Open interview but probably no job because I'm an evil SMOKER!!

I have an interview for in home caregiving at a very new and hard place to even be picked for placement for potential employment today. I don't know if I'm already at a loss considering the conversation with H.R.

I took a psychology class oriented towards proper and orginized studying and interview related topics that recommended not putting you're phone number on you're resume when you email it since it then forces the potential employer to initiate contact and ask for it, apparently that was a bad idea. She emailed me asking for my number in which she called me. First off she wasn't happy the psychology loop worked and I hadn't provided my number in the first place. Then she asks about availability, etc. Then she asks "could you pass a nicotine test?" I was honest and said no but I'm trying to quit and given a motivating experience such as a great job I will. Her response "all these people want to be in healthcare but smoke and it makes no sense." my response " I've known plenty of qualified wonderful people in healthcare that smoke and it doesn't make them any less great at their work, things are also changing and 20 years ago being a smoker or not didn't change you're quality of work." in which she responded "please come in Wednesday at 2 and ditch the smokes, I'll see you then."

I've had a few interviews the past month and a half and no call backs. I'm feeling discouraged already and trying to remain optimistic for today's interview but not really able to because I don't want to get my hopes up to be rejected yet again, let alone the fact I already had a diplomatic debate with H.R. My intent was not to set a bad tone but I really hate the judgmental attitude towards me for my vice. Do I get it? Yes. Does it make sense to advocate healthcare and work it being a smoker? Not entirely, but I will defend my work ethic when judgement is cast on me, I'm even willing to quit for a job. My healthcare teachers in school who have been nurses used to smoke too so it's really a slam on a smoker to think they are less qualified due to it.

No idea how this is going to work, hopefully today will be a new start to something great, including becoming a non smoker. Meh.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

Well it went great but until I get a call to start I'm still unemployed lol

I'd just like to say that I think it's absurd to make being smoke free a condition of employment. While I don't smoke, don't like the smell of it, and generally think people shouldn't smoke, it's also a totally legal vice, and lots of people are addicted to nicotine. It'd be interesting to know if they also disapporve of their employees drinking non-alcoholicly as alcohol also has a huge number of health risks associated with it.

spltimage

Hope you get the job! There's a laundry list of employers in my state, including one hospital group, that openly will not hire smokers, period. There's also rental places (apartments, etc.) that will not lease to smokers. Doesn't matter the qualifications, talent, experience.....it's a deal-breaker. Some states have laws protecting people from being discriminated against for "lifestyle choices"...including smoking (and yes, drinking, etc.) - but my state isn't one of them. The good news is - you ARE getting interviews!! I haven't even been able to get those....so....hang in there! When it comes to looking for a job / changing jobs....all you CAN do is keep bashing away. Very hard, very discouraging, especially when you don't get any response back to all your hard work in looking and applying. Given that your interview went well despite the initial phone call....there's hope for you, yes? Stay strong!

I am in the minority here, but I love that my hospital has banned smoking on campus. Patients no longer complain that their provider stinks like smoke... If I was a landlord I wouldnt want the walls, ceilings, flooring stained and stinking of smoke. I wouldn't go so far as to ask a potential employee if they smoke. I don't really care about their vices as long as their work ability is not affected.