By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The University of Montevallo is taking the guesswork out of students’ preparation for future job interviews.

UM students can shop for donated business clothes and accessories at Dress to Impress, the annual professional clothing drive event, on Wednesday, March 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Anna Irvin Dining Hall.

Dress to Impress will also feature stations for mock interviews, résumé review and tips on career readiness.

“We appreciate the support from the Montevallo family, and will be accepting donations through Friday, March 15, at Montevallo City Hall, UM Service Learning office and the UM Career Development Center,” Career Development Center Director Angie Kelly said. “All donations are appreciated.”

All sizes of clothing will be accepted. Needed items include men’s ties, shirts, jackets, slacks, belts and shoes; and women’s shirts, jackets, slacks, skirts, dresses and shoes.

Donations from the community make Dress to Impress free for UM students.

Normally, about 60-80 students are served at Dress to Impress, Kelly said.

Students can choose one complete outfit, including accessories.

Donations may be dropped off at the following locations:

• UM Career Development Center, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
• Comer Hall, Office 301, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday
• Montevallo City Hall, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

The event, now in its fourth iteration, is hosted by the UM Career Development Center, the Office of Service Learning and Community Engagement, the Office of Partnerships and Outreach and Phi Chi Theta business fraternity, according to a UM press release.

“Dress to Impress is a wonderful resource for our students to find an interview-appropriate outfit, which will help them make a lasting first impression with future employers,” Sarah Hendren, director of the Office of Partnerships and Outreach, wrote in the release. “We are thrilled to continue hosting this annual event for our students and appreciate the help from individuals and businesses in the community in making it a success.”