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The longer I am in the recruiting business the more I am convinced that the most important thing in a job search is a face to face interview. Some may argue that it is about who you know or the experience you have gained, but I have seen plenty of examples of people less-qualified getting the job over the better candidate on paper.

That is why in your job search you need to really understand the art of interviewing and avoid bad job interviews altogether. Today’s topic may seem a bit silly to discuss, but I have a few important angles to bring up that I believe are relevant.

Fatal Mistake #5: Having Bad Personal Hygiene

Performing 10 face to face interviews a week over the last seven years has put me in some interesting situations to say the least. Having bad personal hygiene is no different then having mustard on your chin during a dinner conversation. You have no idea and it is obvious to everyone else.

There are three main areas that are turn offs in my opinion:

1. Bad Breath – You can not take this for granted. Have a mint before you go into the interview. You always want to give off a good impression. Avoid gum. Especially if you get nervous because you will be chomping on that before you even realize what you are doing.  Never take this for chance. I know it sounds silly but all of your accomplishments can be thrown out the door if you are giving off a strong odor. Bad breath leads to a bad interview.

2. Smoking – Some candidates will have a smoke before the interview as they say it relaxes them. Then they try to cover the smoke smell (which I will be getting to in a minute). In most cases, you will want to avoid this scenario at all cost. If they smell smoke it could be more damaging then the smell itself. Although most states allow for smoke breaks, some hiring managers actually wonder if the candidate is going to be productive enough if they need regular smoke breaks.

3. Too Much Cologne or Perfume – This is a interview killer right here. More is not better. I have literally had to hold my breath because I was getting a headache from the perfume. Not only that but the perfume was on the resume as well. Great reminder of a bad interview. Use this in moderation or not at all.

I hope you will take these to heart as it is important. I run into these problems more often that you probably realize and they could have been easily avoided.Do this and you will avoid those bad job interviews .