In May, I participated in the commencement ceremony at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, receiving my Master’s of Science in Career & Technical Education. By chance, I was seated in the front row. As I watched the Bachelor’s candidates traipse past me on the way to the stage to receive their degrees, I noticed how many of them were wearing sneakers and even rubber flipflops. Some of the men had bare calves showing between too-short gowns and their sneakers—I assumed they were wearing shorts rather than actually being flashers in gowns rather than raincoats. These people were entering their next stage of life as college-educated adults with careers and had no idea that their first action as a graduate screamed, “I’m a kid and totally clueless as to how I should act in the realm of adults.” Conversely, the young men and women who were appropriately shod for a formal ceremony were presenting themselves as adults ready for professional positions.
For this week's assignment, describe a recent (within the last month or so) occurrence when you noticed someone over age 17 whose nonverbal clues were sending out the message “I am a clueless kid even though I’m legally an adult.” Then, describe another recent occurrence when someone was appropriately dressed for the environment in which you saw them.
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Just this past week I was walking through the halls of CVTC when I noticed someone I knew dressed inappropriately. I’m not going to mention the name of this person out of respect an a little bit of pity. She was wearing a skirt that was, in my personal opinion a little too short, but then I noticed she was wearing slippers. Now, this is alright in a school situation, but then later that day I saw her, dressed the same, and was getting ready to go to a job interview at an area business. Now I know that if I were the one interviewing her, I wouldn’t even consider her for the position dressed like that. What type of message was she sending, and did she realize it? On Saturday afternoon I was at work, and just recently we had a position open in my department so there were a few people coming in for interviews. One man caught my eye, and I don’t mean in an attractive way, but the way he was dressed. He was wearing a collard polo shirt and kaki dress pants with dress shoes. He looked pretty sharp for applying to a grocery store, but he was really making a good first impression. He will likely get the job, based on things other than the way he was dressed, but that opened the door for the employer to get to the subjects that matter.
The first example that comes to my mind is that of a young lady who was going to an interview for a Certified Nursing Assistant position at a local hospital. She was wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and tennis shoes. Knowing she was on her way to the interview I asked if she was going stop at home and get dressed . She proceeded to tell me that her experience was all she needed to get the job. I was not at all surprised when she told me that she didn‘t get the job. She apparently missed class the day they were told to dress for success.
My second example is that of a young couple baptizing their newborn daughter. I was impressed to see both parents dressed in suits. It was saying to me that they were ready to face this difficult task of raising a child and they were willing to put in the extra effort it takes to be successful parents.
Last week, my boss had numerous interviews to fill an office position. Now, keep in mind that I work at nursing and rehabilitation center. A girl came in for an interview wearing scrubs, the uniform the nursing department is required to wear. I would think, that if a person were applying for a business position, they would know how to properly dress. When my boss told her that only the nursing department wears scrubs, she actually said she would prefer to wear scrubs because they are so comfortable. Needless to say, she did not get the job. The girl who did get the job, was wearing a business suit with matching dress shoes and bag, her make-up was neatly and professionally done, and her hair was neatly swept up into a french twist. I guess, first impressions really do matter.
Back at the high school I attended, there was this guy in my homeroom that loved attention. Positive or negative, here didn't care. And one day I seen him in class and noticed something. He had tried to give himself a tattoo of a gang symobl on his forearm with a needle and ball point pen ink. This gentelmen weighs about 105 pounds and couln't kill a fly, and he is trying to show people that is for real in his attempts to give himself a discount tattoo. That shows his maturity level is low, and proves that he has got to do anything for attention. do something to blow the roof.
I man I go to class with at CVTC on the other hand wore a button-up dress shirt and dress pants. That shows character to dress appropriate and this man came to class with the correct idea.
Recently my roommate's girlfriend was interested in getting a job. She went around to the local businesses for applications. She was dressed in jeans with more holes in them then jeans, and a band t-shirt. Although this is a college town, I would think you would want to dress a little more appropriately then that.
On the other hand, one of my other friends was interviewed for a job, and he wore a button up shirt and khakis. Although the job was for a department store, it just showed that he could conform to the beliefs of 'looking respectful' for a job.
While sitting in the commons waiting for class I noticed a young lady walk in the building with pajama bottoms and flip flops on with a sweatshirt. I'd think that if a person is going out in public that they would want to be dressed to out in public.
I think some of you that have commented are in the wrong right now. Let me just get out there your only a kid once but SHORTS don’t equal kids. Personally me being “dressed” up would be jeans my polo shirt and shoes even though I love my flip flops. It’s a personal opinion of what dressed up is. I work at the high school with the marching band both the band director and I dress in shorts tee shirt and sometimes flip flops. Its part of the job and people wear what works for them. Yes I do think that people need to “dress up” when being interviewed for a job but act the part afterwards, add your touches. Other times for the band we do need to be dressed up and we do so with no problem. So I think it depends on where you work or what you do and it’s different for everyone. I’ll always have shorts tee shirts and flip flops some people just need to get over what others dress like worry about yourself.
As for the first one, i was driving home the other day from going out to dinner with my family I had this older guy about 40 or so cut me off then even thought it was his error he honked at me and flicked me off and then sped off wildly.IDIOT! As for the second one today I brought my little boy to Kratae class and he was dressed up in his uniform with no socks and no shoes.
Yesterday I was applying for a job at the same time as someone else. He was wearing a plain colored t-shirt and jeans. He didn't get hired. I saw a cop this morning with his uniform on, that looked very proffesional. However, he did have some cream filling from his doughnut on his sleeve.
The last job I applied to was for a receptionist position at a grain dealership. I wore jeans and a nice shirt, due to the fact that I didn't have black pants. I felt underdressed and apologized for the jeans, and the lady doing the hiring actually thought that I was overdressed. It all depends upon the situation. I have known many good candidates for jobs that didn't get hired on their appearance, but for their personal content. I believe that dressing professionally for a job is important, but your content should be more important than the way you dress. The number one thing that bothers me is when people wear their pajamas to school. To me that is saying that they truly don't care how they present themselves.
The first one is people that do not where what fits them right and the other one is my mom no matter which job she going to she dressed to look the part.
Last night I was on my way home. I was stopped at a red light and the car next to me was full of people that looked like they were in their late teens to early twenties. They had their radio cranked so loud that my windows were rattling. That made me think that they were clueless. This morning a young man came to my house and wanted us to go to his church. He was dressed in nice clothing and spoke in such an adult manner, I was taken by suprise. It is not that often that a younger person can look and speak respectfully.
I work in an enviornment where you are suppose to dress nicely. When I say nice, guys where dress shirt with a tie, and dress pants with nice shoes. The girls typically wear black pants with a nice shirt or blouse. Every now and then someone comes for extra help from another store. This one woman was wearing jeans and flip flops. It did not show the profressional enviornment. It made me think that she was not very serious about her job. In another situation, I was talking to a lawyer who seemed to be dressed up for his work profession. He was wearing a suit with a tie, looking like he was ready to go to work. By the way he was dressed he looked committed to his job and wannted to make a good impression on his clients.
Recently, I have been conducting job interviews for two positions. How potential employee’s dress and speak is very important when interviewing. Flip flops are everywhere, but are not appropriate dress for the workplace. Those individuals who come to an interview, neat ,clean ,and attentive are the candidates that interest me.
However I don’t mind if they are wearing what they would be wearing for the job they are applying for. When I am hiring a home health aide and they come in their scrubs , as long as they are neat, clean ,and attentive, I react positively. Professional dress is appropriate in professional places.
To expand on this further, I did just hire a young woman who came to the interview in her scrubs. She had just gotten off work and asked if it was okay if she came right from work. She was appropriately dressed and gave myself and the other interviewer her full attention. Both verbal and non verbal behavior was appropriate.
Just about a month ago, I was at my work and I was interviewing for a financial advisor position in our company. I had several differnt people come in, but one caught my eye, and I didn't even listen to one word that she had to say, because I was so distracted by her clothing. She wore a nice pair of dress slacks, and a shirt that looked like it had been painted on her, with her breasts almost falling out. This was not the way to be dresses when the position includes to be with several people on a daily basis. I also found her biting her nails during the interview. Even if she was highly qualified, I would not have hired her, based on these nonverbal behaviors.
On the other hand, I had several that dressed really business like, that I noted in my mind, and remember exactly what they gave me for answers to the questions I asked them. I hired someone that was qualified, and dressed in a professional matter. He maintained eye contact with me the whole interview also.
When I was first applying for a job at a bank, I noticed that another applicant who had an interview the same day as me was dressed not to professionally. They were wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Myself on the other hand was wearing a nice button down shirt with khakis. Needless to say, I got the job and I'm sure that our dressing didn't have everything to do with it, but I'm sure it helped a lot.
On occasion I will be describing something to my fiancé, and he will become completely lost. Today gives a great example. We moved him into an apartment in Menomonie, and borrowed his parents van. I was trying to tell him how I could take my parents car to his parents house; bring him back his car; then take his parents van back to their house, where I left my parents car; and go home from there. I know that I think too much sometimes, and that definitely happened here. At first he just stared and didn’t say anything, followed by a tilting of the head, and thinking. I said it a little fast, and he was tired. Then he just said, “What?” I explained it and he decided it was too much work.
I had an interview for a new job last Tuesday. While I was experiencing this interview, I met with three ladies. The first two ladies were dressed in business attire, but the third was quite casual. I really felt that the two ladies, the first from human resources, and the second being a supervisor, dressed the part. They were dressed in dressy slacks, and nicer shirts. They worked in offices and dressed the stereotypical way I had formed in my head for businesswomen to appear. They fit their environment well, to me; because of the stereotype I had established, as well as the other people I saw working in the office. The workers, staff, of the company all were dress in business attire. Thus, the first two ladies of my interview were dressed appropriately for their environment.
Recently while watching T.V. with several adults they were acting like clueless children making inappropriate gestures on what someone else was talking about on the show. The other part of the assignment, when I was going to church with my family I saw other family’s dressed nicely for the church environment.
I am a good example of someone who dresses the part of still being a kid. In my own opinion, I think it is okay. Everyday I wake up in the morning and try to decide what I have in my closet that is the most comfortable. Although I am 22 years old and have children, I feel that I will start to dress the part when I am done with school, and "have" to dress like an "adult." My example for someone who always dresses the part would have to me by mom. She goes to school everyday, but almost always looks her best. It is as if she is prepared for anything.
My boyfriend's niece is 19 but has no clue as how to act or deal with the "real world." She does not want to work to support herself, and still lives with her mother, whom she expects to give her money to do with whatever she wants. I find it very bothersome and annoying. As long as her parents let her do this, she will continue down this path. When people tell her what they expect out of her, it just doesn't register. I feel very sorry for her.
I know all the time I see people coming into the campus here in their pajamas. I do not think this is appropriate for the culture we live in. That is the prolem. People should not be wearing their birthday outfit out in the public. Although it is accepted by the majority of people, to me it is NOT! Although there are many people that do indeed present themselves professionaly on a daily occurance. For instance; my friend Josh always looks professional. When he come to school he usually where a polo shirt and nice pants. Granted it may be the same polo shirt and pants everyday, but that is not the point. He must wash them. All in all most people do a passable job on dressing and grooming standards. Respectfully Submitted.
Last week I was at work and noticed five people in orientation to work at Target. Four of the people were wearing red shirts and kaki pants. One person was wearing shorts, tee shirt, and flip-flops. He seemed to have no clue what to wear and how to present himself for the job. He stood out and everyone noticed him more as a “kid” and the others as adults. I am not sure who got the job but I’m pretty sure the red shirt and kaki pants people did.
Non verbal communication says many things about me and other people. As we learned in class, it is impossible to not communicate non-verbally. You communicate non-verbally and can read non-verbal interactions by: body language, the cloths you where, kinesics, facial expressions and other non verbal cues. The cloths you where portray a huge non-verbal. A fellow colleague, classmate and friend Josh, for example always looks professional and portrays a positive non-verbal message. Normally a persons non-verbal cues speak louder then what the person is saying
Firstly I would like to state that the way someone dresses is not a big deal to me. Like in your example I don't think that the shoes someone wears, has anything to do with the kind of person they are, or what they are capible of as an adult. But an example that I can think of just happened the other day. I was at work and a young man came in for an interview and he was wearing old jeans with holes in them and a black T-shirt. And in this case I think it has a lot to do with if he should get hired or not. It is common sense that if you are coming in for and interview or even picking up an application you should dress apropriately. The first thing an employer see's is the way you present yourself, and like they say the first time you meet someone makes a lasting impression.
I know someone that is in her early 20's that works in a legal office. She is the first person people see when they enter the door and her motto seems to be, the less the better. Short skirts, high heels and wife beater shirts. I find this attire extremely inappropriate for the office and make me feel that there is an air of non-respectability about the firm, but it is not my office and it seems to be o.k. It epitomizes the, I’m all grown up, but still too young to know any better. When this person is in her 40’s I would love to show her a picture of herself in the office and see what she says then.
As far as professionalism, I have seen many students around campus working hard to get to the next level of their lives. It is usually easy to detect the recent high school grads and the wiser upper classmen with a more “go to work” attire instead of the “lets go to the mall” attire.
Yes, maybe it is my age and “cool” has a new meaning. Which mean your sense of “style” will change to suite your career. The play cloths and church clothes days will be a memory and the “go to work” clothes become reality and if you get lucky, you will sneak in a bit of “comfy clothing” for the weekend. Same person, same mind, but perceived differently depending on the drawer you chose from.
Like we learned in class, the first impression is one that will detumine many things. How you present yourself and carry yourself in public shows many non-verbal cues about you. It is a thing people do without thinking, they judge you because it is human nature.
One thing that my brother, who is 22, will just shout out ramdom says. For example. When the movie Transformers came out, he would be walking around singing "Transformers, robots in disguise." Just out of the blue he would be singing this tune 6 times a day. Ya, it got old.
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To tell you the truth I never really know what to wear. I always go by the saying dress to impress, especially when I am going to an interview. When I work at Bristol Ridge Golf Course I find my self seeing mature adults wearing sweat pants and tee shirts, ON A GOLF COURSE. The non verbal that the golfers are presenting do not match there verbal. Most of the people that come to the golf course dress like they are going to bed are our members. With outside people golfing at our golf course this non verbal actions of our members present a different representation then what the golf course wants. On the other hand there are many different cases that I have seen golfer over dressed. It is hit and missed when you go to BRGC, everyday is never like the day before.
Everyday we see people dressed inappropriatly. Even at school. I see people wearing p.j.'s quite often and to me this sends a verbal clue that maybe they just got up late or they just want to be comfortable. But to others, this may seem inappropriate, like the person in pj's is just lazy or slobby. Then on the other hand you see the nursing student wearing there all white scrubs and they all look very professional. This to me shows a very positive nonverbal communication that they are here, ready and willing to learn.
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