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I work in a place that is mostly blue collar labor and some professionals. My desk just happens to be closest to the door in the office, so when people come in wanting to apply for jobs, I'm the one who gets to hand them an application.
Why on earth do people come in looking for work smelling like they haven't bathed in three days, looking like they haven't shaved in a week, wearing shirts with holes in them and ripped up, stained pants? These are not people who have left their job site to apply, they are people who are out of work. I understand it's blue color jobs they are applying for, and don't expect them in a suit and tie, but have some self-respect and wear clean jeans and a shirt without holes. Take a shower, shave, and run a comb through your hair. They guys that work here don't look (or smell!) as bad at the end of the day as some of the people coming in applying for jobs.
(Oh, and leave your buddy in the car, if you need someone to hold your hand while you ask for an application, you're not getting hired here...)
I have seen girls come for interviews in short shorts, tank tops, and flip flops. For front desk positions!
I'd hire them!
But are they older workers? or younger people? I've realized that some of the people who are unemployed now are from the older generation and things worked a lot differently back when than it does today. And since they probably haven't had to look for a new job in many years, they are not fully aware of what the "proper" way to present yourself might be when looking for a new job.
Yes, one of my sisters showed up to court in shorts for a traffic ticket. She was told to go back home. ;-)
For court or a job application, dress as if you were going to church, works for me.
However, when I used to waitress, sometimes I would be bopping around town and then see a place with a ad in the window and then I would ask for an application. I was not dressed properly, since I was not job hunting on that particular day. But I went in and asked to fill out the paperwork or bring it back.
This never harmed my chances, since it was not for an actual interview. But yes, i hoped i smelled find. ;-)
But are they older workers? or younger people? I've realized that some of the people who are unemployed now are from the older generation and things worked a lot differently back when than it does today. And since they probably haven't had to look for a new job in many years, they are not fully aware of what the "proper" way to present yourself might be when looking for a new job.
I disagree, I think that those of us who are older most certainly know how to dress to apply for a job.
I was the manager of a convenience store for a while and we would get the scuzziest people applying!! A rule for me was, 'If I can see your underwear, you won't be working here.' First appearances mean everything... even when I applied to the store I wore a skirt suit. I don't care HOW 'lowly' the job may be, taking your time to look nice WILL be noticed, and it will show that you take pride in whatever you do.
I HATED interviewing as manager... I just wanted to smack most of the people upside their heads.
(Oh, and leave your buddy in the car, if you need someone to hold your hand while you ask for an application, you're not getting hired here...)[/quote]
It's usually not a buddy. It's probably the parole officer!
If I walked in off the street to apply because of a sign on a window, I'd apologize for not being properly dressed "But just wanted to answer right away."
Same if someone wanted me to come if for an interview when I was unable to get home first, or something.
Then again, I don't bop around in anything worse than jeans, no cleavage, etc.
Although I did get a job as a teen once because "you have better legs than the other girls." Ah, girlhood- it's a swamp.
Haa haa .. reminds me off when one dude came in with Biker Pants with holes all over it.. armpits reeking.. and saying.. sorry.. I am not properly dressed but I am looking for a job....
He currently is still looking...
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