help with interview

[wee-janine]

I am going for an interview for a job with the lolcal nsocial work department shortly. I have heard that one of the questions could be to do with how I would deal with smelly people? Can anyone give me the politically correct way to answer this? Thanks

[Dollie]

Put a peg on your nose ??? No sorry janine, only joking. Does this mean smelly work colleagues or your service users ?

[wee-janine]

Service users.The job is caring for children with disabilities supporting them, and their families, in their homes

[tcc65]

Are you serious I would be amazed if they asked you this question!!!!

[wee-janine]

Well my friend went the other day for the same job and was asked How she would feel about working with people and in homes that were not as clean as she is herself. So the word "Smelly" was not exactly used but that's what they meant.

[Dollie]

I would say to them that whilst it may not be ideal working in these conditions - you recognise that everyone's standards will not be on a par with yours and you understand it goes with the job and you have respect for your service-users.

[Ethel]

Be prepared as well to explain how you would deal with close contact with scabies, lice and tapeworm.

The question may be more relevant than it seems. If you are caring / supporting them, it may part of your duties to ensure they are reasonably educated in maintaining basic hygienic standards.

After all, if a disabled child has low immunity and is crawling around in dog mess, for example, it has to be dealt with.

Make sure you fully understand the role and responsibilities of the job before the interview - then you will be well prepared.

[wee-janine]

Thanks every one. Your responses have given me a bit of a confidence boost as they are more or less how I how have answered myself. so thanks again.