Dress for Success helps women looking for jobs

In today's tough job market, you've got to really stand out. Dress for Success Atlanta is helping metro Atlanta women do just that by giving them everything they need to make the right impression.

Laconya Bland says her search for a job can be summed up in one word -- hard.

"I submit eight applications a day.  Sometimes I get a response, but the majority of the time I do not. So it's been very difficult," said bland.

She says going to Dress for Success Atlanta has made all the difference.

"Well, I needed some change and I needed some help. I was thinking maybe it was something wrong with my resume or the way I presented myself," said bland.

Paige Riley, Director of Dress for Success Atlanta, says they not only dress women for success, but prepare them for job interviews so they can get a new job.

Bland was given help with her resume and a personal stylist. But she says what has been most helpful was the mock interview. She sat down with a member of Dress for Success' staff who gave her interview tips, even pretending to be an interviewer.

"It actually builds up your self-esteem, preparing you for the questions and how to present yourself," said bland.

Bland finally landed an actual interview for an assistant manager position. She says she's ready, inside and out.

"Especially if you've never went out into the workforce or been out of the workforce for a while, they critique you as to what you need to do for yourself, how you should present yourself, how you should dress. So it's a beautiful experience coming here," said Bland.

Dress for Success also has a professional women's group for graduates of their program that helps current clients.

You can help Dress for Success' mission. This Friday and Saturday at Atlantic Station there will be a two-day designer shopping sale, with the proceeds benefiting the organization. Supermodel Emme and our own FOX 5 anchor, Lisa Rayam will be co-hosting a Friday night VIP event. For more information, click here!