Helping Trafford’s Job Seekers Look Sharp – Working Wardrobe
- Bryony Pigram
- July 19, 2021
- 3:39 pm
- No Comments
Lack of a suitable wardrobe is a significant barrier for some when attending a job interview. It can be difficult to feel confident and put your best foot forward when your wardrobe doesn’t reflect your dedication. Working Wardrobe is a new project in Trafford, Manchester whose aim is to help break down this barrier by providing free personal styling and outfits for job seekers. First impressions count, and the lovely team at Working Wardrobe work closely with clients to help them pick a free interview outfit that helps make them feel confident, because everyone deserves the chance to get the job they deserve.
Working Wardrobe in Trafford was first proposed by the charity Groundwork, Greater Manchester in September 2019. Thanks to funding from Trafford Housing Trust, they are now able to give an all encompassing service which provides referred clients with personal styling, clothing and interview preparation. Clients are referred to Working Wardrobe by trusted partners, with the service available to job seekers or those on a training course who have a confirmed job interview for a paid position or apprenticeship. Project Officers will even provide ongoing employment help and advice after the interview to those who need it. A similar initiative provided by Bolton’s Working Wardrobe results in 70% of people assisted getting the job they interview for. This initiative in Trafford is sure to help local job seekers take that confident step forwards.
In Bolton, 70% of people supported get the job they interview for!
There are plenty of ways to help Working Wardrobe and the people they support. If you would like to volunteer your time, you can help out with everything from stockroom sorting, to administration tasks or even personal styling. Donations of high quality, work-appropriate clothing are equally welcomed. The greater the range of styles and sizes available, the more likely it is that someone can find that special something. If you are a business with excess stock, or a local office who has had a clothing drive, please consider getting in contact with Working Wardrobe here to discuss the dropping-off or collection of your donation. You can use the same link to discuss volunteering opportunities.
An alternative, simple way you can help Working Wardrobe with the items they need right now is via their Give Today donation shop. There you can directly purchase everything from professional clothing rails to new pairs of socks. Natasha Bernard, Working Wardrobe Project Officer, says about the items on their donation shop:
“Clothing poverty is an issue that has increased significantly in recent years, particularly as a result of the pandemic. A full interview outfit can be extremely costly and not everyone has the funds to pay out for this. Our clothing stock is based entirely on donations from the public and businesses with a huge chunk of our time spent collecting, sorting and valuing in order to ensure we are providing a quality service that doesn’t feel “second-hand”. We believe preparation and confidence is key for job interview success and we hope that by providing a full styled outfit and tailored coaching, we can be the difference in securing the position”.
Working Wardrobe’s donation shop will change as their needs change and the project progresses, so be sure to check back. Every item purchased and donated is sent directly to Working Wardrobe, where it will be either used for organising and storing clothing, or provided to an excited job seeker.
Help someone get the job they deserve today by sending them a gift via Working Wardrobe’s Give Today donation shop:
Even if you cannot support with time or items at the moment, you can follow the Working Wardrobe project on social media to show your support and keep up to date with goings on.
Facebook – /GMWardrobe
twitter – @GM_Wardrobe
Instagram – WorkingWardrobeGM
To find out more about Trafford’s new Working Wardrobe, volunteering opportunities, donating existing items or becoming a referral partner, you can visit their website – https://www.gmworkingwardrobe.co.uk/
