● The First Impressions Boutique is a public, professional closet for individuals in the Lansing Area in need of professional attire located at CAMW!’s Lansing American Job Center. ○ All clothing items are gently used and available free of charge. ● The boutique includes BOTH mens and womens clothing items, such as: ○ Suits. ○ Dresses. ○ Skirts. ○ Blouses. ○ Dress shirts. ○ Heels & dress shoes. ○ Jewelry. ● Clothing items in the boutique are generally used for: ○ Interviews. ○ Job & career fairs. ○ Networking events. ○ Other professional events. ● Dotty, please provide any additional information. 

 

 

● As community members switch out their wardrobes for spring/summer, we encourage them to donate their interview-worthy clothing to the boutique. ● All clothing items must be business AND season-appropriate, clean and neatly folded or on a hanger. ● We encourage items to be five years old or less. ○ Individuals with vintage clothing items (10 years or older) should take them to a local vintage clothing store for resale. ● For those utilizing clothing from the boutique, a maximum of 3 outfits and 1 pair of shoes can be taken out once per month. ○ This allows for other individuals to have a wide selection of options when picking items. 

 

Question: Why is it important for career seekers to dress professionally during the interview process? And what are some tips for dressing for success?

● According to Pittsburg State University, “before the interview starts, you have already made an impression based on how you’re dressed.” ○ Dressing professionally during an interview shows respect to the company and the interviewer. ○ If possible, research the company’s dress code to understand better how they want to be represented. ○ Regardless of what you wear, feeling confident is most important so wear something that makes you feel your best. ● Tips for professional attire: ○ The night before the interview, lay out your outfit to ensure it isn’t wrinkled or has any stains. ○ Make sure the clothes are clean. ○ Avoid strong perfumes or colognes. ○ Avoid any flashy jewelry or watches that may be distracting to the interviewer. 

 

 

● First Impressions Boutique accepts donations and is always open to accepting them. ○ Donations are accepted at Capital Area Michigan Works! Monday and Thursday during business hours by appointment only. ● Individuals interested in donating items may contact the following to make an appointment: ○ Dotty Wilinski at: dwilinki@camw.net. ○ Brandi Pettway at: bpettway@camw.net. ● For additional resources, please contact Dotty Wilinski at: 517-492-5519. 

 

 

● Begin by reviewing interview techniques and most importantly, practice! ● Before the interview: ○ Review the job description and specifications. ○ Review your resume and be prepared to discuss your relevant skills and experience. ○ Determine who your references are. ■ Current or past employers. ■ Coworker. ■ Teacher/professor. ● During the interview: ○ Take a breath and try to relax! ■ Think of the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation. ○ Listen to the questions carefully and give clear, concise, and thoughtful answers that include examples of your skills and/or short stories that demonstrate your qualifications. ○ Ask relevant questions about the job or the department. ○ End the interview by thanking the panel for their time and consideration. ● Capital Area Michigan Works! has resources to help you prepare for your next job interview, including workshops and events to help you perfect your resume and practice your interview skills. For more information, email LansingGreeter@camw.net or call 1-800-285-WORK (9675).

First impressions are key in finding a job, which is why you want to put your best face forward. Use resources at our American Job Centers to perfect your resume, refresh your interview skills and more.

What are the first steps you should take to prepare for a job interview?

• Read up on interview techniques and practice, practice, practice your skills!
• Schedule a mock interview or learn about the resources available to you through Capital Area Michigan Works! by calling one of our American Job Centers.
• Take a look at the Capital Area Michigan Works! Interview Techniques. Preparation is an important part of the interview process. The time you spend preparing prior to the interview will be time well spent in your job search process. This packet contains tips on what you can do to prepare yourself before, during and after a job interview.
• Stop into our CAMW! Clothing Boutique located in each American Job Center to obtain professional clothing free of charge! 

Attend as many workshops and classes as you can. We offer help with everything from basic computer skills and resume writing to interview practice and tips to utilize social media in your job search. You can register online or at a Capital Area Michigan Works! American Job Center in Charlotte, Lansing or St. Johns