Daily Hygiene Habits
This hygiene habit matters at work because strong body odor can affect coworkers and customers, especially in close spaces.
What is wearing deodorant or antiperspirant?
This is the best word to describe what employers usually want your clothing to look like at an interview.
What is neat?
Name one reason good hygiene is part of workplace respect.
Possible answers: respect for coworkers, respect for customers, respect for the employer, respect for yourself
A worker notices their uniform has pet hair all over it before their shift. The most professional choice is this.
What is remove the pet hair or change into a cleaner uniform?
You are dressed for an interview, but your shirt is clean and very wrinkled. You think, “At least it isn’t dirty.” The better choice is this.
What is changing it or ironing it so you look more prepared?
Even if your clothes look clean, this may mean they should not be worn again to work.
What is they either smell bad or were already worn for too long?
Wearing too much of this can be unprofessional, even if the smell is pleasant.
What is perfume or cologne?
Name one reason a person should build a morning routine before work or an interview.
Possible answers: reduces stress, saves time, improves punctuality, supports hygiene
You forgot to brush your hair, but you are already at the interview location. The best next step is this.
What is use the washroom mirror to fix it before checking in?
You used deodorant, but after rushing in warm weather you notice you still smell sweaty before the interview. The best response is this.
What is freshening up in the washroom if possible instead of ignoring it?
This part of personal hygiene is especially important if you speak closely with customers or in an interview.
What is oral hygiene or fresh breath?
A shirt may be technically clean, but if it is covered in wrinkles, this may still give the interviewer this impression.
It may give the impression that you are careless and/or don't pay attention to details.
Name one reason chewing gum during an interview may be a bad idea.
A person wears strong scented body spray to “smell extra clean” at work. What does this tell us about the worker.
What is poor judgment or lack of workplace awareness?
Two candidates both answer questions well. One is slightly more nervous, but looks clean, prepared, and respectful. The other seems confident, but has poor grooming and keeps checking their phone. The stronger candidate is usually this one.
What is the candidate who appears prepared and professional?
This grooming habit helps a worker look organized and sanitary, especially in food service, retail, and customer-facing jobs.
What is keeping nails clean and trimmed?
Besides hygiene, name one professional behavior that matters in an interview.
What is listening carefully, speaking politely, arriving on time, silencing your phone, or answering clearly?
Name one reason good hygiene can improve confidence.
Possible answers: you feel prepared, less worry about smell, better self-image, more comfortable around others
If your breath smells strongly like cigarettes, coffee, or food before an interview, this may affect the employer’s impression of your what?
What is professionalism or readiness?
Your hair is clean, but you keep touching and fixing it during the interview because you are nervous. This may make you appear this way.
What is distracted, anxious, or unprepared?
Scenario: Alex is preparing for an interview. He says, “I showered yesterday, so I’m fine.” But today, before the interview, he worked out. What are 5 personal hygiene habits he needs to do before going to the interview.
Shower, brush hair, use deodorant, wear clean clothing, brush teeth (answers may vary)
A clean outfit, brushed hair, and appropriate shoes all communicate this quality before you even speak.
What is professionalism?
Name one reason an employer may notice small details like shoes, nails, or breath.
Possible answers: first impressions matter, details show preparation, details show professionalism, details reflect judgment
A worker says, “My job is only in the stockroom, so appearance doesn’t matter.” This is incorrect because employers still expect this.
What is basic hygiene and professional presentation from all employees?
You are on the bus to an interview and realize your breath smells strongly like coffee and toothpaste was forgotten. The best thing to do before checking in is this.
What is use a mint/chew gum?