|
Professional clothing closet provides for job seekers |
|
|
|
Thursday, 19 April 2007 |
by AUBREY RESECH
News Reporter
With graduation around the corner, many students have begun to prepare for the next major chapter of their lives.
For most, this means pursuing a career and getting a job interview.
To help students with this initial integrative step into the business
world, a “professional clothing closet” program has been established in
Boone.
The program is housed at the Hunger and Health Coalition, off Health Center Drive.
Judith Domer, a retiree and former Appalachian State University dean of
graduate studies and research, was instrumental in starting the program.
 Active Image | Derek DeSha | The Appalachian
Former Appalachian State University Dean of Graduate Studies and Research Judith Domer folds one of many sweaters used in the recently established professional clothing closet program.
|
“Appearance is absolutely crucial in an interview situation,” Domer
said. “That first impression on the part of the potential employee for
the employer is very important.”
The purpose of the program is to provide professional clothing to
individuals who cannot afford to buy new clothes for job interviews or
who are just starting jobs and cannot afford a new wardrobe.
“It was started because several of us (Domer and two friends) had
recently retired or changed our job descriptions and had professional
clothes that were in good shape but which we were no longer using,”
Domer said. “Rather than discard them, we felt that others might be
able to put them to good use.”
Compton Fortuna, Hunger and Health Coalition’s executive director, also provided support and help to start the program.
“This is a great program to be able to offer to people who are actively
seeking jobs and who need the appropriate clothing,” Fortuna said.
The Hunger and Health Coalition is happy to help in the effort to
remove any barriers that might keep people from pursuing a job, which
can sometimes include clothing, Fortuna said.
The clothing closet is in the process of finding staff for Fridays from
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, access to the clothing can be provided at
other times by making an appointment with the Hunger and Health
Coalition.
“Despite the fact that we have not had any students helping us to set
this up, we would welcome help from them at any time, particularly in
the staffing area for the closet,” Domer said.
When visiting the closet, proof of a current job interview or clarification of being hired is helpful, Domer said.
As the program depends on donations, the clothing choice selection will differ from time to time.
“Currently, we
have a wide selection of sizes and types of professional clothes,
clothes that could be used as more formal attire (suit and tie for men
and suits or dresses for women), as well as clothes that can be used
for jobs that require less formal clothes that might be described as
dressy casual,” Domer said.
John N. Sevier, a mathematics, education graduate student, is pursuing
a career as a high school math teacher and has had many experiences
with job interviewing.
“I have attended several different job fairs and interviewed for
several scholarships for college,” Sevier said. “I also have attended
several banquets for the football team and national championship.”
The professional clothing closet is something students should have for
many different occasions; you never know when you might need an outfit,
Sevier said.
“I would appreciate it,” he said.
Appalachian has several resources for students preparing to enter the career world.
The Career Development Center offers students the opportunity to attend
career fairs, gain advice on the interview process, as well as on how
to write a resume and the chance to create an online career portfolio.
For more information about the clothing options, services provided or employment opportunities
available at the professional clothing closet, call the Hunger and Health Coalition at (828) 262-1628.
Trackback(0)
 |
TrackBack URI for this entry
Show/Hide comments