Yes, worn carefully. Oud itself is not inappropriate for a professional setting, but a small interview room is exactly the environment where you want restraint, so choose a lighter oud blend and apply less than you might for an evening out.

How to Get the Balance Right

A single dot of oud oil, or a light spray of an eau de parfum where oud plays a supporting rather than dominant role, is far safer than a pure, intense oud oil applied generously. Interviewers remember confidence and competence, not how strongly your fragrance filled the waiting room, so subtlety works in your favour here.

A Sensible Rule of Thumb

If someone would only notice your fragrance from a handshake distance rather than across the room, you have judged it about right. It is also worth thinking about the room itself, a small meeting room with poor airflow calls for far more restraint than a spacious, well-ventilated office reception. Our complete guide to oud and guide to applying and wearing perfume both cover getting quantity right for professional settings, alongside our complete guide to perfume.