The hidden cost of job interviews: Benefits and free help you can claim for clothes, travel and hygiene

Getting a new job should give your budget a welcome boost, especially if you've been struggling with unemployment.

However, this step to be better finances can be blocked for people who can't afford the costs that come with an interview.

More than half of young people said they had felt judged during a job interview because of their appearance, according to research by Boots.

And four in five 18-24-year-olds say they've delayed or missed career opportunities because they couldn't afford everyday toiletries.

The cost of deodorant, toothpaste and other essentials comes on top of interview clothes and travel.

But there is help at hand if you know where to look with benefits, charities, community organisations and even employers offering free support to help

Here's where you can get resources to overcome the hidden cost of job interviews.

Get free interview clothes

There are several organisations that help unemployed people prepare for interviews with free smart clothing to look the part, as well as coaching for a meet.

Smart Works supports unemployed women with an Interview Dressing and Preparation service to help them feel and look their best. This includes a 60-minute dressing-appointment followed by a 60-minute personalised interview preparation, free of charge.

There are 10 Smart Works centres across sevens cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh, as well as virtual appointments.

You will need a referral to access the service which could be your local job centre or youth organisation. Call 020 7288 1770  to find a local centre that can refer.

Suited and Booted is a charity helping provide vulnerable, low income and unemployed men with clothing for interview. Referrals are made by job centres and other partners.

Dress for Success is an organisation operating in Greater London and provides professional interview clothing alongside employability and career coaching for women looking to return to work. You'll need to be referred to the service from one of 300 services.

Working Wardrobe operates in Manchester and offers free clothes, shoes and accessories for interviews. Appointments are made through referral partners.

There are lots more regional organisations, it's well worth visiting your local job centre or Citizen's Advice to find out what is available and if you can get a referral where needed.

Free hygiene packs from Boots

High street retailer Boots has partnered with charity The Hygiene Bank to offer essential toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, as well as sanitary products.

There are 15,000 of the ‘First Impression’ kits which will be distributed to young people through local community partners of The Hygiene Bank and The King’s Trust, two of Boots charity partners, throughout the year.

Head to your local Citizen's Advice to find a list of partners offering the kit in your local area. 

Free dry cleaning for interview clothes

Timpson has long offered support for jobseekers with a free dry clean for interview clothing.

Through its Snappy Dresser scheme, you can get a two-piece suit or interview scrubbed up for your meeting.

Just take your interview outfit into a Timpson store and have it dry cleaned free of charge, when you provide proof of an upcoming interview.

Help with travel and other interview costs through the Flexible Support Fund (FSF)

You could get help with travel to and from job interviews and interview clothing or appropriate footwear through the Flexible Support Fund.

This is cash that is given through Jobcentre Plus coaches to help overcome financial barriers into work. There's not a set amount and support is given on a case-by-case basis.

However, if you are out of work and are struggling with the costs of getting a job, you should consider getting in touch with your local centre.

It can even help with training, equipment and childcare needed to get the job you want.