Serena stood before the mirror, straightening the lapel of her fitted black blazer. Her cream blouse was neatly tucked into a knee-length skirt, and her favorite red closed-toe heels, her little charm for good luck, completed the look.

Her hair was pulled into a low bun, and her makeup was light enough to pass for none at all. She wanted to look composed, confident — someone worth hiring.

She stared at her reflection for a moment longer. The circles under her eyes told their own story, the kind that no amount of concealer could hide. Still, she managed a small, hopeful smile.

“You’ve got this, Rena,” she whispered to herself....