BURLINGTON, Vt. -
Harri Williams is the executive director at the new Dress for Success specialty shop in Burlington.
"I want them to think, 'oh my goodness, I look amazing,'" Williams said.
The nonprofit is formally opening the doors to its new space on St. Paul Street. The organization helps women in need looking for work look their best in the process. Clients will work with staff and volunteers to find perfect interview attire. Everything from the clothes to shoes and accessories is free of charge.
"When they come here, they're told to treat this like it's an interview because we want to mock that experience so they feel really comfortable when they actually get to their job interview," Williams said.
When a client first comes into the boutique she can pick out just the right outfit to nail the interview. Once she lands that job, she can come on back and pick out enough outfits to mix-and-match for a whole week.
"I think it's really important. Your first impression is so important on someone. Before they see your resume, before they talk to you, before they hear you speak; just seeing the way someone is put together is really important," said Vanessa Elliott, a volunteer.
The affiliate shop is one of more than 120 around the world. Staff members in Vermont are collaborating with a number of women's groups to get the effort off the ground and have already identified roughly 150 clients. The women will also have access to help with cover letter, interviews and an onsite career center. However, the organization's executive director says the new clothes can often make the biggest difference.
Dress for Success doesn't take walk-in customers, but it can connect you with a partner organization that can give you a referral. It will hold an open house for the public Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
It will take Dress for Success about $3,000 a month to stay open. Click here for more on Dress for Success-Burlington.
