Makeovers Bringing Confidence To Job Seekers

"They talk about how different it feels when they ride the train, when people don't move away from them like they're a threat," said affiliate director Alan Spencer. "People actually have conversations with them ... and they feel great about it."

Tonja Coles started work as a licensed practical nurse in Harrisburg earlier this month after she went to Dress for Success where, she said, she felt "pampered." Before that, she had no suit and no idea what she would wear to an interview, the 26-year-old said.

"I think the interview outfit really gave that first impression like I was ready for work and I was a dependable person and looked like I am to be taken seriously, like I take my job seriously," Coles said.

In Colorado, Donna Wooten is hoping for the same success. She was coming off a disappointing round of interviews when she went in to Dress for Success in Denver last week.

Wooten, 41, of Centennial, who hasn't worked since she was fired in February as an accounts payable specialist, got more than just a suit: A pair of shoes, a purse and jewelry — and interview techniques.