Pricing

Don't Take Drug Test If You Know You'll Fail

J.T. O'Donnell
August 09, 2011

A business owner recently vented his frustration to me around the number of job seekers who FAILED a work drug test at his company:

"As a fairly active employer when it comes to hiring, I need to share with you my recent frustration when it comes to new hires and drug testing. We have had a particularly bad run in the last quarter with over a dozen failed tests. With over half of the candidates being college grads, I was particularly surprised! It actually seems more like an IQ test, why take it if you are going to fail? People currently in a job hunt should really be more aware of how testing works, and be prepared to pass. It is both disappointing and expensive for us as employers."

Now, you might be thinking, "I bet this it was a bunch of punk kids," or "The job probably pays squat." Well, you are wrong. When I contacted him to get more details around the situation, here's what he told me:
  • In three months, he tested 39 prospective employees at $45/test. That's an estimated $7,000/year spent on drug testing.
  • Only 25% passed.
  • Their ages ranged between 21-52 years old.
  • The owner estimates the additional cost of the wasted time/expense went into interviewing these people prior to the test at $24,000+.
More importantly, these people missed out on jobs that paid between $50,000 - $58,000/year! Here's the takeaway for job seekers. Many companies are using drug tests these days as a way to weed out employees. Be sure to find out BEFORE you apply if the company is going to ask you to take a drug test to avoid any embarrassment. What should you do if you find out about the drug test AFTER the interview? If the company fails to mention the drug test until after your interview. Simply say you'd be happy to take the test and leave. Then, call them back and say that upon reflection, you've decided the job isn't for you. That way, you won't be embarrassed when you fail and you'll save the company the cost of giving you the test. In summary... Using drugs is your choice - you just need to acknowledge choosing to do so comes with consequences in the form of limiting your job options. It's a small world. Failing a drug test isn't good for your career. So, be smart and move on if you know you can't pass one. Drug Test at Work (Cartoon by CAREEREALISM-Approved Career Expert, Teena Rose) Enjoy this article? You've got time for another! Check out these related articles: Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Talk About Relaxing! Check Out These Companies That Have An Amazing #GameRoom!

All work and no play can create a tense and unwelcoming environment. Studies have shown that employers that offer additional perks have employees that are happier and more loyal to their place of employment. If you are looking for an employer that acknowledges how important it is to give its employees a place to de-stress and bond with their co-workers, check out these companies!

SHOW MORE Show less

Awkward! Company Owner Watches Me On Camera & Reads My Emails

In this week's episode of "Well This Happened", we want to know what you would do if you worked for an owner who micro-manages you my watching you work on camera and reading through your company emails.

We want YOU to be the career coach and tell us which one is the RIGHT answer!

Think you know? Vote below, and stay tuned for later this week when we announce the right answer (and why the other ones are wrong).

SHOW MORE Show less

With Offices In 49 Countries, People All Over The World Can Work For Nike

Can you imagine working for a brand like Nike that's represented all over the world? Sport is a huge part of people's lives, and Nike is expanding its office locations so people from across the globe can bring the brand to life. Nike hires people specializing in a wide array of backgrounds to support its offices in 49 different countries.

SHOW MORE Show less

How To Overcome Age Discrimination

Do you think you're facing age discrimination or ageism in your job search? Do you feel like no one is hiring you because you're older than the competition? You're not alone with these feelings. However, there's some important things you need to know if you want to overcome this challenge...

Okay, so first, I want to tackle a HUGE misconception about age discrimination in the workforce.

SHOW MORE Show less

Career Changers: Tips For Successfully Changing Careers

Changing careers can be a stressful and daunting task that seems almost impossible at times. Whether it's not knowing what career path to take, what skills to leverage or lacking experience, changing careers isn't easy.

During our weekly live Office Hours on YouTube, two of our coaches, Ariella Coombs and J.T. O'Donnell, answer questions live from viewers related to their job search, career success, on the job situations and more.

We complied a simple list of what we find to be the most common questions our coaches get about career change. We hope you find this helpful.

Here are the answers to some common questions around changing careers...


SHOW MORE Show less

Seriously?! Here's How To Handle A Co-Worker Who Takes Credit For Your Work

If you saw our first video, you might have heard about the awkward situation one of our viewers, Diane submitted. She has recently worked with a co-worker on a group project. When it came time to present the project at a meeting, Diane let her co-worker present. While it went great, the co-worker proceed to take credit for nearly all of Diane's work. Frustrating to say the least!

SHOW MORE Show less

Help! My Co-Worker Took Credit For Work I Did...What Do I Do?

In this week's episode of "Well This Happened", we want to know what you would do if your co-worker took credit for the work you did...right in front of your colleagues AND boss!

We want YOU to be the career coach and tell us which one is the RIGHT answer!

Think you know? Vote below, and stay tuned for later this week when we announce the right answer (and why the other ones are wrong).

SHOW MORE Show less

Yikes! Here's How To Handle A Hiring Manager Mocking A Candidate

If you saw our first video, you might have heard about the awkward situation one of our viewers, Cam submitted. He's been working at a job for awhile, but recently overheard a hiring manager making fun of a candidate with autism right after an interview-not only awkward, but VERY unprofessional!

SHOW MORE Show less

3 Reasons Why Companies Like Cisco Want Their Employees To Have A Life Outside Of Work

We work to live, not live to work, right? So, shouldn't that be something that is ingrained in the DNA at every company? People have lives outside of work, and it's important that companies recognize and value that.

SHOW MORE Show less

Hiring Manager Makes Fun Of A Candidate After A Job Interview

In this week's episode of "Well This Happened", we want to know what you would do if witnessed a hiring manager at your organization making fun of a candidate who they had just interviewed who had autism.

We want YOU to be the career coach and tell us which one is the RIGHT answer!

Think you know? Vote below, and stay tuned for later this week when we announce the right answer (and why the other ones are wrong).

SHOW MORE Show less