Smokin? Up a Storm: Clothing, Smokers, and the Job Interview

You're nervous. You're so nervous that you crave a smoke. So you light up, and as you puff away, it feels so relaxing, right? Well, what's good for your nerves is not so good to when you're job hunting.

What?! What does smoking have to do with job hunting? It has to do with the fact that if you-the job hunter-are a smoker, and your interviewer is a non-smoker, then your chances of getting hired are very slim.

And yes, legally, an employer can't say "You're a smoker, I'm not going to hire you!" However, it is an unofficial fact that if all things are equal, a non-smoker will be hired over a smoker every time. If you're a smoker, this is a disadvantage to you.

So if you're not going to quit smoking, then get into the habit of doing so outside! This is especially important during your job hunt. Why? Because if your interviewer is a non-smoker, he or she *will* know you are a smoker. You will reek of smoke IF you smoke inside (I, the author, am a non-smoker-I know what I'm talking about).

Because of this employer prejudice, while job hunting and especially before an interview, be sure that you dry clean all of your clothes (I'm talking: your suit jacket, shirt, and pants-male. And skits or dress pants-female). Buy new neckties (or bowties), socks, underwear, t-shirts, and hosiery (female) and keep all these clothes in some kind of air-tight bag. Put all these clothing items in a part of your home that the farthest away from all the smoking.

And if you do smoke with your interview clothes on, do so outside only! NOT in the car before the interview and NOT while going straight home afterwards. Wait until you are home and strip naked (seriously), put all these clothes in your "smoke-free zone." Only then can you smoke freely. And only then do your shopping, visiting, etc. If you don't, you'll reek of smoke and will have to dry clean after each and every interview.

By keeping all clothes away from the tobacco smell and smoking outside, you reduce most (but not all) of the smoke odor. This will give you one more edge over non-smokers. And this may help you get that job!

© 2005 by Jerry Carmack. You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as this footnote is included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated. If you wish to use portions of this article, you must email the author at carmackpublishing@yahoo.com for permission. Thank you.

Jerry Carmack is a freelance, self-publishing, non-fiction ebook writer living in Hot Springs, AR USA. This article is a part of an ebook, "How to Tie a Tie: Everything You Wanted to Know About Neckties and Bowties, but Didn't Think to Ask." (http://carmackpublishing.tripod.com/ how_to_tie_a_tie.htm)

---

Career Discovery - Pinpoint Your Ideal Career

Determine your ideal career--one that's in alignment with your values,... Read More

Theres No Need to Pad Your Resume

It seems like a good idea, harmless in fact. Your... Read More

How to Crash - Proof Your Job Search

Think you have the speed, endurance, and know-how to fix... Read More

Losing A Career Can Feel Like Getting A Divorce

Most of us are aware that we need to grieve... Read More

Job Search: The End of the Line

There is an end to the job search tunnel!It has... Read More

Should You Telework/Telecommute

"WOW! I can work from home and make money? I... Read More

Can You Compete?

Are you looking to hire the best talent? Are you... Read More

How to Evaluate Job Offers and Zoom In On the Right Opportunity for You

You've been successful in your job hunt and have received... Read More

Job Interviews -- The Real Reasons Why You Need to Follow Up

Effective follow-up after a job interview is often a key... Read More

How To Pick The Best Career For You, Part 1

In Part One we'll look at how Positioning or "Coming... Read More

Ten Healthcare Fields That Cant Wait To Hire You

Healthcare is one of the hottest career fields in America... Read More

Alert! An Over-50 Jobseeker Has Just Entered the Building

Interviewing Tips for the Older Job-seeking PopulationA red alert is... Read More

Revitalize Your Recruiting for 2005

Happy New Year! The forecasts are in agreement: Hiring is... Read More

Why Are 95% of Job Applicants Not Called Back?

Have you been desperately looking for a job and keep... Read More

When Should You Update Your Job Skills?

With the U.S. economy still slumping and unemployment numbers barely... Read More

Behaviour To Climb The Stepping Stones To Career Success

The heading of this article could just as well have... Read More

Job Interviews: Ill File a Grievance!

I recently went to a retirement party with my husband... Read More

Make Your Resume Keyword Rich and Scanner Friendly

If you haven't looked for a job recently, there are... Read More

Are Your References Ready?

One of the most common forms of background check performed... Read More

Changing Careers? How to Get Around the Three Major Mental Roadblocks to Success

A part of you can't wait to dive into your... Read More

Surprise! Accounting is the Hot New Major

There was a time when accounting was the boring college... Read More

Staying In Shape

Why Lawyers Should Eat Bananas by Simon Tupman is a... Read More

Believe And Get Hired

Good things seem to come in bunches, especially in a... Read More

Your Resume Format - What Is The First Thing You Need To Do?

The first thing you need to do before you write... Read More

Resumes OR CV : Get That Job

Your resume is your sales document. It tells the world... Read More

Dealing With How Would You...? Questions

I'm always preaching about proper preparation prior to interviews. If... Read More

Four Job Interview Mistakes That Can Torpedo Your Chances of Success

What are the worst mistakes job hunters make? It turns... Read More

Networking - A Key Factor in a Successful Job Search

In today's economy, job seekers need an edge beyond their... Read More

Get Off Your Butt and Out of the Rut

It's amazing to see so many people who are prepared... Read More

Waiting For the Official Job Offer

At the end of the third job interview, Helene was... Read More

Job Tips For The Frustrated Job Seeker

There is nothing more frustrating and depressing when you are... Read More

Five Facts You Must Know When Changing Careers

Too often in life, we fail. We fail not because... Read More

Resurrecting the Perfect Resume, Part One

Is your resume dead? Don't be so quick to say,... Read More