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Old Jan 08, 2016, 04:47 PM
Hypopup Hypopup is offline
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Member Since: May 2015
Location: Frederick
Posts: 35
Quote:
Originally Posted by Onward View Post
Do NOT worry about whether or not you would be doing an employer a "disservice" if they hired you versus someone else . . . that is THEIR job to worry about that, NOT yours as a job candidate. Also, keep in mind that there is no such thing as a perfect employee. Even the good, passionate ones have their weaknesses. Generally, an employer needs all kinds.

Based on your description of yourself, maybe your aren't the best fit as Hooter's waitress or whatever . A more solitary type would be good for being part of a retail inventory or merchandising crew (just as an example.) So, where your style can be viewed as a weakness for many types of positions, a smart employer would see that as a strength for other types of positions. Are you an honest person? Hard working? Punctual? Organized and have attention to detail? Quick learner? Creative? If you are not a bubbly, talkative, social person, then one could infer that you may be focused and task-oriented, and will not waste time on the sales floor chatting with your coworkers while ignoring customers - and all the other real work that needs to get done. If so, play those up as your strengths and let the employer match you to the right job. Remember, it is just a job - you're not marrying it nor bound to it till-death-do-you-part . . . it's OK to have an intermediate mediocre position until you develop more skills and something better comes along. We've ALL had to do that. You don't have to have a *passion* for it, either (most of us don't), but just do your best, do it with integrity, diligence, and a sense of gratitude. Keep it in context.

Now, about whether to disclose your disability . . . I don't know. I suspect that the same answer would not be correct in all situations. My first thought is to hop online and do a google search for "finding a job+depression+disability" and see what kind of information comes up from the experts.

My second thought is get into an interview and when they say "Tell me about yourself and why you would want to work here" you might want to reply something like this:
"Well, first let me say that I really appreciate the opportunity for this job interview - I'm really glad to be here. (Then say something you know about the place - you've heard good things about the store, management has a good reputation, my mom always loved to shop here, something that is not a complete fabrication and you can say with some level of sincerity). I finished school in X, I have skills in Y, and I am just ready to get out there and be productive (I'm not saying that you are an unproductive person, but many managers appreciate a touch of humility along with eagerness.) My strongest traits, and what I can bring to the job, are (fill in the blanks those "non-bubbly" traits above as applicable)."
If they ask, "Tell me about some your weaknesses", then this would be a good time to introduce your depression IF you decide to go there:
"Now, to be honest, and I don't mean this in a negative way, but I have found life a bit challenging as I was diagnosed with depression when I was a young teen - teenage years are always so fun, aren't they? -and I've really had to work through things with a serious set of determination. While this has been personally quite challenging for me, in some ways it is also the very source for my strengths (reiterate those here.) And, I am continuing to grow." I would even suggest role playing this with your coach or T. I just don't know if officially claiming your depression as a disability is going to be helpful for you in the long run; that's why I recommend conducting some online research.

However, if you chose not to claim as a disability your depression, then your weakness response may be more general, such as "Well, I guess you could say that I'm not the most extroverted person and tend to be a bit solitary. But, I am (go right into re-emphasizing your strengths.)" And/or maybe, "I've never gotten into crafts personally, but I do have a creative side . . . I think it would be great to work with musicians and videography at some point. But, working here could give me exposure to some other creative outlets."

Also, do not forget that you have depression, but you are not depression. You are not your illness.

Peace and good luck!
I just worry about whether or not they would hire me when I didn't have passion but I guess I could try all the things you said. I know that honesty is a good quality and hard working which I do have but for some reason I always think about the competition. I feel like even though I am being honest about my traits they might be interpreted as kiss up answers because people say those things dishonestly in interviews. Could they tell that I am being honest? I don't know I know I shouldn't worry about the competition but I can't help it because I know they typically only have one position. As far as the creative side that would be a reasonable way to stand out but there might be something that another candidate has that stands out just as much.

I don't mean my depression is a disability (although it can be disabling). I mean I have a disability. I guess that's what I worry about most. I know I am like I say honest and feel best when working while most people would work just for the money itself but I also know I have a lot of baggage. I do not know for sure which employers will really judge me on it. I guess that's part of my disability. I'm not so good at making decisions.
I know I can discuss this with my coach but she really wasn't any help on whether to disclose it before the interview. She just said to ask someone who knew me better. You would think it would be good to disclose that I was diagnosed with a learning disability because it might cause a hiring preference esp if the company says that they are disability friendly but that doesn't mean it's true. The EEOC laws exist for a reason.
I guess I will have to discuss this with the therapist. I just always feel rushed for time..
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ShineYourLight