Job Hunt Info

As a person with bipolar it is challenging to be out of work. The emotions of not feeling successful by being unemployed has been a challenge. On top of that there is the challenge of having too much time on one's hands. I know that I start to let negative thoughts in more often when I am having time to think all about it. When I am involved in constant activities there just isn't the time to let my emotions overcome me.

However, on the other hand there is the challenge of not taking a job that is either not mentally challenging enough or on the opposite end is too anxiety inducing. To add onto this problem is the fact that this is the worst job market in around 30 years.

The following comes from bipolarworld.net


Job Search/Interview Hints
These are hints from the "interviewer's" side of the table...hope they help you a bit...

NEVER disclose anything about your past that you do not have to...but be upfront with direct questions...If personal questions are asked by the interviewer, keep your answers professional and focused on the job you are interviewing for
NEVER disclose anything about your medical history unless you feel that there are changes in accommodations that need to be made...with BP this is totally unnecessary
NEVER discuss family, children etc... if you bring it up they can ask questions...they are not allowed to ask about your personal information such as marriage and children first though...if they do say something first say..."Oh, I didn't think you could ask me those questions"...
NEVER, EVER, EVER bring children with you to a job interview...EVER
NEVER "badmouth" your former employer, boss or supervisor...if you want to be immediately excluded from a job, "badmouthing" and telling an interviewer how the boss made you angry, so you just walked off the job is the way to go...otherwise, try to focus on the positives of your previous employer
NEVER discuss law suits etc. brought against former employers....this could label you as a trouble maker
ALWAYS reveal any criminal background you may have even a DUI/DWI...or spitting on the side walk...too many people do not realize that when a criminal background check is done...even magistrate court counts and paying a speeding ticket is an admission of guilt
ALWAYS list previous employers, but not necessarily your supervisor...a close co-worker is acceptable as a reference, but put the co-worker's title, however, be prepared to answer questions about your working relationship with your supervisor...try to answer these questions in the most positive way possible...never criticize your former supervisor, especially by "name calling"
ALWAYS contact those who you intend to use as references...ask them ... if they prefer not to be used as a reference you will not question and will understand...sometimes people's personal references can be very damaging...be prepared with names, complete addresses and phone numbers when you apply
ALWAYS have a CURRENT typed resume...this makes a BIG impression...but don't make corrections in pen etc. I keep mine on computer so I can easily make any changes
ALWAYS "over-dress" for the interview...but don't go overboard. It is almost never appropriate to wear jeans and a t-shirt to an office type job interview...then again...you don't want to wear a suit and tie to an interview for a casual position, that's for business...but even here make sure your clothing is clean, pressed and in good repair...jeans and a button down shirt are great...also make sure you are clean and well groomed no matter what position
IF you have previous positive reviews or evaluations from your employer, bring copies for your application...be careful if everything is marked "EXCELLENT" ...that makes me a bit wary...we all have things we need to work on...and although these are good and show your past history...they don't count with me as much as a job reference does...
Make Sure you have a firm hand shake...nothing turns me off faster than a "cold fish" hand shake from someone...but don't over power the interviewer...if they are on their knees before you...then you went too far...lol
Maintain good eye contact during the interview...but DO NOT "stare down" the interviewer...lol
Try to be as relaxed as possible, don't be afraid to tell the interviewer if you are a "bit nervous"...but try not to break out into a cold sweat...
Be pleasant and smile when appropriate. A smile really does brighten your face and make you look more positive
PREPARE yourself for the following questions:
Why did you leave your last place of employment?DO NOT PLACE BLAME HERE. A good answer is something like, "I feel that I wanted to expand my responsibilities more and I had reached my potential in my position." or "No room for advancement"
What are your best qualities?What are the areas that you feel you need to work on? (DO NOT ANSWER "I don't know" to either of the two above) (Do not answer ANGER MANAGEMENT to the second question...lol)
How do you handle conflict with a co-worker? with a supervisor? (don't get silly...know what I'm thinking right now...lol)
How will hiring you benefit XXXXXXX Company?
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years, 10 years (etc)?
Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration at the end of the interview. Ask when you can be hearing from them. Wish them a good day.
You may have more suggestions...we would love to add them here...please contact bipolarworld@yahoo.com !
Published 10/2003
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Job Search hints from http://bipolarworld.net/job_school/job_search.htm