Learn to Dress for Success

Event will help job seekers, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m.

By Carrie Klemm, MCP Correspondent.

LUDINGTON – Looking for a new job but not sure what to wear? Find your answers at Dress for Success!  The creative minds at Michigan Works and the Telamon Corporation, in collaboration with the Ludington and Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce, will be presenting a fashion show of business appropriate attire at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts on Thursday, January 23 at 6 p.m.

The show is designed for job seekers and those looking to dress professionally while maintaining a budget. This is the first time Michigan Works and the Telamon Corporation have hosted such an event in the Ludington area, though the Telamon Corporation has organized similar affairs in other areas with great success.

Throughout the evening, attendees will be given tips on how to dress to impress, appropriately and affordably in the business world. Several local thrift and consignment stores have arranged for the models of the show to stop in and select clothing for the event. In addition, Maurice’s will be offering a few discount vouchers for those in need to visit their store and put together an outfit. Donations of business attire are also being accepted at Michigan Works of Ludington between the hours of 8 a.m to 4 p.m.

Margaret Ewing, workforce development specialist at Telamon Corporation says they have had several donations already.

“We had one woman, just a few days ago, who dropped off several size 12 suits that were absolutely gorgeous,” stated Ewing. “We are grateful for donations and are open to any size clothing, though we ask that it be clean and gently used.”

The workshop is expected to last about an hour to two hours, and will feature a number of models who will showcase different outfits. According to Ewing, there will be a closet of attire for those who are part of the program to select a few items of clothing. Personal shoppers will be present to assist in pairing the appropriate outfit with the anticipated job interview.

Mariah Schwartz, a Ludington resident will be one of the fashion models for the evening.

“I am excited to be part of the event,” Schwartz said. After recently returning to the Ludington area, Schwartz has been taking advantage of the helpful opportunities at Michigan Works in order to make a better life for herself and her young daughter, Destiny. She has been visiting Michigan Works on a regular basis for the past three weeks filling out applications and attending Job Club.

“Job Club is great. You get assistance in building your resume and writing cover letters, while also learning how to dress appropriately and what not to do in an interview,” said Schwartz.

Her desire is to work in direct support staff, visiting the homes of those in need to help cook, clean and assist in daily life, but she added that she is open for any opportunity.

Though information on how to prepare for upcoming interviews is always available at Michigan Works, Dress for Success will be a more interactive and fun way to pick up a few tips. The event is free and open to the public, however, reservations are appreciated in order to plan ahead. For more information, call (231) 843-2563, email laura.Gautheir@michiworkswc.org, or stop in to the Michigan Works West Central office in Ludington.