As for dealing with hygiene, I’ve encountered this situation with a couple of customers.  And I have to say that observing a previous manager handle a specific situation was a great learning experience for me.  Here is what happened and how the situation was approached and helped:  I was a supervisor at the time overseeing the Resource Room at our One Stop.  I was meeting with my manager when a team member at the front desk called me to inform me that there was a customer in the Resource Room that other customers and staff were complaining about.  The complaints were about his body odor and overall appearance.  My manager went out to the resource room to evaluate the situation.  What I saw him do next has had a tremendous impact on how I deliver service to our customers.  He approached the gentleman and had a seat next to him.  He introduced himself and thanked him for being there on that day.  He pointed to an MP3 player that the customer was wearing and asking him some questions about it.  He stated that he had one as well and had bought one for when his jogging outings, but confessed that he hasn’t been jogging all that much.  This made the customer laugh.  He then asked the customer if he could give him a few minutes of his time and accompany him into an interview room.  The customer agreed.  In the interview room, he reiterated the fact that he appreciated the customer using our services and asked him if he was looking for employment.  The customer stated that he was and had been laid off from his last employment and was having a hard time trying to find employment.  The customer shared that he was having a really hard time with many things in his life and was facing many obstacles.  The more time my manager spent with him and worked with him, the easier it became for my manager to begin to work with the challenges the customer was facing, including his hygiene.  We have hygiene kits that we reserve for our youth program, but in this situation we were able to give one to this customer to help him.  Within a matter of a couple of months the customer returned nicely dressed in slacks, a shirt and tie (from our partner’s clothing closet) to share that he had secured employment and was grateful for my manager taking time to sit with him and actually listen to him.  What I learned from my manager is that regardless of the situation or individual, it needs to be treated with respect.  That is something that is often overlooked in our line of business.

 

Have a great holiday season!

Monica  California

 

You Look Great, but…

 

Frankly, but is the ultimate negative in my world.  It is stated so naturally, however, once mentioned it negates any and all positives that have been established.  How did I learn this?  From great people who pointed it out to me as I used it.  Making all the sense, I have been working diligently to erase this word from verbiage while working with students and graduates.  This is the first step.  The next step is the honesty approach.  There is a fine line between engaging the client and upsetting them.  That is because what you say is almost identical.  A lot of the approach is in your tone of voice and how to construct all this as a question.  An example of this is when I have already completed training in the professional development classes and found that I have an ‘offender’ in my midst.  I invite them to have a one-on-one meeting.  Once there, I lay out a foundational framework for the meeting, which is one of relaxation and comfort.  When I deem the time right I approach them with the question, “Do you mind if I’m directly honest with you so we may obtain a possible hiring solution?”  I have always received a yes to this.  I follow up to engage them on anything they may think of that hinders their possibility of getting hired.  (One of the worst cases was someone who smoked over 4 packs of cigarettes a day…I was suffocating just by the person walking down the hall to my office) (Another was someone who had tattoos from the top of the neck all the way down to the ankles).  Since they have already agreed that honesty is best policy and the stage is set we go into the reality of the hygiene situation and study possible solutions.  It works and although the habit(s) have not been changed and no ‘threat’ of intervention has been posed the client is aware and able to get through the interview without the credibility shakers.  “But” was not used once and the client shut no doors to future improvements.  Gaining trust is a huge factor.  Maintaining it is the other. 

 

Ed Smith  CA

 

 

In reference to the thought for the week topic, I am not very good at candy -coating things like hygiene.  I generally check out the person and if there is not an extenuating situation to keep them from presenting themselves appropriately I call it as I see it. I have a small classroom and even if I don't come across exactly couth I will do better at telling someone about a problem than some of the other students will.  This situation happened just after I took this position and the fellow left upset and in tears. But he knew better and had no excuse except laziness.  And lazy people often get what they deserve out of life. I am told that I have a cold attitude about such things but I have pulled myself up and out and they can too.

 

Wilma Jean Ayers OK

 

 

Unless the client is trying out for a job working in a store selling music CD's or a store selling Halloween costumes, his presentation to the employers (tattoos, piercing, etc) will not get him the job he has been retrained for.   Prospective employees have to realize that when they accept a job, they are not accepting it just to get a pay check. They are being hired for what they bring to the table to help the company succeed. They must realize they are now representing that company and whatever image that company wants to project to the public must be what they, the employees,  adopt in order to succeed at that company.  They have learned new skills for the job, and they must "become the total package".  They have to have a new vision for themselves and live life expectantly...expecting to succeed, expecting to get that promotion...expecting good things to happen to them.  They must shed old negative ways and change their mindsets.  I have a handout that goes point by point concerning hygiene and presenting themselves.  I tell the client to read it and go by it.  That way, I don't have to verbally tell them these things. They can read it and ponder it and choose to make the changes or not.  As you have always said, the definition of insanity is to keep on doing what you have been doing, but expecting to see different results.

Thanks for all you do!  Susan W.  GA

 

Great topic, as always...

 

I'm working with a lot of ex-offenders right now and one of the techniques I use is to bring up the subject of pre-conceived ideas, or misconceptions.  Since I am your typical middle-aged, educated, white woman I make an excellent example to start with.  First I remind them that I am likely to represent the kind of person they'll be interviewing with.  Then I start in one of two ways:

 

1. I ask them what they assume about me just by looking at me

2. I ask them to tell me what they believe I assume about them just by looking

 

Both work well for me and I choose pretty much based on how much I have already told them about myself before this topic comes up.  If I haven't told them much then I use the first one.  If I have already told them about my background then I go with the second.

 

This is usually something we have a lot of fun with and it is a very de-personalized way of addressing the issue of re-packaging for a new job environment because it gets them talking about the misperceptions we are all subject to.

 

(Obviously this isn't relevant if the issue is strictly hygiene.   That has to be done one-on-one and much more gently.)

 

--Cindra--CA

We actually have a workshop that we developed called "Personal Hygiene and Wellness".  We teach that it is important to maintain your health so that you are not getting sick and having to take unnecessary time off of work... part of that is taking care of your most basic needs.  We address everything from "what is the best way to get rid of B.O." and "how to talk to someone about their B.O".  We talk about brushing teeth and how to properly take care of your feet.  We also then provide many hygiene products to our clients at the time of the workshop.  We go as far as to instruct how to use the item properly.  We also include in this hour long presentation home cleanliness as well.  As far as on an individual level, I look at it from the aspect that if I had bad breath I would want someone to tell me... tactfully and with a caring attitude.  I have established a good rapport with my clients at our initial intake where I stress that honesty is what I will give them and that I expect it in return.  Merry Christmas, Marci  OR

 

 

Paul and All,

I remember doing a job club with chronic schizophrenics who often came in rather bizarre outfits etc. The solution then was a good videotape so they could see themselves as an employer would view them. I remember one who always wore crazy hats until she saw herself on tape on screen. That was enough along with feedback from others inthe group to help her change voluntarily. I like your packaging presentation maybe to include " You are to be a birthday present to the employer. Would you want the gift as is?"  This will be an interesting one to read. Feedback from group members can be good way to deal with  some of these problems especially if they see video, too. We have used video showings to our Employer Advisory Committee for feedback as presentation and as interviewing feedback. I look forward to seeing others ideas. Mele Kalikimaka and Hauoli Makahiki Hou, Joy from Honolulu

 

Some of the counselors in our office use a subtle approach to this topic like handing out bags with shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc...  Others are a little more vocal and tell the person the truth, but we had one counselor who use to keep a full length mirror in his office and make people look at themselves.  At the top of the mirror was a sign that said "would you hire this person".  Then they would discuss the reasons.  Sometimes one way works better than another, depending on the person you are dealing with and how well they handle constructive criticism.   It will be interesting to hear how others handle this very touchy subject.  

Happy Holidays!!

Tammy NY

 

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays Seasons greetings

 

Our approach is that employer should only focus on your face only!  Do not wear anything or show anything that will distract the interviewer, that would include tattoo’s, to much cleavage, bangle earrings, loud lipstick, the key is be conservative -pull your hair back off your face-sit up straight.

 

Tim NY

 

I can speak to the tattoos.  I had a girl in class that had 11 tattoos.  We had been having classes on dressing appropriately for an interview/job.  I had told them that they needed to dress one level above what they expected the job to require (for the interview).  I told them that after the interview, they could observe other employees and dress accordingly.  I also told them if the job allowed jeans, no holes in the jeans, no holey t-shirts, no tennis shoes (unless the company allows).  I spoke with them about tattoos and piercing as well.  I told them that, while both are more common in our culture, their boss/company may be a little more conservative.  I told them that piercing should be removed, if at all possible, and that they should try to cover as many tattoos as possible.  They were saying that this was not fair.  I told them that once they got more comfortable in the work environment, they could determine what would/would not be tolerated.  I also told them that, for the most part, if they worked in an office, they needed to dress conservatively because they were the first impression for all customers.  I informed them that several customers are conservative in their outlooks, thus, you want to represent your company well.  I told them that they can wear whatever they want after work, but they needed to be “classy” at work.  I also told them that while I have no issue with tattoos, many people do not approve of them and do not wish to see them.  I stated that this may not seem fair, but unfortunately, it was the way things were.  All of my students understood the need for a higher level of professionalism during an interview and while on the job.  None of them took offense and, so far, they all seem to be following the instructions.

 

Beth S  OK

 

I recently asked a co-worker about examples I could use for people who want too much in their job search and how I could help them deal with reality.  She told me a little story about teaching a class to job seekers and telling them she wanted to be a police officer.  She is now almost seventy years old, overweight and dresses like a biker.  She asked her class who they thought might hire her or even take her dream seriously.  I think this is a great approach for how to dress the part.

 

Sheila OR

 

 

In our Job Readiness class, we instruct our students that with their new skills, they are diving in to the world of professionals and must act as they do, dress as they do, talk as they do if they want to succeed and earn those kinds of wages, do that kind of work, etc.  We tell them it is not about judging them personally but about employability.  Rather than try to change who they perceive they are or the level of dress they feel comfortable with, they are entering into a role they must play from 8:00 to 5:00 in order to succeed.  We tell them that future employers may discriminate against them on the basis of their piercing or tattoos and miss out on obtaining a terrific employee.  We instruct them to play a role and dress a role for the interview and plan for one week’s worth of professional dress.  When they obtain the position, observe the other employees for the first month.  Listen for the hidden rules of that particular work place.  See how other employees dress.  Are their tattoos exposed?  Is that employee with the tattoos respected by his/her co-workers?  I truly believe that if we present the practices of employability to our clients/students as learning a different set of rules, not as a judgment of their values or of them as people, they are more willing to receive the information.  Have a Merry Christmas!

Ronda  OK

 

Hey there. Great to hear from you. I am so not ready for the holidays. As the years pass lately, I have a great burn-out for the holidays. Everything is so materialistic and commercialized. I am ready for the new year to begin. However, Happy Holidays. We have to make the most of things whether we view them as a positive or negative.

 

Regarding presentation, during our weekly Work Search program we have the morning session from 8am-845am and if someone is not appropriately dressed or there are hygiene issues, I dress it right away. I do not do this in front of others but pull individuals aside and have a very frank discussion with them. Most times it's because they do not have the money to put their best foot forward. We can help out with clothing vouchers, and we also have a career closet our community college sponsors where individuals can go in and shop for free. I also address this in our orientation process. I tell them the minute they leave their house in the morning and come through the doors of our job center, they are viewed as a job seeker and they need to put their best foot forward. There are uncomfortable moments, but I am not doing my job if I don't address it with the client. I don't want someone to be out there without tools in their toolbox. Robin  AK

 

 

This, indeed, is a very sensitive topic. Generally with our students, we include an agreement in the orientation material to cover appropriate dress, grooming, hygiene and stress the fact and importance of it being everyone's responsibility to create a work and academic environment conducive for productivity and learning. So in essence, it is covered during the hiring process as any other infraction in the workplace. On the few occasions when we were required to speak with students who was in violation of the agreement (willfully or un-willfully), we first met with them one-on-one to assess if the situation was beyond their realm of control (ie: financial challenges, lack of personal resource, homeless status, etc.). If the challenge was determined warranted, we assisted where we could and then redirected others to a community resource list. Our conversations were never judgmental and done with the utmost of care, concern and tactfulness. We overly stressed the power of a working partnership and acclamation in the workplace. Hope this helps in some small way....Best wishes....          

 

Tracee W Portland OR

 

I agree with you in reinforcing the positive with the client when dealing with this (or any other) subject. I traditionally have followed that up with a statement that I'm sure the client knows what to do on a job interview, and then briefly review the basics - timeliness, appearance, what to bring to the interview (and not to bring anyone with them), etc. It's a wayof getting the point across without embarrassment. We do have some handouts (for teens as well as adults) on preparing for the job interview. What my counselors have found even more difficult to address is when someone comes in reeking of alcohol. I have advised them they need to let the client know, objectively, what they're observing and that a potential employer would most likely observe the same thing and how that would be detrimental to their job prospects.

 

I hope you have a great week as well.

 

Elyse NY

 

 

When I have had clients that I feel need this talk, I generally ask another case manager to sit in on the conversation.  I introduce the case manager as a colleague in training and ask if they (the client) mind if he or she sits in on the consultation.  I then proceed by asking them why they feel that they aren't getting interviews or the job. I then go on to state to them perhaps it's the clothing they wear including the style and color.  Or perhaps we are so nervous that we are sweating profusely so maybe you need a stronger deodorant on.  And perhaps the cologne and or fragrance you are wearing are too strong and it turns people off.  So try and be more conservative and wear a very mild perfume, lotion your skin with unscented lotion whenever.  And finally make sure you bath early in the morning or at night as a means to help ensure punctuality and a feeling freshness.  This also allows fragrance or scents to die down and may not offend the interviewer. 

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Years,

Lucille CA

 

 

Eons ago when I owned a nationally known modeling school, they gave us great tips on how to address these very issues.  I employed the same techniques when I worked with dislocated workers.  I had sheet of "Do's & Don’ts" that I gave to all of my clients and we went over them during one of our early appointments.  EVERYONE received the sheet.  I employed a bit of humor as well-We talked about run down heels on shoes; I discussed the fact that while the client may love the dragon tattoo on their forearm a prospective employer maybe offended so cover it with a long sleeve shirt; don't use mouth wash prior to an interview because sometimes it smells like alcohol-brush your teeth instead; etc.  I did the talking, the client did the listening.  We also worked out a "vouchering system" with local barber's and cosmetologists that would provide one free hair cut a year.  The list tips//hints  is long and varied.  The clients understand that my recommendations are in their best interests and tend to take the advice seriously. Sandy M  California

 

Paul, what an interesting question! Your answer is great and practical. Job candidates need to package themselves. Another analogy: we tend to buy brand name merchandise that is packaged more appealing to the eye than a store brand that has a simpler or unpretentious wrappings. Products such as Coca Cola, Pepsi, and brand name clothings change their designs from time to time to fit in the taste of their buyers. Likewise with employers, like Disney, they look for candidates that fit their "corporate" outlook.

 

Hygiene comes in various types; it could be body odor, unkempt hair, dirty fingernails and bad breath. Recently, I sat next to someone who has it. A good approach is to have a box of mint with you all the time. Be generous and offer it to people around you with the hope that the person catches the subtle hint. If you are a good friend, be brave and find the right time to break it to the person. I have always valued a friend who is honest with me, those who is nice enough to tell me if I forget to zip my zipper or slip in the tag of my blouse when it's out of place.

 

Christina T CA

 

You would just need to be truthful with your client but do it in a tactful way.

Have a great holiday

 

Tonya J OK