Blog Posts

Woman holding an autumn wreath

How to Make a DIY Autumn Wreath for Your Front Door

Welcome fall with a simple DIY wreath made from thrifted finds. Learn how to craft an autumn door wreath with seasonal flowers, ribbon, and a few easy steps.
Read More How to Make a DIY Autumn Wreath for Your Front Door
  • Second Chance Studio
Man holding a box of donations

What Really Happens to Your Donated Clothes at Goodwill

Ever wonder what really happens when you donate clothes to Goodwill? Julie Deming, Goodwill's Director of Inventory, explains how your donations fuel programs, support sustainability and give clothing a second life.
Read More What Really Happens to Your Donated Clothes at Goodwill
  • Retail
woman modeling fall outfits

10 Must-Haves for Fall Fashion

Must-have fall fashion trends that you can build with affordable finds from Goodwill.
Read More 10 Must-Haves for Fall Fashion
  • Thrifting
  • Style and Decor
  • Retail
Two people shaking hands after an interview.

How to Prepare for a Second Interview

Preparing for a second interview can feel overwhelming, but it’s also your chance to shine. In this article, Fabio Cardenas, Manager of the Goodwill Workforce Connection Center, shares expert advice on what to expect, common mistakes to avoid, and how to turn your callback into a job offer.
Read More How to Prepare for a Second Interview
  • Workforce Connection Centers
  • Job Hunting
kids shirts on a rack

Back to School Looks Found at Goodwill

Kids grow fast but Goodwill makes it easy to keep up. Here are tips on how to find stylish, affordable back-to-school looks for your children.
Read More Back to School Looks Found at Goodwill
  • Thrifting
  • Style and Decor
  • Retail
A person's hand holding a pen and papers.

Cover Letter vs. Resume: What You Really Need to Know

Need help with your resume or cover letter? Learn the difference, when to use each and how to stand out—plus expert tips from Goodwill’s Workforce Connection Center to boost your next job application.
Read More Cover Letter vs. Resume: What You Really Need to Know
  • Career Development
Two gold ring bands.

Is it Real? Real Gold vs. Fake Gold

Wondering how to tell if gold is real? Learn how to spot fake gold jewelry, test for authenticity, and find real gold treasures while thrifting at Goodwill—straight from an expert on what to look for.
Read More Is it Real? Real Gold vs. Fake Gold
  • Retail
  • eCommerce
woman standing in between rack of clothes holding sandals

Wrapping Up Summer in Style

As summer winds down, here are tips on how to choose thrifted fashion that lasts well beyond the season.
Read More Wrapping Up Summer in Style
  • Thrifting
  • Style and Decor
  • Retail
colorful clothes on rack

Refresh Your Summer Fashion Style

Summer is here and it's time to turn up the heat on your style. Here are a few tips for looking effortlessly cool all season long.
Read More Refresh Your Summer Fashion Style
  • Thrifting
  • Style and Decor
  • Retail
Row of green shirts

Date Night Looks Found at Goodwill

Have you ever let a cute fashion statement piece sit in your closet for too long because you didn't have anything to wear it with? Here are some tips to help you find the missing piece at Goodwill.
Read More Date Night Looks Found at Goodwill
  • Thrifting
  • Style and Decor
  • Retail
Young man being interviewed

How to Answer Interview Questions Confidently

Interviews are stressful for most people. It’s an important conversation and something you probably haven’t done very often. These 5 interview tips can help you be more confident, so you have a better chance of landing the job you want.
Read More How to Answer Interview Questions Confidently
  • Workforce Connection Centers
  • Job Hunting
Louis Vuitton storefront

Is it real? How Can I Know l if a Louis Vuitton Bag is Real?

An authentic Louis Vuitton handbag can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $20,000 for a single bag. For this reason, fake Louis Vuitton handbags abound. If you’re considering buying a pre-owned handbag, here’s what to look for.
Read More Is it real? How Can I Know l if a Louis Vuitton Bag is Real?
  • Retail
  • eCommerce

Case Study: Strategic staffing solutions deliver 100% order fulfillment

When a global water technology provider in Illinois needed support for their small internal HR team, they turned to Goodwill TalentBridge. TalentBridge‘s Metro Chicago team has successfully supported urgent factory job recruitment needs through two Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) projects.
Read More Case Study: Strategic staffing solutions deliver 100% order fulfillment
  • TalentBridge Success
  • Illinois

Case Study: Delivering 68 candidates in 90 days

TalentBridge’s Metro Chicago manufacturing staffing solutions team is proud to support a manufacturer of medical devices in the greater Chicago area. This manufacturer produces specialized plastic injection mold items in a clean room environment.
Read More Case Study: Delivering 68 candidates in 90 days
  • TalentBridge Success
  • Illinois
Edessa School Students

Upcycled Jacket Designs from Edessa School of Fashion x Goodwill

What happens when you hand a group of creative teens a thrifted jacket and a week to transform it? You get bold, unexpected and seriously impressive designs.
Read More Upcycled Jacket Designs from Edessa School of Fashion x Goodwill
  • Thrifting
  • Style and Decor
  • Retail
woman at computer making heart hands for mental health

How to Promote Mental Health in the Workplace

Employers can have a significant impact on their employees' mental and physical health. There is a clear relationship between employee mental health and workplace productivity. Through our work with the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Program, we have discovered 5 keys to ensuring a workplace supports employee mental health.
Read More How to Promote Mental Health in the Workplace
  • Employer Resources
  • Mental Health Toolkit
man helping another man write a resume on a laptop

How to prepare for free resume help from a Workforce Connection Center

Did you know that most employers receive 250 applications for every job they post? If you’ve never written a resume or aren’t sure how to make your resume stand out, don’t worry. Goodwill Workforce Connection Centers can show you what makes a good resume and provide resume writing help. Resume writing services are free, all you have to do is make an appointment.
Read More How to prepare for free resume help from a Workforce Connection Center
  • Workforce Connection Centers
  • Job Hunting
rack of women's spring clothing at Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago

Spring 2025 Fashion Trends and Tips

We know that going through your closet can feel a little overwhelming, but rest assured—spring fashion is all about having fun and embracing fresh starts! Here are a few tips to make the most of your next visit to Goodwill and maximize your shopping experience.
Read More Spring 2025 Fashion Trends and Tips
  • Thrifting
  • Style and Decor
  • Retail
Phlebotomist who received help from Goodwill Workforce Connection Center

Natasha | Getting a Second Chance at a Health Care Career

Natasha came to the Goodwill Workforce Connection Center in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood determined to find a job that would build a better future for herself and her three children. After only two months of career services, Natasha met her goal, landing a full-time job as a lead phlebotomist with a local facility.
Read More Natasha | Getting a Second Chance at a Health Care Career
  • Program Participant Stories
  • Workforce Development
  • Illinois
man holding books and a bike to donate to Goodwill

What Does Goodwill Take?

Goodwill accepts a wide variety of items as donations. We are often asked about donations of certain items. Here are some of the most common questions we are asked about donating to Goodwill.
Read More What Does Goodwill Take?
  • Retail