Story Detail
Dress for Success Project
A few years ago, I interviewed a young woman for a teller position. She came to the interview wearing shorts and flip-flops. I tried to focus on her skills and experience, but it was extremely hard to get past how little time and care she had taken to prepare for the interview. Was I supposed to believe that this job was important to her? Did she understand our need for professionalism? Would she dress and act professionally on the job?
In an effort to prepare high school seniors in a Career Planning class at a local high, SIU Credit Union together with the classroom teacher Angie Mausey, put together a three-day event designed to teach students how to make a good first impression. On day one, the students went to John A. Logan Junior College cosmetology class. The cosmetology students provided haircuts, manicures, trimmed sideburns and provided instruction on personal care and appearance. On day two, the high school students went to JC Penney and, under the guidance of Penney’s sales associates, high school staff and credit union volunteers, selected a professional outfit for job interviewing. Each student was given $100.00 provided by SIU Credit Union, the Egyptian Chapter of Credit Unions and a grant from the Illinois Credit Union Foundation. On the final day, students ironed their clothing and dressed for a mock interview conducted by high school and credit union staff.
I was amazed at the transformation in the students. Confidence beamed from their smiling faces. They took every activity very seriously and every one of them looked top notch. The experience was rewarding not only for the students but the volunteers at John A Logan, JC Penney, CCHS and SIU Credit Union as well. “I believe the Dress for Success project will ensure that our seniors will have more focus and confidence regarding employability” stated Angie Mausey. “I wanted them to leave high school knowing that they had both the knowledge and experience to make a positive first impression.”