Support Women Getting Jobs in Billings MT Starting With an Interview Outfit and Career Support

Before beginning her job search, a woman at the boutique chooses interview and work-appropriate clothing and shoes with a personal shopper. After receiving professional clothing and preparing to look for work, she wrote, “This program is a godsend and helps those of us who are serious about gaining employment to look and feel ready!”

Dress For Success Billings Inc helps women pursue employment and economic independence in Billings and Yellowstone, Big Horn, Carbon, Stillwater, and Musselshell counties.

The boutique provides professional clothing and personal-shopping guidance; the Career Center offers one-on-one help with resumes, mock interviews, job searches, and college applications.

Career support for women in Billings starts at the boutique

Dress for Success Billings became a nonprofit in 1999 with interview suiting at its center. Interview suiting remains the organization’s first service. For a client preparing for an interview, clothing that fits and shoes suitable for the job provide professional attire, while a personal shopper offers informed guidance.

The organization later added its Career Center in 2014 and Training Center in 2018. Its Career Center, launched in 2014, offers one-on-one assistance with resumes and cover letters, mock interviews, job searching, computer access, financial-aid applications, college applications, and longer-term support. The Training Center, opened in 2018, gives clients a place to use computers, work with staff or volunteers, and attend classes and workshops.

After using the organization’s support while planning for college, one client wrote, “That being said, I’m looking at finally going to college.” Financial education classes cover budgeting, basic banking and longer-term goals, while professional-development and computer training build skills for the workplace itself.

More than 8,100 women served

According to Dress for Success Billings, more than 8,100 women have used its support since inception.

“Thank you for the smiles and professional clothes that helped me look and feel confident and ready for my interview.”

— Dress for Success Billings client

Women seeking boutique suiting need a referral from a partner agency before scheduling a boutique visit; Career Center support is available by appointment.

Current clothing and winter gear needs

The organization’s published needs are unusually specific: plus-sized black pants, black non-slip shoes in all sizes, new makeup, new or gently used purses and handbags, and new or gently used winter coats. For example, black non-slip shoes may be useful for a client preparing for a job that requires them, while a winter coat may help with the commute.

Recent grants and fundraising efforts have paid for specific client needs. Dress for Success Billings reports that a $1,000 Town Pump grant purchased approximately 34 pairs of non-slip work shoes. Its GivingTuesday effort raised $655 to purchase more than 20 coats. A $25,000 Walmart Statewide Foundation award expanded the Career Center, while gifts support professional attire and accessories, toiletries and hygiene items, and winter gear.

Because availability changes, donors and prospective clients should contact the organization directly to confirm what is currently available. Career Center support is available by appointment at 406-256-7304.

Give plus-sized black pants, non-slip shoes, or winter coats to help a client arrive ready for work and continue with Career Center support by appointment.