Have an upcoming interview or need to update your work wardrobe? The Career Closet offers free, gently used, professional clothing and styling services to St. John’s students.
The Career Closet is a free resource open to all students looking to obtain professional attire for any professional event (interview, career fair, networking event, etc.) The closet is located in Chiang Ching Kuo Hall (CCK) and has been made possible by the generous donations of our university community.
Students
Students
In order to access the Career Closet, students can book an appointment here or, for immediate needs only, stop by during drop-in hours. Questions about this service can be sent to maionef@stjohns.edu.
Drop-In hours are:
- Monday & Thursday – Common Hour (1:50pm – 3:15pm)
What you can expect:
- Appointments will last approximately 10-15 minutes and will include a quick discussion of your needs, an overview of the Closet and recommendations for appropriate attire that aligns with your upcoming event.
- You are then welcome to “shop” our closet and select items that you feel best fit your personal needs and style. You may try items on before checking out.
- You may return unused items within 3 days of acquiring them. After this period, items will no longer be accepted.
- All students are welcome to use the Career Closet three times per semester, but no more than three to four items to build an outfit, ie. tie, shirt, blazer and pant.
- If you cannot find your size, please let staff members know so we can make a note and try to acquire attire in this size.
Alumni, Partners and Community Members
St. John’s University appreciates all donations. We ask that donors schedule a drop-off time and follow donation guidelines before bringing in any items. St. John’s University’s Career Services department reserves the right to turn down donations that do not meet these guidelines. Please keep in mind that students will be utilizing these items to attend employment events and represent the university.
To Donate: If you have a St John’s University e-mail address you can book an appointment here. For community supporters not within the organization, please schedule a time to drop off your donation by emailing our Assistant Director of Student Experience, Francine Maione, at maionef@stjohns.edu.
- During your drop-off, clothes will be sorted to ensure we are meeting donation guidelines. Any items that do not align with these will be returned to donor.
Donation Guidelines
- Good condition
- Clean: Gently used items should be dry-cleaned or cleaned and pressed.
- All items must be on hangers and prepared for placing in inventory
- Only items appropriate to wear to an interview, professional conference, internship, or networking event will be accepted, all other items will be returned to the donor during the appointment.
We Will Accept The Following Items
- Full suits or blazers
- Cardigans/Sweaters
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Blouses
- Dress pants
- Shirts
- Shoes and new (in package) dress socks
- Ties
- Belts
- Accessories
- Pocketbooks/laptop bags
We Especially Appreciate
- Items in line with current styles i.e.: slim fit suits
- Smaller or petite sizes
Items That Will NOT Be Accepted
- Jeans, shorts, tank/cropped tops, sundresses, formal attire, or athletic wear of any kind
- Out-of-date patterns or styles or clothing that has been purchased more than 5 years ago
- Clothing that has not been laundered first (no make-up or perspiration stains)
- Clothing in bad condition: rips, holes, tears, stains, spots, collar rings, pet hair, wrinkles, or lint
