Makeovers Bringing Confidence To Job Seekers

MARC LEVY

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Shalimar Pabon didn't see the pink slip coming. She didn't expect a yearlong search for another steady, full-time job that forced her to seek welfare benefits for her five children and herself.

And she didn't expect to dazzle herself with a navy-blue interview suit, rouge to add a glow to her cheeks, a touch of gloss on her lips and a brightly colored necklace and earrings.

"Oh wow, my mother's going to have a heart attack when she sees me like this," Pabon said, admiring herself in a mirror as the staff at Dress for Success watched. "You guys don't know how proud my children and mother are going to be."

As workers continue to lose their jobs in the nation's worst economy in decades, many, including 27-year-old Pabon, are getting wardrobe assistance that they hope can help them land work.

Laid off workers and others without jobs are showing up in growing numbers at the affiliates of nonprofit groups such as Dress for Success and Career Gear. Because of the increased demand, both New York-based organizations are fielding more requests to add affiliates around the country.