First Impressions

What has happened to the youth of our country? Are we failing so miserably in teaching them the basic rules of life? Do they just lack the common sense chip, have we bred it out of our children?

I have a good friend that owns a boutique sportings good shop in our town and I work there a couple days a week. I enjoy the interaction with other people, getting out of the house and doing something completely separate from my normal routine. While it is not my passion, I still respect both my friend and the fact that I have given her my word I would do a good job. I am on time, I work hard, and I talk to just about everyone that walks through the door.

Yesterday, about 4 people walked through the door seeking out employment. Not one of them was dressed nice. Not one of them introduced themselves to me. In fact, I had one even interrupt me while I was with a customer just so they could ask if we were hiring. Two of them came in together with shaggy hair, unkept clothes, their school bags on their backs and attitudes to spare. What are these kids thinking?

I was taught that when you are seeking employment with an establishment, you always present your best appearance in both clothes and hygiene. While it is a small retail shop I wouldn't expect a suit or dress, but I do expect some effort. I know these kids would never dare look this way if going out on the town with their friends. Nice jeans and a cool top would be the norm, but while looking for a jobs they wear sweats and ratty tees? Do they think the potential employers are going to be impressed with their casual appearance? Do they not understand that first impressions can never be altered? As they walk through that door they are establishing how they will represent the business?

Having children of my own I understand all to well the struggles of dressing in age/weather/occasion appropriate attire. Some days I give in the fight and just let them wear whatever makes them happy, but only if the situation allows. Sometimes I can't back down because the lesson I am trying to teach them of respecting others sometimes includes how they present themselves. After witnessing the parade of unkept job seekers that stumbled through the door yesterday, I am renewed in my quest to teach my own children the basic principal of always putting your best foot forward.

After all, you never get a second chance at a first impression and based on my first impression of the job seekers that came through my door yesterday, I told them we weren't hiring.