Looking Professional on a Budget

I've completed my degree and several internships. Since I had to work to support my family, I took classes part time. Unfortunately, my job doesn't pay much and supporting my family doesn't leave much money to spend on my wardrobe. I'm afraid to interview for the positions I qualify for now because of my old, outdated business attire. How can I look like a million bucks without actually spending a million bucks?

ANSWER: Congratulations on completing your degree! Going to school part time certainly must have been a lot of time. You should be proud of your accomplishment and your determination! Your family should be, too!

You're in one of the classic job hunter "Catch-22" situations. Most recently-minted grads know it's difficult to get experience without a job, but it's difficult to get a job without experience. In your case, however, you need to dress like you already have the job, but can't afford to do so without having the job in the first place.

The truth of the matter, though, is that you can look like a million bucks without actually spending a million bucks. Here are a few ways:

Thrift and consignment stores. You can buy quality shirts (or tops), suits and dresses very cheaply at thrift and consignment stores. Depending on your location, you'll easily be able to buy dress shirts for $1 to $3 and men's suits for $20 or less. You can make shirts and tops look like new by using some spray starch (available at most grocery stores) and ironing them well. Conservative, dark suits can look great after being dry cleaned.

Dry cleaners. Speaking of dry cleaning, dry cleaners are another great source for getting threads on the cheap. For one reason or another, many people leave their clothes at dry cleaners and never pick them up. Since most dry cleaners have a finite amount of space, many will sell off the "forgotten" clothes for a fraction of what they're worth. It's not uncommon to get quality, almost new-looking suits for $50 or less. Check out the dry cleaners in your area to see when their sales are coming up.

One good suit. For interviewing purposes, men can get by with one suit, a few white shirts and two or three ties. Women, unfortunately, don't have the same luxury. Women typically can get by with three outfits (to ensure the same thing isn't worn at the same place more than once during the interview process).

Accessorize. Women can accessorize with necklaces, silk scarves, earrings and matching their handbags and shoes. Men, unfortunately, don't have that luxury. Men are typically limited to ties as accessories. Whatever you accessorize with, however, you'll be able to find it cheaply using the above techniques or by searching on eBay.

IN A NUTSHELL: To look like a million bucks on the cheap, hit thrift and consignment stores, speak with local dry cleaners, get the bare minimum of outfits needed to interview and pick up accessories cheaply.

Do you have a work search or on-the-job related question? Contact me here and it may be answered in an upcoming article.