Don’t leave them wilting in your wake

Posted on November 20, 2009

You’re big boys and girls. I really, really shouldn’t have to tell you this but before you go to put on that aftershave or perfume prior to your job interview, please don’t! Or at the very least if you’re going to give yourself a bath in the stuff, wash it off your hands.

Seriously there’s only one thing worse than wasting a search consultant or HR person’s time with overblown and non-existent skills, and that is have to smell your aftershave or perfume transference on their hands long after you’ve met. Frankly it doesn’t matter whether it’s the cheapest Pepe La Pew Deluxe from the local $2 store or Chanel No. 5. If you’re wearing it and your interviewer ends up choking on it, you have done nothing for your candidacy.

Let’s face it, you’re not there to get a date. You’re there to get a job and impress professionals. If you think the search consultant is going to swoon at your Deep Chocolate Lynx body spray and progress your application due to your manly magnetism, you need a definite rethink. Oh and by the way… that cigarette you had to calm your nerves just before interview? You have presented in a cloud of smoke, just like a mobile personal incinerator. (Sorry, you need to know that).

Respect your interviewers. They may have asthma or any type of allergy set off by strong perfumes. Even if they don’t they may just not like breathing in and tasting your scent.

Don’t leave your interviewers wilting in your wake!

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  • Don’t leave them wilting in your wake: You’re big boys and girls. I really, really shouldn’t .. http://bit.ly/6SpVQh</span>
  • Thanks GL. I wonder if anyone in the recruiting sector would have the intestinal fortitude to be so frank with a job seeker? My guess is no!

    Thanks Jim for your post too. Absolutely true for sales professionals too. In fact anyone who has to interact with others (jobseekers are in that category as they are selling themselves!)

    Love your gravatar Brian! What you say is true about making an impression. I wrote a blog about that sort of thing a few weeks ago here: http://www.theexecutivebrand.com/2009/10/08/wha...
  • We all already know this, right? RT @gaylehoward Don’t leave them wilting in your wake | The Executive Brand Blog http://bit.ly/2pYj9D</span>
  • Good post with good advice. Lots of people overlook the small things such as having clean nails, perfume scent overload, clean shave, & so much more. Often times people (especially recent college grads) hardly know how to show up to an interview early and prepared; yet alone clean and professional. Also often lack the knowledge or perhaps tact to be aware of others observations and perhaps allergies. You can never have a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression.

    Cheers!
  • RT @Keppie_Careers. I couldn't agree more! Don't overwhelm the interviewer with strong scents! http://ow.ly/E42G #jobsearch
  • Great message. This is also good advice for sales people who get the opportunity to meet potential clients face-to-face or attend business/social networking events.
  • RT @Keppie_Careers: Don't be a smelly job seeker! via @gaylehoward http://short.to/xmsl #careercollective
  • RT @Keppie_Careers Don't be a smelly job seeker! via @gaylehoward http://short.to/xmsl #careercollective. Good point
  • Good advice. RT @gaylehoward Don’t leave them wilting in your wake | The Executive Brand Blog http://bit.ly/2pYj9D</span>
  • RT @KeppieCareers Don't be a smelly job seeker! via @gaylehoward http://short.to/xmsl #careercollective. Good point
  • RT @Keppie_Careers: Don't be a smelly job seeker! via @gaylehoward http://short.to/xmsl #careercollective
  • Perfect.
    Is it the same down there? Seems like the recent college graduates are THE worst. You would think that mom or dad would say "Son, you smell, er, I mean stink. Wash some of that off." But they don't. Bigger issues.
    But...even worse...the sixteen year old going to the prom.
    Here is the question for the 'seasoned' interviewer? What if you like the candidate? Do you tell him (this is a male problem, right?) for the next interview that he should use a more subtle scent? At what point does the interviewer help the candidate? Assuming he has some real skills other than smelling like a testament to ode de toilet?
  • Don't be a smelly job seeker! via @gaylehoward http://short.to/xmsl #careercollective
  • Love this post by @GayleHoward "Don't leave them wilting in your wake" http://is.gd/4Z3iX</span>
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