Should You Comment On A Candidate's Cologne?

Whether or not to comment on a candidate's cologne is a tricky question. On the one hand, a candidate's fragrance can be memorable and help them stand out. On the other hand, it could be off-putting or even cause an allergic reaction.

Some people advise against wearing cologne to a job interview, as it could give the interviewer a headache or an allergic reaction. Others argue that wearing cologne can make a good impression and boost one's confidence.

If you do choose to comment on a candidate's cologne, it is important to be mindful and respectful of their choice, especially if they have a favourite fragrance that they wear daily. It might be a good idea to ask the candidate if they are open to feedback about their cologne choice before offering your opinion.

It's a gamble

There are two sides to this argument. On the one hand, you want to smell good and feel confident during your interview. On the other hand, you don't want to wear something that could potentially offend or irritate your interviewer.

Some people are extremely sensitive to scents and perfumes, and wearing cologne could be a deal-breaker for them. In fact, some offices have scent-free policies, so wearing cologne to an interview could give the impression that you're unaware of current practices.

However, others argue that wearing cologne can make a good impression and help you stand out from other candidates. It can also make you feel more confident, which is important during an interview.

So, what should you do?

If you decide to wear cologne, choose something light, fresh, and mass-appealing. Avoid loud or potentially offensive fragrances. Apply sparingly—you don't want the interviewer to smell you coming!

If you're unsure, it's probably best to err on the side of caution and skip the cologne. You can always ask the receptionist about the office's fragrance policy when you arrive.

Good luck with your interview!

It can be off-putting

Wearing cologne to a job interview can be off-putting for several reasons. Firstly, it can trigger allergies, migraines, or asthma attacks in the interviewer, which can cause them to cut the interview short. Secondly, it can give the interviewer a negative impression of the candidate, as the interviewer may associate the cologne with bad memories. Thirdly, it can make the candidate seem like they don't "play well with others", as they may be seen as not being considerate of others' potential allergies or scent sensitivities. Finally, it can be seen as a sign of over-eagerness to please, which can send the wrong message about the candidate's capabilities and potential.

Therefore, it is generally recommended that candidates refrain from wearing fragrances to job interviews. However, if wearing cologne boosts one's confidence, it is advised to opt for a subtle, inoffensive fragrance and apply it sparingly. Some recommended options include Prada L'Homme, Dior Homme Sport, and Mont Blanc Starwalker.

It can cause allergies

A candidate's cologne can cause allergies. In fact, according to a 2009 survey on fragrance sensitivity, about 30% of the population of the United States had irritation from a perfume.

Perfumes and colognes often contain harsh chemicals that can act as neurotoxins when absorbed into the skin. These chemicals can cause both allergic reactions and sensitivities. While an allergic reaction involves a specific immune system response to an ingredient or chemical in the cologne, a sensitivity is a reaction to something that irritates the body without necessarily triggering a body-wide immune response.

Symptoms of a cologne allergy can include itching, rashes, blisters, increased sensitivity to sunlight, sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, and in severe cases, swelling in the mouth, lips, or tongue, and anaphylaxis.

If you are interviewing a candidate who is wearing cologne and you start to experience allergy symptoms, it is important to address the issue promptly. Excuse yourself from the interview, explaining that you are having an allergic reaction and need to remove yourself from the trigger. If possible, continue the interview in an open, well-ventilated area, or conduct the rest of the interview remotely.

To avoid triggering allergies in others, candidates should refrain from wearing cologne to interviews. As one HR professional advises, "You just never know what can put people off, so why risk it?"

It can be distracting

A scent can be distracting to the interviewer and can be a reason for them to cut the interview short. It is not worth the gamble to wear a fragrance to appeal to an interviewer, especially if you learn the job has a fragrance policy.

Some offices have scent-free policies, and some people are highly allergic and sensitive to scents. A scent you find pleasing can be repellant to someone else. The interviewer will be trapped with you in a room for an hour, so it is much safer to wear no cologne at all. Otherwise, your interview may be cut short just so the interviewer can escape the smell.

A human being's sense of smell is the most sensitive of the senses. Research has shown that smell is the sense most often linked to our emotional memories, both good and bad. So, even if your personal fragrance brings you enjoyment, you cannot predict how an interviewer will react. And if that reaction is negative, it will damage your candidacy.

If you are going to wear a fragrance, it is recommended to use a fragrance that is office-appropriate or subtle. Do not use a loud, room-clearing fragrance.

Some people become more confident when using a scent. In these instances, it is recommended to use a fragrance that is office-appropriate or subtle.

It can be a dealbreaker

The sense of smell is powerful

The sense of smell is the most sensitive of the senses. Research has shown that smell is the sense most often linked to our emotional memories – both good and bad. So, even if your cologne brings you enjoyment, you cannot predict how an interviewer will react. And if that reaction is negative, it will damage your candidacy.

It can be a health hazard

Some people get migraines or headaches from perfume and cologne. Why risk it at a job interview? Many progressive employers have a no-scent policy in the workplace, so it's a good idea to be aware of current practices.

It can be a distraction

A scent you find pleasing can be repellant to someone else. The interviewer will be trapped with you in a room for an hour, so it's much safer to wear no cologne at all. Otherwise, your interview may be cut short just so the interviewer can escape the smell.

It can be a sign of poor judgement

Your taste in perfume is not my taste in perfume. In addition, it indicates a slight over-enthusiasm to please in the wrong manner. A candidate should be judged by their capabilities and potential, and the perfume just sends the wrong message.

It can be a sign of ignorance

There are many offices with perfume/scent-free policies due to some people being highly allergic and sensitive. Therefore, it is a good idea to err on the side of caution and not wear any cologne at all.

Frequently asked questions