Self-employment
To the ninesnines |
|
1 | 2
Canadian Press (CP) |
To find out, take this test by eCareerFit, the career assessment experts.
One day she saw a gorgeous Brian Bailey suit featured on a local television program and thought how if she had that suit she could land a job. She then read about FACE and asked her social worker to set up an appointment for her. When she went to the clothing bank, she picked up the same suit she saw on television and it was her size.
"Some things are meant to be. It fit perfectly," said Parolin. "I didn't look like someone living in poverty. I looked very professional and I felt very good."
After she got the suit, she applied for a job as a co-ordinator for a resource centre and got an interview.
"I put my suit on and went to the interview and got the job," she said, adding that she worked her way up to executive director.
Parolin now runs a drop-in centre in Toronto.
In addition to having businesswear -- including designer items -- available at no cost, FACE and Dress for Success have shoes, purses, new pantyhose and make-up available for women who are referred to the clothing bank through various government and social services. The clothing banks also provide one-on-one consultations so women leave with the best possible look.
"There's a feeling that you have about yourself, when you put on a new outfit. You walk differently and you stand differently," said Sharon Skaling, an image consultant in Halifax. "It's more confident. It's a stronger sense of self.
"There's something about that whole look that gives them that 'Yeah, I've got it and I can face things.' "
Anyone who has seen someone put on a flattering new outfit has seen the peacock strut, but a smart ensemble also has an effect on others.
"On the employer's side, when candidates are well dressed, it sends out a huge message that this person cares and respects the time that I've given them and that often is the belief that they are then going to have that same quality when they go into the workplace," said Skaling, whose company Panoply 3D, has dressed many people, from vice-presidents of companies to rock bands.
Which job-searching mistake have you made?