A new initiative aims to help job seekers look sharp for interviews, without hitting them in the pocket
Hundreds of charity shops across the UK have joined a scheme to help job seekers dress to impress.
Stores from across the country have joined forces with careers app Debut and TV fashion expert Amber Butchart to launch the Dress to Impress for £10 initiative.
The project will help improve job prospects for millions of individuals by providing access to interview outfits for only £10, and also aims to educate job seekers on correct interview attire.
More than 650 charity shops will each feature a dedicated section of their retail space to the Dress to Impress initiative, and store volunteers will share advice and tips that have been provided by the BBC’s fashion expert, Amber Butchart.
The initiative will give everyone access to interview attire on a budget whilst demystifying what candidates should wear to an interview today, after research undertaken by Debut revealed that 72% of career hopefuls aged 16-23 didn’t know where to start in terms of considering what to wear in an interview.
Butchart said: “The UK’s charity shops are brimming with hidden gems that are waiting to go from being pre-loved to re-loved and this campaign makes it easier to find them. Thousands of store volunteers have been armed with my interview attire advice and a list of interview staples that they will be showcasing in the dedicated sections of the store, which are signposted to be found easily.”
Charlie Taylor, founder of Debut, called for members of the public to get involved: He said: “The idea for the initiative stemmed from a piece of research we did that revealed that seven in every ten people aged 16-23 are confused about what to wear for an interview. Here at Debut we decided to set the record straight and give every candidate the chance to purchase a fantastic interview outfit on a budget, armed with the information they need to ‘dress to impress’ and land their dream career.”
Robin Osterley, chief executive of the Charity Retail Association, which represents the interests of charity retailers that run more than 8,600 shops, welcomed the initiative.
“Charity shops play a vital role in every community, making them a perfect place to help this campaign start conversations about finding work, give people a helping hand to get into employment, or source a fantastic interview outfit for a good price,” he said.
“The Dress to Impress for £10 initiative is extremely relevant today as competition for jobs is increasing, and people are looking for ways to save money during the job application process. Often education around what to wear is also missing - and this campaign helps to overcome that whilst supporting great causes across the UK.”
