By R.F. Hosseini

It’s a challenge faced by every job seeker: What’s on the inside doesn’t always match up with what hiring managers see on the outside.

After all, dressing (and primping) for success can be expensive even for those with company parking spaces, 401Ks and pension plans. But if you’re spending your hours pounding the pavement and emailing job applications, making a good (looking) first impression can be even more cost prohibitive.

SF Goodwill sought to crack this conundrum last month by serving up full-tilt makeovers to four of its bravest success stories in San Mateo.

“When you look like a professional, you act like a professional,” career advisor Rosalinda De La Rosa said in reference to the San Mateo County Transitional Employee Makeover event held Aug. 9.

It was while attending a business referral meeting that De La Rosa and programs research specialist Dominique Reynaga received the idea for the makeover event. Both women were approached by Brigitte Rogers, owner of the Face and Body Studio in San Mateo, who had heard about the plight that Goodwill’s transitional employees face and wanted to help.

Rogers enlisted the aid of Jessica Hernandez and Denisse Lopez from Dahlia Studio, and offered to provide four Goodwill participants with facials, haircuts and manicures — all free of charge.

De La Rosa and Reynaga immediately thought of current transitional employees Roxanna Tovar and Oscar Perez, both of whom had received outstanding performance reviews from their worksite supervisors.

Two other individuals that took part in the event were Diane Joiner and David Leaf, onetime transitional employees who have gained permanent positions at Goodwill through initiative and hard work.

Along with the beautification services provided by Rogers and her compassionate partners, Goodwill recognized the opportunity to showcase the professional clothing items sold in its stores. De La Rosa and Menlo Park boutique manager Ludmila Bondar acted as personal shoppers and image consultants for the group, using their expertise and Goodwill’s eclectic merchandise to complete the professional makeovers.

The participants expressed their appreciation for pampering that they would normally have to do for themselves.

“Goodwill gave me so much support and inspired me to make great changes in my life,” Joiner said.

Best of all, she looked good saying it.