...is tougher than ever. Believe it or not when we go to find a job, we must present ourselves as clean, and, at least neat and looking one position up from the one we are actually wanting. So, if you want to be a janitor, you dress as a supervisor. Why? Because, if you can appear as a supervisor, you will probably be a good, dependable janitor because you are going to always try to impress those you work for.

Does this mean you have to be rich to find wardrobe just for finding a job? Of course not! As long as you are wearing clean, not wrinkled jeans, a white shirt, and a jacket, you are dressed as most supervisors would be. Shoes shined and socks. A tie to match the socks would be very impressive.

However, If you are looking for a job, say as a lawyer, a neatly pressed suit would be more in the offing.

Colors for men:

Medium to Dark Grays

Navy Blue

Black

Medium to Dark Browns

Shirt – Traditional Collar Dress

White

Off White

Shoes – Traditional Leather, Suede or Leather Look

Black

Wine

Brown

Socks & Tie – Lightly patterned to Solid Colors

Black

Medium to Dark Blues

Medium to Dark Browns

(Socks and tie should match)

I know the above sounds very bland. But there is a lot of tradition to applying for a job and in most settings tradition still stands. I know that there are some low-income jobs that young people apply to with casual clothing and get the jobs. But, if you want to actually be considered for moving up in the future, or looking for a better job later, your boss will remember your first day and what you are wearing and will pass it on to the next employer, it will be a harder struggle as the reputation that you do not care has been established in your first impression.

Colors for women:

Suit – Dress & Pantsuits. (Make sure we are talking pantsuits. Pantsuits should include a jacket that matches your pants.)

Light to Navy Blue

Black

Light to Dark Browns

Light to Dark Grays

(Refrain from loud colors & extremely busy patterns)

Shoe – Traditional leather to Fabrics

Navy

Black

Brown

(Wear comfortable shoes – No High Heels!)

I am already hearing the groans. Let me clue you in on something. If you really want a legitimate job you must convince your boss that you are serious. You must look the part. Once you get the job, you may find that you can relax as to dress. But, remember, first impression will follow you and follow you, and follow you…get the point?

But, I can’t afford good clothes…

If you are signed up with one of the job related services and are interviewing for a job, or just got a job, check with your counselor or supervisor to sign a paper indicating that you need clothes from:

Clothes that Work

1133 Edwin C. Moses Blvd. Suite 110

Dayton, Ohio 45408

(937) 222-3778

(937) 222-3781 (Fax)

Contact the phone number below if you are totally without funds and need clothes to even go out and look for a job. Or if your family, children have little or no clothes.

Christian Life Center

Benevolence Ministry

(937) 898-8811

If you are reading this out of the Dayton, Ohio area, look in the yellow pages at MSN. COM to find clothing or thrift stores in your area.

Other thrift Stores in the area, if you have a little money:

St. Francis Thrift Store

1235 N. Keowee St.

Dayton, Ohio

(937) 223-0007

Salvation Army Thrift Store

5450 Burkhardt Rd.

Dayton, Ohio

(937) 262-0372

St. Francis Thrift Store

2824 Wilmington Pike

Dayton, Ohio

(937) 294-1973

St. Francis Thrift Store

1220 N. Broad St.

Fairborn, Ohio

(937) 754-0007

Goodwill Industries of the Miami Valley - Retail Stores, Centerville
950 Miamsbrg Cntrvlle Road, Washingto Twp, OH 45459
(937) 434-5335

Goodwill Industries of the Miami Valley - Retail Stores, Dayton
501 East 5th Street, Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 228-4737

Goodwill Industries of the Miami Valley - Retail Stores, Huber Heights
5058 Brandt Pike, Dayton, OH 45424
(937) 237-1839

Goodwill Industries of the Miami Valley - Retail Stores, Kettering
1040 Patterson Road, Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 252-9835

Goodwill Industries of the Miami Valley - Retail Stores, Kettering
1970 East Dorothy Lane, Dayton, OH 45420
(937) 643-9890

I know that, especially if you are just starting out, you are not going to really believe that the first impression is all that important. And, of course, you definitely aren’t going to believe that anyone will believe it. But, your mother remembers the first time she saw you. She remembers your first smile. Your employer will remember the first time he or she sees you. And, it will make the difference as to whether or not you are hired, and even keep your job.

Best wishes on getting and keeping a job. May God be with you. Yes, God does make the difference. If you want to know more, contact me and I will help you find someone that will guide you to learn more about God.