on, and if your confidence and your self esteem is already pretty low, then it can feel almost impossible just to walk in the door."
Women are referred to the service by job agencies, careers advisers, women's housing services, as well as mental health and drug and alcohol services, before a team of volunteers help them choose "work-ready" outfits to give them the confidence to walk into an employment agency, a job interview, or a house inspection.
"It's about transforming the way people look, and transforming the way they think about themselves."
A feasibility study conducted by the not-for-profit organisation in Newcastle last year showed there were "particular barriers" to employment for women living in regional areas.
Pop-up Dress For Success sessions had a waiting list.
"So this year we set up a semi-permanent space at MAX Employment with a grant from Sharon Claydon's office, and nib came on board with a $5000 grant to help us with rent and clothing donations," she said.
"Now we really need some more volunteers who can commit to one Monday, or one Thursday, a month."
Dakota Gale, 16, was referred to the service by her high school careers adviser.
She landed a job two weeks after her hour with the Dress For Success team.
"Everyone was really lovely. The things we picked out I probably wouldn't have chosen myself at the shops - I wouldn't have thought they suited me. But they looked good and I felt good," she said. "I think it did give me a bit of a confidence boost."
To find out how you can help, or to volunteer, email newcastle@dfssydney.org.
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