Career Gear

SUITING PROGRAM

Since 1999, Career Gear has helped thousands of disconnected and underserved job-seeking men become self-sufficient members of their communities. By providing interview counseling and business attire, Career Gear offers vital services to men of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, as well as recipients of public assistance, the disabled, recovering addicts, Iraqi war veterans, former foster care children, recent immigrants, and the formerly incarcerated. We invest in men who have begun to turn their lives around. Each has completed a job-training program and has a scheduled interview that could change his life forever.

Career Gear’s philosophy is simple but powerful: Successful employment is a catalyst towards men emerging as fathers and leaders within their communities.

Interview Preparation & Counseling
When a participant arrives for his scheduled appointment, trained volunteers review his resume, identify potential barriers to the upcoming interview, review the work environment/culture in which the interview will take place and offer specific and concrete tools to overcome potential obstacles in securing gainful employment.

Interview Clothing
Our team of assistant managers works one-on-one with the men to help select an appropriate outfit for the upcoming job interview. Professional clothing provided includes a suit, dress shirt, tie, belt, shoes, and overcoat (when available). Ninety percent of the clothing we provide is donated by manufacturers and designers and is brand new. Ten percent is gently used clothing that has been donated by individuals and is in excellent condition. Career Gear provides new shoes for each participant. Clothing that is not in excellent condition is re-donated to other social service agencies in the community.


In 2008, 1,445 men received a business suit and career counseling at its national headquarters in New York. Career Gear affiliates suited another 1,828.