If you've been a smoker for a while, you might be oblivious to the message is sends out about you. This can make a huge difference in an interview and to potential employers. We're going to look about what smoking says about you, and how it could influence potential employers as to whether they take you on or not.

They might say it doesn't matter - but that isn't necessarily the case

Most interviewers and potential employers want to seem as open-minded as possible. They don't want you to think that small things like smoking might have an influence on you getting the job or not because they don't want to be open to potential law-suits or discrimination accusations. But that doesn't mean it doesn't make a difference. Smoking matters, especially if your potential boss isn't a smoker too.

Why is smoking a turn-off for employers?

While not all employers will make a judgement on your character because you smoke, it can still make a difference. Public opinion about smoking is changing whether you like it or not. It used to be cool, but that's not really the case anymore. Regardless, smoking isn't just uncool - it might present practical considerations for your employer.

Smoking breaks. Like it or not, smokers have to smoke - and that often means leaving the desk for five minutes every couple of hours to go and get their fix. That's real man hours that really add up. Employers might not want to risk such a drop in productivity compared to non-smokers.

Non-smoking colleagues can also get bitter at the extra down-time smokers are afforded just because they smoke. This can add to the problem and affect morale. Generally, non-smokers can be perceived to get more work done.

Employers also won't want their staff congregating around their office entrance smoking because it's not very inviting and doesn't present the right image for their business.

Turning up to an interview smelling of smoke is also a huge problem. Even if your employer can see past the fact you're a smoker - it simply doesn't present an appealing image and might make interviewers question your personal hygiene and the affect this could have on clients.

What can you do about it?

Firstly, don't bring up smoking in the interview. Asking questions in interviews is normally recommended, but don't resort to asking what their procedures for smoking are. Don't turn up smelling of smoke and don't have a quick one outside either before or after your interview.

If you really want to fix the problem - quit smoking. Patches have been around for years along with the recent rise in popularity of e-cigarettes. These can help ease you off of nicotine without harming your health as much or making you smell. If you're not sure which brand to try, V2 Pro Series 7 reviews might help.