We all remember that first job interview. Maybe you were a little nervous and spent a lot of time getting ready. Perhaps you had that perfect outfit – or wish you did. For many urban youth today, professional clothes are difficult to afford. That’s why MatchBridge’s “Dress to Impress” event is so important.

Companies from around the Bay Area donated suits, shirts, dresses, shoes, and accessories to the United Way ’s annual spring clothing drive in anticipation for Dress to Impress. Twenty-five youth participants went on a shopping spree this past week, each picking out two professional outfits and other clothing items at no cost.

“Getting free clothes can help you succeed on interviews,” said Seraphine Xieu, MatchBridge member, “Having the right clothes helps you feel confident about yourself – people will trust you more.”

Youth participants were also paired with volunteers from UPS, BRE Properties, Bovis, Lend Lease, Shook, Hardy & Bacon, Macy’s, and United Way’s Emerging Leaders group for mock interviews. The youth were asked typical employer questions and given pointers.

Between their new duds and some new interview skills, the young people left better prepared for the job market.

“Having the right wardrobe is amazingly important,” said Connie Moore, president and CEO of BRE Properties, a key MatchBridge partner. “You get one chance to make a first impression. So how you look shows how committed you are going to be, and you’re telling your prospective employer, ‘I want this job and I want to work hard at this job.’ That’s what they want to see.”

MatchBridge is United Way’s youth employment program, which provides urban youth with job opportunities while serving as a one-stop shop for employers looking for new employees.

If you are an employer or a job seeker and want to learn more about MatchBridge, go to www.matchbridge.org.