You are communicating whether you know it or not.
Several years ago I was seated in the front row at a university graduation ceremony. I saw many who, in my opinion, were inappropriately dressed for the ceremony. As I watched the degree candidates traipse past me on the way to the stage to receive their Bachelor’s degrees, I noticed how many of them were wearing sneakers and even rubber flipflops. Some of the men had bare legs showing between too-short gowns and their footwear—I assumed they were wearing shorts (or maybe they were planning on flashing the audience after the ceremony and I missed it).
These people were entering their next stage of life as college-educated adults with new careers. They had no idea that their first action as a graduate screamed, “I’m a kid and totally clueless how I should act in the realm of grown-ups.”
However, the young men and women that day who were appropriately dressed, including their footwear, were presenting themselves as adults ready for professional positions.
Describe a situation where you observed someone who, in your opinion, was projecting an inappropriate image for the situation. This could be through clothing (as in my example), behavior (unprofessional action at work), or words (a poorly spelled or ungrammatical document). Explain what you would do differently to project an appropriate image. Be specific.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I work in the healthcare field, and I was working in La Crosse on the psychiatric floor of the hospital that I worked at that time. My job on the floor was to ensure the safety of the patients by making sure they were not doing anything to harm themselves or others. Several different times, I would notice a patient who I could tell was getting anxious or upset or sad and new that I needed to notify the nurse to see what kind of medication or other methods we could use to calm this patient down; many different times I would get a response from the nurse that they were going to finish reading the newspaper first, or they had to finish eating or their break, even though they were on the floor. In my opinion, this is very unprofessional and inappropriate. The floor was set up so that the patients could see into the nurses station and would comment on how they needed their meds and they could see the nurse sitting their and were wondering why the nurse was reading the paper instead of getting their medication. To project an appropriate image, I think that the nurse should respond immediately to the patient, do their assessment and take appropriate action.
ReplyDeleteI used to work as a warehouse employee for an air filter distributor. We had many different jobs as in loading and unloading trucks, picking orders, stocking filters, and special builds. Special builds was one of my favorite things to do because you were able to work at your own pace but also you were able to use many different kinds of tools to get the job done. One day I noticed another employee on the computer almost the whole day, when they should have been working because of a deadline we had for the special builds. As I went over to see if he needed any help, he shut off his computer and went to work. It was very suspicious to me that all of a sudden he would start working. The next day I saw the same thing going on as I was stocking some materials. As I approached the special builds again to see if the employee needed some help, I noticed he was viewing dozens of inappropriate images. When he heard my foot steps he shut off the computer and went back to work. This type of thing is not appropriate for any work place; you go to work to "work." It is none of anyone’s business what you do in your spare time but at work you are expected to work. It was appalling to me that someone would disgrace their place of work like that. The appropriate actions were taken by the company heads and it went back to business as usual. People need to know that someone is always watching you and you need to behave appropriately.
ReplyDeleteMy parents have always stressed the importance of personal appearance, especially in a professional setting.
ReplyDeleteThough at times I’ve been annoyed with them for always stressing this, I have come to be very thankful for what they taught me.
Here is one situation in which what they’d taught me really hit home.
While in high school, everyone in my class had to make a presentation of what their goals in life were.
The day came, and I wasn’t sure what I should wear. Should I dress casual, or not? Did it really matter? I decided to go with what I knew my mother would say. I wore a professional outfit.
Once I got to class, I began to feel ridiculous. I was the only one who had dressed up for the presentation. One by one, my casually dressed classmates gave their presentations, while I sat and berated myself.
I gave my presentation, and went on with the rest of the class.
After the class was done, my teacher took me aside and told me that I had been given extra points for wearing professional attire.
So…even though we weren’t TOLD to wear something professional, it was still appreciated when someone did.
There have also been numerous times when I’ve witnessed unprofessionalism in various places. Not just in clothing, (or lack thereof!) but also posture and ways of talking.
I interned at the District Attorneys office to get my paralegal degree, during that time and also on my free time when I spend time in courtrooms, I am amazed at how people dress to go in front of a judge. It is like there is so little respect for the law and the judges themselves that people will walk in off the street wearing what ever was laying on the floor from the night before. I know I dress decently and present myself with respect and I hope I have raised my children to do the same. Especially in that type of setting. If your going in front of a judge, jury or anyone else who could be deciding some sort of your fate, what are they to think of you, when you don't even think enough of yourself to dress decently? First impressions are lasting impressions, and when letting someone else judge you on acts that you may be ashamed of, looking that way, sure doesn't help your case. Those or my thoughts anyway.
ReplyDeleteI had my practicum for my C.N.A. course at Dove Health care and there was an employee working there who had terrible hygiene. She frequently came to work without showering, brushing her teeth or washing her hands. The last one is actually required by law (several times in a shift) for that particular job. Even though it was obvious to everyone she worked with as well as some of the residents no one ever confronted her about it. It wasn't until a residents family member reported it to management that she was informed, she quit shortly after that.
ReplyDeleteI realized in my original entry I didn't specify what I would change in the situation I mentioned. I wouldn't go to work without keeping proper hygiene. I would at least make myself presentable to those I work with and those I work for. I think that no matter where you work you should practice good hygiene if not for professionalism with customers, then for your co-workers who have to work with you. I also would have mentioned it to the young lady sooner than waiting for an outside source to file a complaint.
ReplyDeleteI work in a healthcare facility taking care of elderly people and I am amazed at what some of my co workers can get away with. I feel that healthcare professionals should not be able to wear any facial piercings or have big visible tattoos. I think facial piercings should not be permitted in any healthcare profession. People with certain facial piercings give me a bad image. I also wonder what the elderly think of people that are supposed to be caring for them and have body piercings and tattoos all over their body. I would not feel comfortable having them help me and I live in era where these types of addition to the body are popular!
ReplyDeleteI was at a gas station back by my hometown, which is VERY small, maybe 500 people, and everyone knows everyone. So, when something, we'll call odd, comes in there's talk. I pumped my gas as a van pulled in and a lady got out. She was wearing a tight on her frame, silver dress, that was outrageously short. Not only that but had glitter on her chest and arms, followed by heels that were clear and extremely high. I tried not to gawk and walked into the station to pay, the cashier said straight out to me, "Now there's only one place you could wear something like that." Referring to stripping.
ReplyDeleteIn my experience working in the beauty industry I have worked with a few people who did not take pride in the way they looked. They would come to work in the hair salon with out styling (sometimes not even washing!) their hair. I always thought that was a very poor choice as if I were a client I would not trust that person to give me a great hairstyle when they couldn't even take proper care of their own. Also working in this industry requires that you look somewhat fashionable by applying make-up and dressing nicely. I have worked with people who choose rarely to wear make-up, and although I understand this is a personal choice, I feel you look more professional in this feild when you can make yourself look nice. I also sometimes am surprised by the clothing stylists wear. If someone is going to come to you looking for a new updated hairstyle they are not going to want to see someone wearing what could be their grandmother's clothing. Also just having a neat apperance sends the message that you take pride in yourself and your work. I once worked with a girl who needed glasses to see things far away. She didn't wear them all the time, but when she wasn't wearing them she would wear them on top of her head, even while she was working on a clients hair! That would make me very nervous as a customer as you wouldn't know that she only needed them while she was driving and such, I would probably assume she wasn't really seeing what she was doing as she was working on me.
ReplyDeleteDuring my last pregnancy, I went into premature labor 3 times. I will always remember the last trip to the hospital and found out that my regular OB/GYN doctor wasn’t available so they called in the doctor on call. It was around 7:00pm and I can tell you exactly what this guy was doing when he was called to the hospital. He was cutting grass and working in the garden. It was very obvious by his cut off shorts, t-shirt with holes and sweat along with his green, grass stained tennis shoes. His appearance made me uncomfortable due to the fact that he didn’t appear sanitary and with me being in labor, I knew where he was going to be working! Luckily, the modern day medications were able to stop the labor and I didn’t need him to deliver my baby that night. As a stressed out woman in labor, I think he could’ve taken 1 minute to put on a pair of scrubs before entering my room. That would’ve made the situation much better from my point of view.
ReplyDeleteIn my experience working in the real estate business. I was working in two different real estate businesses for the last 12 years. In my first real estate business office, when I first started, the broker did not care about the appearence of the agents. Some agents in that office came to work with shorts or causal clothing. Some of the agents even came to work without combing their hair and brushing their teeth. One agent even drove a very old and rusty 1985 Oldsmobile to work.
ReplyDeleteThe second real estate business office was different. At the new office, the broker came to work dressed and looked professional. The broker told us "We are agents representing the company, we must dress and look professional". The new office was requiring everyone, who came to work, to dress and look professional. The broker also mention to agents that if we dress or look unprofessional, our image to the public could cost the business to lose customers. For my opinion as realtor, we are out in the public eyes everyday and we need to look professional all the time.
For me as real estate agent, I need to act as professional as possible. I feel that everyone in this field, including the broker should not allow agents to wear any facial piercings,have big visible tattoos or drive a crappy car, and dress unprofessional. In my observation, I think facial piercing, tattoos, and unprofessional wear could not permit in any real estate professional business office. An agent who has certain facial piercings, or tattoos could give a bad perception to clients or customers. I also wonder what the public would think of agents that were supposed to help customer with real estate transactions. They may have gave the customer bad impression. I think that if I were in the customers shoes, I would not feel comfortable having them helping me on my real estate transaction.
Working at a recent job I had with Dexter Construction, we finished basements and installed basement systems. We would work during the day, so most of the time there was at least one home owner at the house. I worked with older guys, one of whom was very overweight. We were always in basements so it would never get to hot due to the fact we were underground. However, the overweight gentlemen that I worked with would insist that he was hot and would work without a shirt almost every day. The rest of the crew and I became use to his behavior. Although, there were times when the home owners would come down to ask questions or check on our progress and I could see the disgust on their face when they would see this guy. He was not displaying a professional image for our crew or the rest of the company. He was not making the customers feel comfortable. I don't know of anyone who wants a large, overweight, shirtless man in the basement of their house everyday for one to two weeks. After a few complaints on him upper management talked to him and that was the end of shirtless working for him. He finally realized that he was not displaying a professional image and was making us all look bad in the eyes of the customer.
ReplyDeleteAbout ten years ago, I attended a leadership conference for Hmong youths. During one of the seminars, while a guest speaker was presenting, a couple, who were sitting a few seats in front of me, began kissing. They were sucking faces for over a period of five minutes. As if the make out session wasn’t bad enough, they were the only two who wore casual clothes to the conference. I was very angry with the lack of respect and completely grossed out. After the speaker finished, a chaperone took the couple away and I never saw them again. Everyone else at the conference, including me, were dressed in proper attire (business formal), and were very respectful of others. To this day, I still find it difficult to understand how anyone can be so rude and shameless.
ReplyDeleteAt my work place, my responsibility is to ensure that employees at each store act in a professional and well mannered way towards their guests. Up until three years ago, requiring employees to wear undergarments wasn’t part of our dress code policy.
ReplyDeleteThere was this female worker, who came into contact with many guests on a regular basis, would show up to work wearing only her shirt and no undergarment. Complaints were made to the general manager and when the manager addressed her about this issue, her response was, “There is no policy stating that I need to have an undergarment on.” The general manager did reprimand her, but also informed the general office and his superiors about the issue of it not being in the dress code policy. Shortly after that, having an undergarment became part of our policy. I’m not sure what happen to her but I thought it was a very interesting situation.
I work in the Men's Department at Macy's and we are located right by the main entrance to the store. Therefore, it is not unusual for someone to come in and ask for directions to another part of the store.
ReplyDeleteThis one particular day a young lady came in and asked how to get to HR. I asked her the nature of her business and with whom she was to see.She told me that she had an interview with someone but did not know who.This did not strike me as strange because I know a person can interview with several different managers before being hired.However, what I did find a little strange was her appearance. This person was dressed in a tank top that revealed too much, shorts that were too short and flip-flops.
Needless to say, this young lady was exiting the same door she entered about ten minutes later, I wonder why.
I think in this day and age, most adults that are serious about seeking employment knows that there is a right way and a wrong way to go to an interview. The first impression you give your possible employer is a lasting one. I hope this young lady will take this experience and learn from it.If she has no idea of why she did not get hired, she should talk to someone very soon.
I hate to say it, but even if she were to get her act together, I doubt that she will have a chance at Macy's.
I used to work for a company where I was in a secured environment. The receptionists sat out in the front of the building for customer contact. I saw a women come in for a job interview. Her hair was not combed, no make up, a thin stap low cut tee shirt, high cut demin shorts that were frayed at the cuttings. They were cut so short that the white lining of the pockets were showing. On her feet were flip flops that made that slapping noice when walking, and here is the best part she brought her three children with her for the interview. The children were running around the lobby screaming, yelling, and fighting over trying to get in the same chair. She was fussing at the children but they were not listening tho her.
ReplyDeleteWhen the manager came to greet her and take her to the conference room, there was a shocked look on their faces. The children were seated in a area for the Administration Assistant to watch while the interview could be conducted. Administrator Assistant thought fast and collected some blank paper, highlighters and colored pen to provide to the children to keep them entertained. After that day there was a small supply of washable makers in her desk.
Before getting my CNA license and getting the job at American Lutheran Home I worked at Kd's Homestyle as a hostess and dishwasher. The restaruant had mostly family working as the staff. Many of them got away with quiet a few things they shouldn't have just because they were family. One of the waitresses would call in the morning of her shift and say she couldn't come in. They got away with that for awhile before the manager who was her aunt fired her. Another waitress would wear clothing that was inappropriate to me. She was more than happy to show things off and flirt with most of the younger guys that would come in. Thats just isn't very proffesional to me at all. Another problem was with the dishwashers. They were quicker to sit there and talk to the other staff rather than doing their job. When I quit a couple of the waiteresses told me I needed to come back becasue they would never get out after closing when they should have or even the dishwasher just keeping up with dishes like they should have. Even if you are working for a family member you shouldn't feel its appropriate for you to not do your job right. The manager wasn't really family to me, but one of the waiters who is like a son to her is dating my sister and my family was in there all the time becasue of my grandma and grandpa who are related. I still did my job just the way was needed and still was able to talk to the other staff. When you have a job you're there to do what you were hired to do not to socalize.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that most struck me as I raised my daughter was the way some mothers dressed. I have seen it all,clothing that was nonexistant and left nothing to the imagination,make-up that was applied with a trowel, and perfume that you smelled before you see the wearer. To really young children this is just mom,but to a third grader this is a fate worse than death.I believe you can fit into society and still be a unique individual. To all young people who wear must have the lastest fads take a good look at yourself and be trueful not all fads fit everyone. To older women who think that what a twenty something wears is what they should wear,think again.Everyone should really look closely at themselves in a mirror and truefully see the real reflection that is there.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read this assignment, I immediately knew what I was going to say! When I think of someone who acted unprofessionally in a setting, it was my 4th grade teacher, Mr. Gross. During class when he would give us time to work on our assignments, he would sit at his desk and proceed to take off his shoes and socks, prop his feet up on the desk, and then begin cutting his toenails. This did not happen on just one occasion. Mr. Gross did this on a weekly basis! In my opinion, this is very unprofessional because he was a teacher and was supposed to be teaching us new things, and even teach us a thing or two about how growing up and what's appropriate.
ReplyDeleteThe Thing that I would do differently is I was him would be to toss the toenail clippers in my garbage can and just begin focusing on the kids that should be being taught something.
There is one certain experience that comes to mind when I read this assignment. My family and I were in Wisconsin Dells just having a nice weekend getaway. We ended up going to a nice restaurunt down there where it clearly came off as an upscale place. Even the waiters/waitresses were wearing ties and button up shirts. So we are sitting there enjoying dinner and another family walks in with their swim suits on and their hair all over the place. Obviously this place didn't have a dress code, because they still served these people. I couldn't believe that a whole family, not just the kids, would come into a nice restaurunt dressed like that. So as my famliy left the place, we talked about that other family and realized that they looked completely out of place and could have at least had the decency to dress casual.
ReplyDeleteI used to be a supervisor for a cleaning company and there is always that one problem employee. Now, he had been with this company for 10+ years and clearly didn't like his job. For two weeks, we were very understaffed, so my work load doubled and the powers that be insisted on having the problem employee working with me. Not only was his work very poor, he had even worse hygiene issues. This wasn't just his body odor, it was also his breath. Now, it would have been one thing if I was the only one who had to deal with this but we were entering businesses with our customers still inside. I tried to take care of the problem myself but because he had been there so long, and I was only there for a year at the time, he didn't have to listen to me. It didn't matter that I was his boss, he had seniority. After two days of no change, I went to my boss. We had the sit down meeting, went over what the problem was, and changes were made. Changes that lasted for a week, then went right back to the way they were. Finally, the day came when I didn't have to work with that man anymore, and all was right with the world. I did what I could to try to change the situation but even the big wigs knew of the problem before it came to me. They chose to do nothing about it. If it had been up to me, I would have fired him long before he could have been a problem a third time.
ReplyDeleteI work at a restaurant in Mondovi and I think it is funny when people have their mother come in and ask for an application. We have had kids come in and ask for one that are disguistingly filthy, have piercing all over thier face, have a rediculous hair cut, or tattoos all up and down their arms. Our uniforms are short sleeve shirts and we cater to the older more mature adult. People in their sixtys don't want to have someone of that nature bring them their food or even know that they are associated with the place. The people that have their parents come and get an application for them get me the most. That just sends a message of "I am to lazy and don't really want the job". Thats how we take it at the restaurant.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteIt bothers me when I see people in church who are dressed like they are going to the beach instead of a house of worship. This just isn't the younger generation. It is also the older generation. When I see people wearing shorts, sandals, tank tops, flipflops, jeans, shorts skirts etc... I wonder if they have a mirror in their house. Weddings and funerals are another sore spot for me. If you don't dress up for these occasions, what do you drees up for. To me I find it tastless and disrespectful. I grew up in the Catholic church. On Sunday we wore our best to church. We always wore dresses, gloves, and a veil. My brothers always wore dark pants, a white shirt and a tie. What has happened to wearing your "Sunday best". Okay, I'm about to get off my soapbox. But it feels good to vent about this subject. To project an appropriate image is to lead by example. I always wear a dress or a skirt. It doesn't cost much to look nice. It just takes a little effort. Have a great weekend. Rose H.
One of the things that really bothers me is when you stop by a place of business and an employee of that place is standing near the enterance to said place smoking. To me its a poor representation of the company to allow your employees to take their smoke breaks near the enterance to your place of business. I bring this up because I recently began working for a company where the manager says that it is ok for the employees to take their smoke breaks near the enterance. To me it sends the impression of laziness and may turn some customers off to even wanting to come into the store if they have to walk by a person who works there smoking by the front door. I plan on talking to the manager and suggesting that employees be required to go out behind the building for their smoke breaks and that they can not smoke around customers. I think that will definately make the place more enviting for customers to visit.
ReplyDeleteThis blog assignment couldnt have come at a better time. Last week at work I started to train a new employee. This employee is on a two week trial period. He is a younger gentlemen about 21 years old. I was extremely shocked when I found him in my office opening my drawers. My first thought is where are his manners. I would never have the nerve to go thru someone's personal workspace. Or even when you are on your first week of a job training- that takes guts. I obviously asked him what he was doing and let him know I wasnt happy. One would think that you would be on your best behavior the first week on the job.
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing this assignment for us!
ReplyDeleteI too think our society has become too relaxed and casual at all times. There still are times when you need to dress for the occasion, have proper grammer, proper mannerisms, etc.
I am a supervisor in the emergency room of a hospital. The hospital works with the local school and takes several students to help with their learning. A young girl reported to work one day, dressed neatly but that is where it stopped. "Tina" had spiked purple hair, facial piercings, and a big black tattoo that snaked up her neck all the way to her jawline. No way to hide that! This girl was so inappropriate to be working in health care. "Tina" was offensive looking and probably scary to a small child. I was outragged that the school would send a student over that did not follow our dress code, which does talk about facial piercings and visible tattoos.
I talked to her for a while in my office showing her different things I was responsible for but I could tell she was bored and wanted to get out into the action of the ER room.
Excidedly she asked if we were going out to the floor soon. I told her no, she was unable to go into any part of the hospital that she would be in contact with the public. I discussed with her the choices she made to permanently marked herself and made her understand our reasons for having a dress code.
"Tina" did tell me that she used to be a wild child and got into a lot of trouble but was changing her life around and trying to improve.
I complimented her on that but made her realize that just by her inappropriate looks she will be haunted in interviews and other places.
She was a nice young lady and I hope she did turn her life around and possibly tame down her looks somewhat. "Tina" spent the remainder of her day in medical records in the basement of the hospital.