maduro25

I have to get a hair test either tomorrow or Friday. I've accepted a position with a famous company that shoots rockets into space. You might have heard of them, they start with an 'N'. I was in a job for 10+ years that never drug tested and was unexpectedly laid off.

Anyway, I expected to take a urine test but instead it's going to be hair.

Here's my situation. I'm 35, 5'9, 210. I smoked for the first time in my life in July on a camping trip. Smoked about 3 or 4 times that weekend. Smoked 4 more times over the next month. Last time was about 60 days ago. Nothing since. So I'd say in total I had 8 'sessions' and it was always from a bat.

I keep my hair very short. Probably 1/4 of an inch. I'm assuming they'll go for armpit hair. I just got back from Walgreens with a couple of different shampoos, (Aloe Rid and T-Sal). My buddy has some Zydol Ultra Clean that he said I could have to use.

I'm getting advice all over the map, some say don't worry about it, others say use the shampoos.

Help!

LadyJane

It's tough...I was in the same situation as you about a week ago. What I did is get a "practice" test from hairconfirm.com. I sent it in express and they got my results back to me the next day. It was negative. So was the real thing. I was about 60 days clean, but had smoked maybe 6 times right in a row prior to that. Up until a year ago, I was a heavy smoker.

So if you have time, I would recommend the practice test to see where you're at. I was also applying for a very high profile position with a large company. I'm happy to say that I got the position and I started on Monday!

ETA: I just saw that you have to take the test tomorrow or Friday. Is there any way for you to postpone it?

maduro25

I'm not sure, there's no appointment. They sent me the paperwork and gave me some locations to get it done. I don't want to appear as I'm dragging my feet, but I may be able to put it off until Monday.

racin36er

i'd be weary of this... if i was the one hiring you, I'd DEFINATLY be sketch about having a "late" hair sample...if you can come up with a good excuse, it may pass -- but i would be very weary about leaving it until monday, if your paperwork clearly says "Thursday, November 13th," or "Friday, November 14th."

from a business man's perspective, dealing with Human Resources related things on a regular basis, i'll leave you with this. if they were specific on the date, don't postpone it unless someone dies (so to speak). if they werent specific, and they are just options, give it a shot, i suppose. I still wouldn't recommend that though.

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maduro25

No date on the paperwork. Up to me to get it done.

My question is if you guys think I can pass as is...

LadyJane

I would say you're really on the cut-off. As far as it looking "sketchy" I don't think so. I put in my two-week notice, then scheduled the test for the Thursday before my start date of Monday. I think there's a big misconception out there that employers assume everyone is high. They don't.

Anyways that's why I say try the hairconfirm first. I have a feeling you would pass, if the smoking history is correct, but everyone is different. Order the hairconfirm express, have it overnighted, and schedule your test a week or so out.