Forget the want ads. O is on a mission to help four deserving women land their dream jobs. With an all-star team of career coaches, fashion experts, hairstylists, and makeup artists, we get down to work.
jobs
 From left: The multitasking mom, Tania Jaffe, 42. The fund-raiser, Valerie Cole-Davis, 58. The project manager, Norma Ferro, 50; and the recent graduate, Britnee Foreman, 25.

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Norma Ferro, 50, Project Manager

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Britnee Foreman, 25, Recent Graduate

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Tania Jaffe, 42, Multitasking Mom

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Valerie Cole-Davis, 58, Fund-Raiser
See the makeovers!

HIRE ONE OF OUR SEPTEMBER ISSUE CAREER WOMEN!
To reach Valerie, Tania, Britnee, or Norma about a possible job opportunity, please email oprahcareerwomen@yahoo.com.
Before: Frumpy and exhausted
Regrouping After a Layoff

Norma Ferro, 50

Smart solutions for a single mom: an updated résumé and look.
Norma's story:
When Norma, a project manager, was laid off from her job at a chemical company in late 2009, her colleagues cried with her. They also offered referrals, which Norma supplemented with contacts gleaned from two networking groups. She briefly considered starting her own business, but realized she'd need too much capital.

What she's looking for:
Norma is a hyperorganized extrovert who loved being a project manager, but losing her job last year has allowed her to spend more time with her 9-year-old son—and she doesn't want to give that up. "Michael has been in daycare since he was 5 months old," she says. "There aren't that many years left when he's going to want to be with mom!" Norma would ideally like a job close to her home in New Jersey, with some workplace flexibility or opportunity to telecommute. As long as she can put her management skills to use, she'd consider any type of business: She's already explored opportunities at a roofing company and the corporate offices of a retail chain.

STEP 1: CAREER

Career strategy:
Though many offices are becoming virtual, career consultant Nancy Collamer warns that managers like Norma often need to be on-site. She advises her to research companies that tout themselves as family-friendly and to be prepared to prove herself in-office first. She also suggests Norma brainstorm possible contacts at church and her son's school—where people know her in a different, more personal context—and spend less time sending her résumé to online job boards, which should be a minimal part of any job search.

Résumé strategy:
Norma needs to focus on metrics and accomplishments—the current version is exhaustive but vanilla. Louise Fletcher, president of Blue Sky Resumes, recommends inserting a succinct summary of qualifications right at the top, including such tangible information as "Led teams of 20 with budgets of up to $2M." Norma heeds the advice: "I've sent my résumé out to hundreds of jobs, but then I don't hear anything. Just let me get in the door!"

See Norma's unbelievable makeover
After: Modern and upbeat

After

STEP 2: BEAUTY

Her haircut:
Norma's hair was so fried from flatironing and dyeing that certain sections had lost elasticity, leaving her curls flat. All that straightening wasn't just damaging Norma's hair—it was making her look severe and unapproachable. To get rid of those "dead" areas, hairstylist Gabriele Vigorelli took off several inches. Now Norma can play up her natural curl again.

Her haircolor:
After she gave Norma a more subtle, natural-looking auburn shade all over, colorist Sharon Dorram added a few blonde highlights around Norma's face to soften the color.

Her makeup:
Norma is a single mom, so it's no surprise that her face was showing some fatigue (not a great selling point in a job interview). The right makeup will make her look livelier. A yellow-based concealer neutralizes the darkness under her eyes and the ruddiness in her cheeks. A little bit of black eyeliner and mascara brightened Norma's eyes.

"I feel so revitalized! And I think that will shine through in any interview."

STEP 3: FASHION

The challenge:
Norma's previous day-to-day wardrobe of khakis, awkward skirts, and casual, shapeless tops is dated. "I haven't been modern in I don't know how long," she says. "I'm confident in my skills, so the clothes are an afterthought."

It's a cinch:
"A belt defines your waist and ties the look together. Everybody needs a good one- to two-inch-wide belt with a simple buckle," says Adam.

The update:
O's creative director, Adam Glassman, recommends the 2010 version of a three-piece suit: a knit shell (J.Crew, $90), cardigan (Express, $50) and pencil skirt (Chadwicks, $40)—a modern alternative to a matchy-matchy blazer and skirt.

The verdict:
"This would work perfectly in my world," says Norma. "I could wear the separates in different ways after I get the job."

Earrings, La Vie Parisienne by Catherine Popesco. Belt, Lauren by Ralph Lauren. Ring, Verigold. Watch, Rado. Bracelet, Carolee Lux.

HIRE ONE OF OUR SEPTEMBER ISSUE CAREER WOMEN!
To reach Valerie, Tania, Britnee, or Norma about a possible job opportunity, please email oprahcareerwomen@yahoo.com.
Before: Youthful—and unprofessional
Getting a Foot in the Door

Britnee Foreman, 25

A recent college graduate finds sophisticated ways to get noticed.
Britnee's story:
Britnee moved to New York two years ago with a marketing degree from Baylor University, ready to conquer the world—or at least the music industry. Since then she's held internships, worked in retail, written concert reviews, and learned to light a concert venue, but a regular paycheck remains elusive.

What she's looking for:
Britnee has always been a serious music lover, but she had never considered trying to make a living from her passion until she realized that her first college major, fashion design, wasn't going to lead to a career. Then it hit her: An entry-level position in artist management would indulge her creativity and her need to be in charge. A recent internship as an assistant manager for the band Black Taxi saw her lugging instruments in freezing weather to a New Year's Eve concert in Boston—and loving it. Britnee now knows where she's going; she just needs some help getting there. "I don't require a huge salary," she says. "I just want to love what I do!"

STEP 1: CAREER

Career strategy:
Since getting a job is often about who you know, Britnee needs to take her networking to the next level, says Barbara Safani, president of Career Solvers in Manhattan. Instead of sending her résumé to postings on job boards or even to people she meets in the industry, she should request specific information, like an introduction to an HR manager or a brief coffee date. She should also expand her presence on Twitter—a thriving meeting place for professionals in creative industries and an easy way to increase visibility—by following and occasionally responding to tweets by executives at the companies she'd most like to work for. "I'm a little shy for Twitter, but I'll do anything to be around music," says Britnee.

Résumé strategy:
Fletcher updates Britnee's résumé with fresher, more creative formatting, a hint of color, a positive quote from a manager at Spin (where she interned), and an emphasis on Britnee's willingness to work long hours.

See Britnee's new, professional (but still chic!) look
After: Sophisticated and confident

After

STEP 2: BEAUTY

Her makeup:
Britnee rarely wears any makeup, which makes her look even younger than her 25 years (and like a lightweight contender in the job market). So makeup artist Frank Guyton dusted a sheer gold shadow over her lids and applied several coats of thickening black mascara (superdramatic lashes are a huge trend right now, and Britnee needs to look current to break into the music business). A dab of pink cream blush and topaz lip gloss pulled together Britnee's look.

Her brows:
Britnee has naturally curly hair—and naturally curly brows to match. Brow expert Eliza Petrescu trimmed them for a smoother finish.

Her hair:
Ever since she was 16, Britnee has been relaxing her shoulder-length hair. Extensions and a new cut take her from nondescript to stylish.

"With this sleek hair and makeup, I can spend my energy talking about my skills, not trying to prove that I'm a grown-up."

STEP 3: FASHION

The challenge:
"Britnee's hurdle is to look like she belongs in the music business," says Adam, who thinks her youthful personal style—tees, sneakers, vintage dresses—keeps her from being taken seriously by interviewers. "Everything I own is wash-and-wear," Britnee admits. "My rule used to be, if I have to iron it, I'm not buying it."

On-trend:
In Britnee's desired field, looking hip is a plus. This draped cream-colored leather jacket (Vince, $995) is very of the moment, especially tossed over a minidress in a witty graphic print (Ellen Tracey, $140).

Essential extras:
Cool accessories like a studded belt (MixIt by JCPenney), bracelets on each arm (Lyric Culture, Ted Rossi), and a chunky cocktail ring (Lydell NYC) inject personality.

The verdict:
"This outfit says cutting edge, not stuffy," Britnee notes. "I no longer look like an 18-year-old who doesn't know what she's doing."

HIRE ONE OF OUR SEPTEMBER ISSUE CAREER WOMEN!
To reach Valerie, Tania, Britnee, or Norma about a possible job opportunity, please email oprahcareerwomen@yahoo.com.
Before: Great for volunteer work—but not a paying job
Exiting the Mommy Track

Tania Jaffe, 42

With a few key upgrades, a mom might go from schoolyard to skyscraper.
Tania's story:
Fifteen years ago, she quit her teaching job to raise a family. A move to the suburbs, two kids, and countless hours of volunteer work later, she has no regrets about her choice. But she's getting divorced, and with her son off to college in four years and her daughter in six, she sees returning to work as both a financial and social necessity.

What she's looking for:
Tania wants to leverage her intensive volunteering in her kids' public schools—where she raised money for events, revamped the school website, wrote and designed a monthly PTA newsletter, and ultimately managed 13 people as coordinator of after-school programs—to find a job in education or healthcare. She'd love the flexibility to occasionally work from home until her kids have both graduated. "I could see myself in a corporate office," says Tania. "Then again...I could see myself working independently. I would also entertain a part-time job that would eventually lead to full-time."

STEP 1: CAREER

Career strategy:
Collamer, who specializes in moms reentering the workforce, says Tania shouldn't apologize for staying home: "Employers want to hire people who feel good about the decisions they've made." Besides, Tania's volunteer work is extremely impressive. ("Just think, when someone's actually paying you, what you're going to be able to produce for them!" says Collamer.) She advises Tania to start a personal file of positions on job aggregating websites like Indeed.com and SimplyHired.com that sound appealing, even if she doesn't apply; this will help her figure out her ideal job. She also needs to clear her schedule of volunteer work and focus full-time on her job search (at least 15 hours a week).

Résumé strategy:
Résumé expert Fletcher repositions each of Tania's volunteer projects as a full-time job and highlights her impact. Because her professional work history is short, Fletcher includes glowing quotes from PTA colleagues.

See Tania's transformation
After: Versatile and elegant

After

STEP 2: BEAUTY

Her haircut:
Tania loves the pull-it-back versatility of long hair, so Vigorelli trimmed only two inches before creating layers in the front to add some movement—her old style was too square. To play up her natural waves, he blow-dried her hair with a round brush, then clipped two-inch sections into coils. Fifteen minutes later, after he removed the clips, Tania had smooth waves that she can wear down but still off her face—a more professional alternative to a ponytail.

Her haircolor:
Dorram lightened Tania's brown a couple of shades to enliven her whole complexion. She doesn't have enough gray to warrant a permanent dye; a semipermanent formula gave her hair a prettier, more translucent finish.

Her makeup:
Guyton confiscated Tania's pressed powder, replacing it with a water-based foundation. With softer, dewier makeup, Tania looks not only more professional but also fresher and more rested.

"Before, I might have been heavy-handed with makeup, but now I can look professional without overdoing it."

STEP 3: FASHION

The challenge:
Tania's existing wardrobe of jeans, slacks, and casual shirts for volunteering isn't cut out for an office job. "She also recently lost 30 pounds and is struggling with how to dress her new body," says Adam. "The few office-appropriate items she has no longer fit."

A better sweater:
This studded cardigan (J.Crew, $148) has enough embellishment to make Tania memorable on an interview, and it's just as appropriate once she lands the job. A thin-strap tank top (Ellen Tracey, $70), pleated skirt (Tucker, $363), and slender metallic belt (J.Crew) play up her great new shape.

Perfect fit:
After a bra fitting with Susan Nethero, chief fit stylist for Intimacy boutiques, Tania learned the significance of a good foundation. "I feel better about my shape than I have in the past," she says. "Every woman should go get measured. It's so important to the way clothes look, and to your comfort and confidence."

The verdict:
"These pieces are very versatile, and I never would have put them together myself," says Tania. "I can't be afraid to try new things."

Earrings, La Vie Parisienne by Catherine Popesco.

HIRE ONE OF OUR SEPTEMBER ISSUE CAREER WOMEN!
To reach Valerie, Tania, Britnee, or Norma about a possible job opportunity, please email oprahcareerwomen@yahoo.com.
Before: Dated and confused
Switching Gears

Valerie Cole-Davis, 58

A longtime fund-raiser rethinks her career goals—and her closet.
Valerie's story:
After a tough year petitioning cash-strapped donors, Valerie was laid off from her job with the United Negro College Fund in May. Not one to dwell, she dreams about all the things she still wants to do in life. "I never would have left my job in this market," she says. "But the truth is, I was feeling rut-ish."

What she's looking for:
She hopes to start her own business one day, but until then, Valerie needs a full-time job, since she's helping her 34-year-old son who was diagnosed with a chronic illness last year. She'd like to leave the nonprofit world for corporate philanthropy, where she'd be doling out money rather than asking for it. "I want to be the person you're happy to see," she says, "instead of, 'Hold on to your wallet, here comes Valerie!'" As for her age, Valerie isn't concerned. "I'm youthful in my attitude—I'm very high-energy. Age is just a number."

STEP 1: CAREER

Career strategy:
With corporate philanthropy hard hit by the economy, Valerie needs to formulate a backup plan, like sales, says Safani. She also advises Valerie to work her fund-raising contacts, even if they're not current. When Valerie expresses trepidation—"I can beg for a charity till the cows come home, but it's hard for me to ask for me!"—Safani reminds her that she's asking for information, not a job. "You're building relationships, learning about the industry, and asking if they can introduce you to other people who might lead you one step closer to a job." Technology makes it easier: "Instead of calling people you haven't talked to in ten years, start with a less-intrusive method, like LinkedIn."

Résumé strategy:
Fletcher trims Valerie's résumé, which currently reads like a laundry list. To divert attention from Valerie's age, which some employers may think will mean she's too expensive, Fletcher removes dates from her education history.

See Valerie's amazing new look
After: Perfectly savvy

After

STEP 2: BEAUTY

Her haircut:
Valerie has kept her hair short—"wash and air-dry," she says—in recent years because it has started to thin. Adding thickness and length with a clip-on piece and extensions will have a gorgeous, vibrant effect. (Valerie was also fitted with a wig, from Extensions Plus, for easier maintenance.) Brow-grazing bangs make the final look modern yet classic—a great combination for staying competitive in any industry.

Her haircolor:
Valerie's current at-home dye job had oxidized into a brassy red that doesn't do her complexion any favors. Dorram dyed the extensions, hairpiece, and wig a richer chocolate brown, adding sandy highlights to frame Valerie's face.

Her makeup:
Valerie's makeup used to be too colorful—even her foundation had a reddish tinge to it. Guyton evened out Valerie's skin tone with a caramel-colored foundation. After blending brown and gold shimmery shadows over her lids, he lined them only on top to give her eyes a lift. A pink gloss on her mouth looks natural and still stylish.

"This is a revelation. I actually look as full of life as I feel."

STEP 3: FASHION

The challenge:
Valerie's field calls for a suit; her difficulty, says Adam, is that she requires different sizes in a skirt, jacket, and pants. "The key for Valerie is a jacket over a dress. It's easier to shop for, and glides right over a thicker midsection."

Arm candy:
A muted metallic satchel functions like a neutral with any outfit. And it's big enough for Valerie's laptop and files, without overwhelming her.

In the red:
A pop of color is always welcome in the office (you don't want to go unnoticed in business meetings). This warm red works beautifully with Valerie's skin tone and her new haircolor.

Long and lean:
"This belted A-line sheath (Marina Rinaldi, $695) with vertical seams and neutral pumps (Ann Taylor) work together to elongate Valerie's frame," says Adam.

Jacket required:
A shapely, untrendy tweed blazer (Marina Rinaldi, $465) works with pants and skirts, blacks and neutrals, and looks right year after year.

The verdict:
"Basics give you a lot more versatility," says Valerie. "This is a savvier look than I'm used to."

Earrings, Miriam Haskell. Bag, MaxMara. Cuffs, Heather Benjamin.

Next: Where they are now!
Three months ago, O gave four unemployed women new looks, new résumés, and new optimism to face a grueling job market. Their stories continue...
The Multitasking Mom
Tania Jaffe, 42

When O stepped in to help Tania, she was mired in a divorce, juggling two teenagers' schedules and the prospect of reentering the job market as an administrative assistant after years of volunteer work. She's since learned that job searching requires her full attention, and that applying for positions online is less effective than networking through acquaintances. Also, an extra dose of chutzpah never hurts: After a recent exploratory phone interview with a recruiter at Gartner, a global information technology research and advisory firm near her home in Greenwich, Connecticut, Tania requested an in-person meeting, during which she and the recruiter discovered their shared Argentinian heritage (she got to show off her fluent Spanish). "If I hadn't asked for that meeting," she says, "I'd still be another piece of paper on his desk."


The Fund-Raiser
Valerie Cole-Davis, 58

When Valerie was laid off by the United Negro College Fund, she decided to pursue a job in corporate philanthropy. O's experts freshened up her look with bright separates from Macy's and arranged a practice interview with Scherri Roberts, vice president and director of human resources at Hearst Magazines, who cautioned Valerie against nervous rambling. She's now working on letting her natural confidence shine through. So far, she has been interviewed only for fund-raising jobs. "I'm willing to consider anything," Valerie says.


The Project Manager
Norma Ferro, 50

Laid off from her job at a chemical company, single mom Norma has enjoyed spending more time with her 10-year-old son, but now she needs to find work. O updated her résumé and her look (again, courtesy of Macy's), and soon she had a second-round interview at the corporate offices of a large toy company. Unfortunately, it didn't lead to a job offer. Armed with excellent references and experience, Norma now needs endurance. "I know that something is going to come through," she says. "I want to be there already!"


The Recent Grad
Britnee Foreman, 25

A music lover since childhood, Britnee wants to manage rock bands. But dream jobs are elusive in this economy. O helped Britnee stand out from other entry-level applicants by giving her a grown-up look and polishing her interview skills (no more "likes" and "you knows"). She's now a new media contractor at Universal Motown Music and an intern at MCT Management, working with artists such as Jukebox the Ghost. Britnee is still toiling nights at J.Crew until one of the jobs becomes permanent, but she's encouraged. "I worked a concert in Brooklyn," she reports. "Hanging out with the band—it just felt natural." Go, Britnee!


HIRE ONE OF OUR SEPTEMBER ISSUE CAREER WOMEN!
To reach Valerie, Tania, Britnee, or Norma about a possible job opportunity, please email oprahcareerwomen@yahoo.com.

Looking for your dream job? Get career coach Barbara Safani and Louise Fletcher's new rules of networking

Career experts: Barbara Safani, Career Solvers, Finding the Path That's Right for You; 866-333-1800; CareerSolvers.com. Nancy Collamer, career consultant, author, and speaker; 203-698-3160; MyLifeStyleCareer.com; JobsandMoms.com. Louise Fletcher, president of Blue Sky Resumes; 914-595-1905; BlueSkyResumes.com.
From the September 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

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