Initiative dares jobless women to dress for success

Andrew Mathieson
BAD fashion taste is not a crime but it has at least left some young women jobless.
But an innovative Dare to Succeed initiative is changing all that, with promises to clothe the daggiest dressers in the latest power outfits.
Geelong welfare service BacLinks has called for donations of clean and pre-loved women’s workwear.
Varieties of sizes and styles of suits, tops, skirts, shoes, handbags and jewellery will dress 16-to-25-year-old women who have struggled to succeed in job interviews.
BacLinks manager Sheree Holdsworth said feedback from employers indicated clothes could be crucial to employment prospects.
“What we’re hoping to do is assist these women to look the part and feel good about themselves with a real can-do attitude – that’s why we named the event Dare to Succeed,” she said.
“Really, it’s just about taking the bull by the horns and giving it your best shot.”
BacLinks ran the Dare to Succeed event for the first time last year.
Quiksilver employees were first to donate items last year from their own wardrobes. The surfwear company also provided stylists to help pick the right outfit, while Gordon TAFE students handed out tips on hair and make-up, job network agency Matchworks gave advice on interview techniques and a professional photographer was also on hand for model-like shots.
“To see the changes in those girls were incredible – just the self-esteem,” Mrs Holdsworth said.
“Some girls at the start wouldn’t even look at the camera but toward the end they were actually posing.
Mrs Holdsworth said making a good impression was all about “the first five seconds before you open your mouth”.
But many disadvantaged women had low self-esteem and little financial support, she said.
Mr Holdsworth asked anyone with donations to phone BacLinks on 5249 8989 or email backlinksa-dmin@karingal.org.au by August 28.