Anderson: Nonprofit Dress for Success set to empower Midlands women

Imagine not knowing what to do on a job interview — what to wear, how to respond to questions or even how to express what you want from a job. Imagine being so intimidated by a job interview, you can barely answer the interviewer’s questions.

It’s a common problem brought home last month when a YouTube video chronicled the story of a nervous 15-year-old N.C. boy who went to Target to buy a clip-on tie for a job interview. Seizing the opportunity, helpful employees not only showed the teen how to tie a real necktie, they coached him on interview skills and how to deliver a firm handshake. How wonderful is that to see people spontaneously reach out and help another person make that first leap into the job world?

Teens aren’t the only ones who need help preparing for a career. Women of all ages, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, often don’t have a clue how to get the career they want and thrive professionally. Studies have shown that women possess an acute lack of confidence compared to men in interview situations, even when both possess equal knowledge and skills.

As a professional woman, I have reached out to women over the years through my church and other organizations, as have friends and colleagues, to coach them for careers. We helped them as best we could, but knew there had to be a better way.

A little more than a year ago, I discovered Dress for Success, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women by helping them prepare for the workforce. Since 1997, Dress for Success has served more than 775,000 women, providing them with business-appropriate clothing, mentoring and professional development programs. Today there are Dress for Success affiliates in 139 cities in 18 countries around the world.

I was so impressed by the potential to help larger numbers of women that I made the commitment to establish a Dress for Success affiliate in the Midlands. The process included developing business plans, filing for incorporation, earning 501(c)(3) status, receiving formal approval by Dress for Success Worldwide, seating a board of directors, fundraising, securing clothing donations and more. The hard work on behalf of many volunteers will come to fruition on Saturday, when Dress for Success Columbia opens at 10 a.m. 1804 Hampton Street.

Dress for Success Columbia includes a professional clothing boutique that will help outfit clients for interviews using donated clothing, some of it new — like undergarments from corporate sponsor Spanx — and some donated by professional women in the Midlands. As part of the interview suiting program, clients work with a “personal shopper” to choose clothing appropriate for interviews.

Dress for Success Columbia will also operate a career center where clients will have access to computers and printers to help conduct job searches and create resumes, cover letters and other business correspondence. Clients receive coaching on how to write resumes, conduct interviews and practical soft skills such as arriving on time and using positive body language. Clients will also learn about financial literacy and creating a personal financial plan.

We’re not a one-shot solution. Each client receives one interview suit in her first visit and, once she finds work, receives additional attire, either separates or a second suit, and an invitation to join the Professional Women’s Group. This program, along with the career center and mentoring services, is designed to provide ongoing support and foster relationships with others in similar situations as clients grow professionally and strive to turn their jobs into successful careers.

One area of particular focus and of great need in the Midlands is women who have retired from the military and may be entering the civilian workforce for the first time. We are excited to extend our services to military women.

The one caveat of Dress for Success is that we require clients be referred by organizations such as the Columbia Housing Authority, area churches and other organizations. A complete list of partners can be found at columbia.dressforsuccess.org.

Dress for Success has the power to change the lives of women across the Midlands; we can’t wait to get started.

This story was originally published March 26, 2015 at 8:00 PM with the headline "Anderson: Nonprofit Dress for Success set to empower Midlands women."