Career Help
SHE'S GOT THE LOOK
Job-seeker Tishria Mack learns to dress to impress
Tishria Mack is looking for a job. She wants to renew her certified nursing 
assistant license and find a job in that field. It's more difficult to find a job now, so making a first impression is important.
"I could use some sprucing up," she said.
To help Ms. Mack look professional and stylish on a budget, she took a shopping trip to a thrift store with Phyllis Leyden-Alexander, LifeSkills co-founder and program director. Ms. Mack also got a low-maintenance, high-style haircut at Spice of New York Salon and Spa.
"We just feel better when we look better," Mrs. Leyden-Alexander said.
If you're also looking for a low-cost, high-impact professional look, here are some tips culled from Ms. Mack's makeover.
The women went to Goodwill Emporium at 3120 Peach Orchard Road to pick out some professional attire for an interview.
It's important to dress for the job, Mrs. Leyden-Alexander said, and not wear an outfit that's too casual or more appropriate for a night out.
"It's better to go more conservative, just in case youhave a more conservative interviewer," she said.
Self expression should take a backseat to dressing professionally for an interview.
"It's not taking away from who you are to dress differently for an interview," she said.
They spent just $33 for two pairs of slacks, a sweater, four shirts, and a pair of closed-toe shoes.
Ms. Mack says she generally dresses more casual, and she's used to buying new clothes. "But until I get a job, this is more my range," she said.
Ms. Mack next had her hair cut and styled at Spice of New York Salon and Spa by Marquitta Graham, owner, and Sacious Lamar. For Ms. Mack, Ms. Graham went for a sleek fade cut, which is low maintenance and professional looking. She can mold it, rake it, wear soft curls for work or tight curls for a more elegant look.
Mrs. Leyden-Alexander, who is also an independent sales director for Mary Kay Cosmetics, gave Ms. Mack a facial makeover. She had Ms. Mack apply the makeup to her own face, so Ms. Mack would learn the techniques.
MAKE A BIG IMPACT FOR A LITTLE MONEY
The women went to Goodwill Emporium at 3120 Peach Orchard Road to pick out some professional attire for an interview.
It's important to dress for the job, Mrs. Leyden-Alexander said, and not wear an outfit that's too casual or more appropriate for a night out.
"It's better to go more conservative, just in case you have a more conservative interviewer," she said.
Self expression should take a backseat to dressing professionally for an interview.
"It's not taking away from who you are to dress differently for an interview," she said.
They spent just $33 for two pairs of slacks, a sweater, four shirts, and a pair of closed-toe shoes.
Ms. Mack says she generally dresses more casual, and she's used to buying new clothes. "But until I get a job, this is more my range," she said.
GET THE LOOK - Here are some tips for finding professional attire at a secondhand store:
- Black and brown are good neutrals.
- Sleeves should be at least a cap sleeve, unless you'll keep your jacket on during the interview.
- Learn to recognize quality labels. For example, Investments is one brand Mrs. Leyden-Alexander found that is originally sold at Dillard's.
- Buy pieces you can mix and match.
- Items that are washable will save you money on dry cleaning.
- Learn to sew. It will come in handy if you need to repair a hem or button, keeping your clothes in good condition.
WANT HIGH STYLE? THINK LOW MAINTENANCE
Ms. Mack next had her hair cut and styled at Spice of New York Salon and Spa by Marquitta Graham, owner, and Sacious Lamar. For Ms. Mack, Ms. Graham went for a sleek fade cut, which is low maintenance and professional looking. She can mold it, rake it, wear soft curls for work or tight curls for a more elegant look.
GET THE LOOK - Ms. Graham, who has done makeovers at no cost for women from LifeSkills, offers tips.
- A good cut goes a long way in saving time and energy on styling.
- Keep hair moisturized.
- Don't do drastic at-home colors or perms. They can be botched and harm your hair.
- Take care of your hair cuticles by rinsing with cold water.
DON'T FORGET THE FINISHING TOUCHES
GET THE LOOK - Tips for a fresh face for an interview:
- Good skin care is key. Find a cleanser and moisturizer appropriate for your skin type.
- For a professional daytime look, stick with neutral colors.
- Don't use too dark a lip liner. It should look natural.
- Don't wear false lashes for an interview.
- Foundation should match your face. You shouldn't have to blend it in to your neck to avoid a makeup line.
- Bronzers can add warmth to your face.
- Take piercings out for interviews: no more than two in each ear, and take out facial or tongue piercings. Cover tattoos if possible.