JOB interviewees who smell of stale alcohol are considerably less likely to be hired, it has emerged.
The Institute for Studies found that employers often make snap decisions about candidates with a whiff of drink about them, even if it is only mild.
Graduate Tom Booker said: “I had 18 unsuccessful interviews for accounting roles, and it was only by asking for feedback that I discovered the problem was the booze smell coming from my pores.
“I wasn’t drunk or anything. Generally I had either drunk fairly heavily the night before or, if the interview was in the afternoon, had two or perhaps three drinks at lunchtime.”
Company director Norman Steele said: “When we invite people for interview, one of the first questions we ask ourselves is ‘do they smell of drink?’.
“I’m afraid it’s a deal-breaker.”
Professor Henry Brubaker, of the Institute for Studies, said: “When employers detect the ‘drink smell’ on your skin, clothes or breath, it colours their view of you, especially if you have dark eye-bags or look otherwise dishevelled. It’s unfair, but it happens.
“If you are planning to drink before an interview, disguise the smell with mints and arrive early to spray on copious amounts of deodorant in the company’s disabled toilet.”
