When you're down on your luck and out of work, how you present yourself at an interview can make a big impression on potential employers. And having the right clothes can be a positive step on the way back into the work force.

Thanks to the generosity of some local sales professionals, clients of The Road Home social service agency will have the attire necessary to help get them ready for life in the work-a-day world.

About 60 sales and marketing professionals donated gently used work blazers and sport coats on Thursday for the nonprofit agency's self-sufficiency programs that help train, educate and outfit men and women re-entering the work force. The clothing was suggested admission to the "Leading Client Growth" sales and networking seminar at the Grand America Hotel. The event was presented by software giant Oracle Corp. and Salt Lake City-based jewelry and marketing company O.C. Tanner Co.

With the recent nationwide economic troubles, the effort is greatly appreciated, Matt Minkevitch, executive director of The Road Home, told the Deseret News.

"It is certainly … helpful for someone who is in search of employment to have attire that reflects professionalism," he said. "We are always looking for clothing in good condition that would help people succeed in a job interview."

Similar seminars already have taken place in Denver and are also planned for California and Portland, Ore., according to keynote speaker and O.C. Tanner marketing manager Mark Cook.

He told the Deseret News that the effort to assist those in need is something every person attending the seminar could understand. Although those in the audience are still employed, the shaky economic environment has put many in a position of potentially losing their jobs — something most people have experienced at one time or another in their professional careers, he said.

For those at The Road Home without gainful employment, increasing their chances of working again would mean a great deal, Cook said.

"There's no one who appreciates the ability or opportunity to do great work right now," he said, "more than people that don't have a job, (that) lost their job."

E-MAIL: jlee@desnews.com