When Jim volunteers at Working Wardrobes, he’s not just helping someone polish a resume or prep for an interview — he’s helping them leave the building with a clearer path forward.
Jim has served as a Career Coach for the past three years, supporting job seekers with everything from resume building to networking strategies and interview preparation. But what drives him to keep coming back is personal. When Jim was transitioning out of the military, he struggled to find a job. It wasn’t until another veteran took the time to mentor him — offering practical resume feedback, real-world networking advice, and the kind of guidance that helps you feel less alone in the process. Jim credits that support with helping him land where he is today, and he’s carried the message with him ever since: veterans need to look out for each other.
That belief shaped what Jim did next. While living outside Portland, he started volunteering informally — helping fellow veterans review resumes and build connections. After moving to Orange County, he wanted to continue serving in a more structured way, and that’s how he found Working Wardrobes.
What Jim enjoys most about volunteering is giving people a genuine sense of hope — not the vague kind, but the kind you can act on. He describes hope as having three things: a goal, agency, and a plan. In each coaching session, he starts by identifying what the client wants, then works with them to map out what they can do to get there and what steps come next. It’s not just “here’s your updated resume” — it’s “here’s what you’re going to do with it, who you’re going to talk to, and how you’re going to keep moving forward.”
Jim says there isn’t one single moment that stands out, but the most rewarding part is watching progress over time. Meeting with someone a few times and hearing how they’ve moved from resume edits, to job searching, to interviews — and noticing how much more confident they feel in themselves — never gets old.
To Jim, Working Wardrobes is an essential resource in the community. Job searching can be overwhelming and discouraging, and he’s proud to be part of an organization filled with compassionate people who are genuinely good at what they do. And the wardrobe component matters too — for many clients, having the right professional clothing is one more barrier removed, one more detail handled, and one more boost of confidence when it counts.
We’re grateful for Jim — for his time, his heart for service, and the steady, practical encouragement he brings to every client he meets.