JOB INTERVIEW

[JungleJulia 235]

Oh myyyy! I just got a phone call and have a job interview for tomorrow. I haven't worked for a year and a half! I need money and some sort of normality so I have been applying for part-time jobs hoping that i'd be ok. I am not sure if I can do it or not but ill go for the interview tomorrow and see. Is it better to be honest and tell them about my anxiety disorder and risk not getting hired? Or should I hide it and just do my best and see what happens? How do people manage work??

[Gilly 1086]

Hey JJ that's awesome!! I don't know if you want to tell them about your anxiety but when I've been for job interviews (obv a long time ago lol) I've always told them about my crohns, I just think honesty is the best option. If they don't understand they aren't worth it. But like you said might that affect your chances? Possibly so. I just wanted to say well done, even just applying and getting an interview is a great step, proud of you! xx

[char2011 1]

I think you should tell them its better you tell them in advance than them finding out later. I think that this will be the best thing as you dont want to get a job based on a lie.

[shaun 6]

This is a tricky one. The cynic in me says they will not give you the job if you tell them you haven't been working due to an anxiety disorder. The best way to approach the job market is through an agency which specialises in this type of thing, then there is an understanding with the employer before the interview has started.

Good luck with the interview, just be yourself.

[Twinks* 16]

JJ....I would not tell them just be yourself dont over think!!! You are so fun and caring and wonderful on AC let it show during your interview!!!!! YOU CAN DO IT LOVE . So proud of you I will have my fingers crossed!!!

[Ninja Kitty 15]

Good Luck JJ you got all the support in the world here and I know you can do it xxx

[mrsalphabet 4]

Yay!!! good luck to you! I hope it you get it.

Try to relax, and not worry about it. Be yourself and be confident. I personally wouldn't tell them about the anxiety, just a I wouldn't tell them I had hemorrhoids

[SEA81 2]

Good luck! I know exactly how you feel. I haven't worked outside of my home in three years, and I'm so afraid that I wouldn't be able to handle it.

The good thing is that no matter how bad it gets, you can always quit, but chances are it won't get that bad! Once you've had the experience of being out and around people again, you'll get used to it. I know that's what happens for me.

[dynasty 14]

Be honest on every question you answer but I would tell them about your anxiety unless they ask.

[sphinx 0]

The best of luck with it. I always recommend being honest then the company has no comeback later.

[kinser 3]

I don't think you should bring your anxiety disorder up unless you are specfically asked (usually they will ask if there is anything preventing you from performing the job you are applying for; if you think not, then you are not obligated to disclose anything). Just go and do your best! Good luck.

[JungleJulia 235]

Thanks everyone! The interview is this afternoon so im already nervous (haha ). When the guy called me up he asked why I was only looking for part-time hours and he said that I was very overqualified for the job. So I guess he thought I was hiding something. I bluffed my way through that bit but I just wondered if I should explain myself. I guess i'll just play it by ear and decide based on the questions he asks. I won't bring it up unnecessarily. I woke up super early today thinking about how nervous I am just getting INTO the city.. damn anxiety! I'll let u all know later how I go! Thanks for all your comments xoxo

[JungleJulia 235]

It was an absolute and epic disaster :hide: will fill u guys in on chat tomorrow

[Gilly 1086]

Oh no JJ :/ chalk it up to experience and learn from it?

[sphinx 0]

Sorry to hear that Julia.

Maybe after a couple of days reflection you will be able to take something from it.

[kingusama92 0]

Sorry to hear that it was a disaster.

Just keep your chin up and nail the next one. These are all experiences that you can learn from, don't just push this aside.

[4leafclover 1]

Hi! I just read about this. I am sorry to hear that it didn't turn out to be favorable on your part. But life goes on! You didn't land the job because there is something else for you. Just don't stop and next time I guess its better if you don't tell it to the interviewer. During job interviews, you should reflect on the things that you can do for them, not on what you can't and not on the things that would be a hindrance for you to perform your job. Speak of positive things. Those are the things I always look forward to any applicants I interview for work.

[alphaomega 0]

I Hope you didnt tell them JJ unless you think it is going to affect your performance.

[JungleJulia 235]

Haha no I didn't tell them. I think 4leaf is probably right that its better to focus on what I can do rather than what I can't. I'm still applying for jobs so i will keep soldiering on

[SarahLizzie 2]

Getting an interview is a great step in the right direction! If you actually want to be considered for the position, I would recommend not telling them about your anxiety. When you are speaking to a potential employer you should not offer any further than personal information than already requested. By disclosing information about your anxiety in the interview process, it may be a red flag to the employer and prevent you from securing the position.

You want the interviewer to focus on your skills and assets you can offer the company. Always keep the interviewer focused on your strengths, avoid offering information about weaknesses.

[shaun 6]

Thanks everyone! The interview is this afternoon so im already nervous (haha ). When the guy called me up he asked why I was only looking for part-time hours and he said that I was very overqualified for the job. So I guess he thought I was hiding something. I bluffed my way through that bit but I just wondered if I should explain myself. I guess i'll just play it by ear and decide based on the questions he asks. I won't bring it up unnecessarily. I woke up super early today thinking about how nervous I am just getting INTO the city.. damn anxiety! I'll let u all know later how I go! Thanks for all your comments xoxo

This would have been a perfect opportunity to explain your situation to the employer. Some employers will be understanding and willing to offer a new start to someone in your situation. If this happens again, use it as an opportunity to explain your situation.

[farrah 2]

I think it was a great practice interview. If you haven't had one in awhile, it is normal to be out of practice. I am sure you wil get back in the swing of things. My mom always said everything happens for a reason. When one door opens another will open. Usually a better one. Its just not where you are supposed to be. I bet something even better is right around the corner for you.

[sphinx 0]

You have to be careful not to mislead though - I mean there is the thing that if you do not tell a prospective employer about something that may impact your performance you can be fired simply for failing to tell them even if your performance has not been impacted. I mean obviously the place to do this is in the application itself rather than at interview but if you are asked about health or reasons for a long break from work you have to honest.

[JungleJulia 235]

Wow this has turned into almost a debate. It seems pretty much an even split on people saying its better to be honest or its better to just leave the anxiety out of it. I can see both points! Its such a hard call..

[dynasty 14]

You should not tell them cause you should never reveal your weakness to anyone espically in a competitive atmospere cause a smart opponent will take advantage of it.The work place is a competitive atmospere cause your competing with others for job openings and climbing up the corporate ladder.