Job Interviews: With homelessness on the rise this London charity offers men a fresh start
Suited & Booted
Who are Suited & Booted?
Suited & Booted are a London-based charity who aim to support low-income people through the process of getting a job.
Recent data published by Shelter, a homelessness charity, found that the number of people who are homeless in the UK had risen by 14% from 2022 to 2023, a sharp increase of 38,100 people.
As the number of homeless people rises, the number who can not afford smart clothing is following and the charity aims to help by providing formal clothing to those who would otherwise not have access to it.
With the world still tailored towards looking smart in job interviews, those that are unable to afford suits are immediately disadvantaged.
The Chief Executive, Maria Lenn, founded the charity in 2012 and is the only permanent member of staff, relying on volunteers to help the charity run.
Maria said: "When our clients come to us they have at least an hour's appointment. And it’s not just about the clothing, it’s about making someone feel very special and confident."
She added: "For many it’s the first time in their lives they’re with people who really want them to do well."
Vulnerable men from a number of different backgrounds get seen by the charity, but the number who are or have been homeless has increased in recent years.
They depend entirely on donations, receiving contributions from large companies donating stock and from city workers.
"We believe in the power of a great outfit to transform lives."
The location of the charity has moved across London and they have now settled at a site on Fleet Street. The new site is preferable as they do not have to pay rent and can therefore allocate more funds towards helping their clients. It is also larger, so they can house more stock and see more people each day.
Top 10 London boroughs with the highest rates of homelessness
Source: https://england.shelter.org.uk/media/press_release/at_least_309000_people_homeless_in_england_today
The recession caused by the pandemic left people across the country with less disposable income, exacerbated by interest rates reaching a 16-year high. The rising cost of living has reduced spending on non-essential goods and items. As a result, Suited & Booted aims to assist nearly 2,000 clients in 2024, supporting those who are facing financial difficulties.
Manish Gadhvi, 52
Manish Gadhvi was referred to Suited & Booted two years ago, after he became homeless and his life began to fall apart.
The Covid pandemic made him feel extremely lonely and he used substances to numb the pain he was feeling. At the worst of his addiction he used to drink up to two litres of spirits a day.
Manish had issues with drugs, alcohol and online gambling and felt as though he would not come out the other side.
He said: "I lost everything. Family, society, community. You become nobody. But when you are nobody, nowhere you can be anybody, anywhere."
Manish described having a spiritual awakening in which he realised that by being a good person, good things would come back to him.
He subsequently looked to get back into employment, not in the financial sector where he had worked prior to the pandemic, but in hospitality.
He was put in contact with Suited & Booted by Crisis, a homelessness charity.
He said on being styled: "It brought up good memories when I looked in the mirror. It made me realise form is temporary, class is permanent."
Manish is one of many of their clients who have been struggling with their mental state prior to visiting, and have felt the new clothing gave them a new lease of life almost immediately.
He was successful in getting the job he applied for, but has decided he wants to work in a more interactive environment so has since moved on.
Mark Macleod, 54
Mark Macleod had worked as a chef for a long period before deciding to make the switch to front of house.
He began receiving universal credit two months ago and found support from two work coaches, before he was referred by an organisation called Groundwork.
The new role will be in the luxury hotel sector and he now feels "properly dressed for it."
He said: "There's both casual and formal clothing. Clothing for all kinds of occasions and contexts which is amazing."
Mark views himself as an eccentric man and was worried that the items on offer would be very "plain" and "conservative" and therefore not befitting his character.
He added" I thought at best a black suit and a shirt but it's so much more. I have a wardrobe to wear at work and items and combinations to spare.
"It's an incredible organisation."
"Suited & Booted is full of items that allow self expression."
The Psychology of The Suit
The Halo Effect
The Halo effect is a subconscious cognitive bias by which one individual trait influences people's view and feelings about someone's character as a whole.
Photo by Brian Lawson on Unsplash
Photo by Brian Lawson on Unsplash
Attractiveness
This effect started with the notion that individuals perceived as more attractive were also viewed more favourably in other areas.
A 2011 study by Harvard University found that women who wore make-up, and were viewed as more attractive, were also seen as more competent, likeable and trustworthy.
Another study from Finland in 2009 saw that a better individual beauty score was associated with an increase of 20% in the number of votes for the average non-incumbent parliamentary candidate.
The way you look is just one contributor to how others will perceive you.
Clothing
Someone's perception of a person is also influenced by what they are wearing.
A National Institute of Health (NIH) study from 2023 found that colour, fit, fabric and pattern all influenced how people viewed the person wearing it.
The study also found four key things people infer from how others dress; people’s social identities, mental states, status, and aesthetic tastes.
Dressing in smarter clothing triggers the release of neurotransmitters associated with positive emotions. When dopamine is released you feel happier and have greater motivation.
Therefore wearing smarter clothing will make you feel more confident and have a heightened sense of self-worth, ideal when going for an interview.
Have your say
Outfit 1
Outfit 2
Madani Dongous, 21
Madani was referred to the charity, and within a week had been seen for his appointment.
He was concerned about only owning informal clothing and so saw the styling as an opportunity to get clothes that would make him feel more comfortable when going for his interview. He wanted the suit but also saw shoes as a major priority.
He said: "I'm very happy to be here and be able to get formal clothes."
"I feel amazing. I can't believe this is me," he added after the fitting.
The 2023 NIH study found that men who wear hoodies are viewed as more threatening than those wearing suits with a tie.
A suit can therefore provide a veil of safety. If others are perceiving you more positively, you are more likely to feel more confident and open yourself.
He is going for an interview at the M&M store.
Sonny Grant O'Sullivan
Sonny Grant O’Sullivan is a third-generation tailor living in London, and has worked alongside the charity as a volunteer stylist, as well as providing donations.
He has two sites, one at the Strand and the other in Fulham, and since 2017 he has provided a 15% discount to customers who also bring in a suit to donate to the charity.
His initial contact with the charity however came as a client, when he was referred by a job centre after deciding he no longer wanted to be a tailor.
He said: “I had this kind of weird notion that I had to go out on my own. I never had any money”
After his time with Suited & Booted he got a job, but following the death of his grandfather he decided to return to the family business, and “fell in love with it all over again.”
He said: "I could never get it out of my head what Suited & Booted has done for me. But I didn't know how to repay them and actually there wasn't an expectation that I did."
Sonny therefore began donating to the charity and providing the discount to others who did the same.
He now regularly works as part of a large team of volunteer stylists who help the clients dress for their interviews.
"You end up leaving feeling almost like you've achieved something right, like you've gone on this big shopping trip almost and you've not spent a penny but you walk out with your chest really puffed out and you think you're like the king of the world. "
Copyright: Maria Lenn
Copyright: Maria Lenn
"Unfortunately employers tend to not see beneath the veneer of a suit. So if you're not dressed well, there's an assumption that you're just not a good person, which is unfortunate but that's the society we live in."
"I ain't got an ego but damn. I've never felt this good."
How does the charity work?
Referrals
Clients are referred by public agencies and charities such as Jobcentre Plus, the NHS, Crisis and London Probation after they have a job interview offer or work placement.
Copyright: Maria Lenn
Copyright: Maria Lenn
Styling
When clients come in to be fitted, they are found a good quality suit that fits well and looks good on them. Clients and volunteers also work together to find any other necessary items.
Interview Training
Suited & Booted look to provide a welcoming and friendly environment where, after being dressed, clients receive advice, interview training and support.
Copyright: Maria Lenn
Copyright: Maria Lenn
Job Ready
The clients keep their suit and accessories, and are further supported after receiving a job. They may need additional clothes to give them a wider wardrobe and can come back in to be fitted again after being employed.
After the clients are styled, they have the option to go through interview training.
Wearing smart clothing may increase someone's confidence but that does not mean people are immediately ready to go into an interview situation.
Manish, one of the clients, views himself as a confident person but that aspect of his character had been drained after becoming homeless and dependent on alcohol, and he therefore was in need of further help.
Some others are looking to get their first ever jobs and therefore require training, as they have no prior interview experience. This list shows some of the key tips that they are given.
Make sure you know about the organisation you are interviewing to join, and the role you are applying for.
A firm handshake will show you to be confident, enthusiastic and engaged.
Ask questions that reflect your interest in the position and the company you have applied to work for.
Be ready to share your experiences and achievements, emphasising why you suit the role.
Support your responses with specific examples from your past experiences to showcase your skills.
Maintaining eye contact is vital, looking away could display nervousness or a lack or interest.
Do not volunteer negatives about yourself. Be honest about why you would be a great candidate for the role.
The Team
Copyright: Maria Lenn
Copyright: Maria Lenn
Maria Lenn (CEO)
As the only permanent member of staff, Maria has to work constantly to ensure bookings are sorted, and their are volunteers available to help people coming in.
She got a PhD in politics from UCL and worked in communications and public affairs for much of her early career.
Maria has now ran Suited & Booted for 12 years and despite describing the charity as coming "down to the wire occasionally", feels the new location on Fleet Street has given them a new lease of life.
Copyright: Maria Lenn
Copyright: Maria Lenn
Volunteers
The rest of the organisation is made up of volunteers, both stylists and people who help Maria with clients and managing stock.
Many of the volunteer workers are former clients who are looking to give something back to the charity.
The stylists will give their expert advice to help dress the people that come in looking for clothes. A lot of the clients are unsure what they want as they are not used to wearing formal clothing. Having experts helping allows them to feel comfortable and well looked after.
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