Hi, I used to be schizophrenic and left several jobs without giving two weeks notice. Now that I have medication and I don't believe in a lot of crazy conspiracy theories anymore I would be much more reliable on a job... How do I get a job with all this bad work history? Thanks for your time! -Diode-Man
depends where you live, i would see if your doctor or psychologist could help or if there are government services to help
If you're young, and I think you are, you can blame it on youthful stupidity/immaturity. Now that you've matured/grown up overnight, you realize your immature mistakes and won't repeat them again. Seriously, you can use it to your advantage like this. It's probably as close to the truth as you want to get, and it's really not far from it. But how to mention it on you résumé in order to get an interview? You need to mention something before the reader gets to your work history. In your Objective or Summary, as the last sentence or bullet, mention that you've recently matured (or become enlightened) after leaving your last few jobs. Don't mention anything seriously negative such as the paranoia, the failing to give notice, the psych meds, etc. And how do you answer questions on this during interviews? Again, don't mention anything seriously negative. Find some spark of truth in each instance, and expand on it. Each situation doesn't need to have a unique problem. Maybe in two situations you thought it was unfair that they wanted you to worked unusual hours or unpaid overtime, and in another situation, you felt passed over for promotion. After all, you're dedicated, hard-working and "upwardly mobile", and you felt you deserved some sort of reciprocity or reward ... you were just being youthfully immature/stupid about it. You know better now. A hard lesson learned. It's okay to say you were stupid back then, and to feel ashamed of it. The interviewer will probably want to see repentance, regret, remorse, etc. And you'll also want to show them assurance that you learned your lesson (the hard way, unfortunately). And congratulations on recognizing/owning your condition and on your willingness to take your meds. Follow your doctor's orders, and don't substitute street drugs for them (this is a common (and big) mistake). If you need to take meds at work or to carry them with you "just in case", you may want to keep them out-of-sight and to take them privately (in a bathroom stall?) or alone at the water fountain in the hallway. (But don't get paranoid about it.) Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
why not just say "left previous job due to medical condition" and leave it at that? the truth, why should you have to apologise for suffering an illness
Because he'd have to say it several times, and that would make the résumé reader or the interviewer rather suspicious. Plus, having raised the issue himself, I believe it allows a prospective employer to ask about the medical condition so the employer can assess whether the person's medical condition can be "reasonably accommodated" in accordance with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). It's not apologizing. I suggested offering an alternative explanation that fits three important criteria: #1 - simple, #2 - easy to understand, and #3 - readily acceptable. An alternative explanation because of the daily breaking news bulletins of employees going on rampages, shooting up places of employment, murdering people, etc. It has a serious dampening effect on the employment application process. Diode-man is talking about significant paranoia toward his employer and/or co-workers, perhaps fear and anger, but definitely abrupt/unwarranted/illogical thoughts, decisions and actions, etc. These are concerns for employers regarding what is nowadays so commonly called "violence in the workplace". Assessment of potential violence in the paranoid worker. Fear and anger in delusional (paranoid) disorder: the association with violence.
Your suggestion is reasonable, in my experience. While some employers may be as concerned about a medical condition as previous job history, it really depends on one's skill set. If one has good to excellent skills, that is often the most deciding factor. I have a brother who is a chronic job changer yet he can always find work, even with employers that he has left previously, because he is a journeyman mechanic and very good at what he does. He may leave on short notice, but while he is there, he makes money for the employer. It's the bottom line that matters to employers. Cifo raises a good point about the attitude and concern relating to some medical conditions over others where the workplace is concerned. It really depends on the type of job and the interactions required, IMO.
True, but it is hard to prove it in hiring policies. They can always say the other candidates were better...
I think you start by proving yourself to be reliable. You should consider working for a charity with out pay. Volunteer, it will give you an opportunity to demonstrate your dependability. And it will given you contacts and references which will be important in obtaining future jobs.
We have private insurance...if you have ANY medical condition you're less hireable. It's next to impossible to prove hiring discrimination, and if you're sick, you could drive up the cost of insuring the whole business. Act like you're healthy as a horse, will work for peanuts and kiss the boss's ass on the hour.
true but if it is illegal to discriminate on that basis then its ok to lie about it because if they find you were lying they cant fire you because your protected and that would be unfair dismissal
does anyone else find it sad that the attitudes to employers in this thread are aproxmatly the same as people used to hold to God? "Be penitent" "Be humble" "Apologise for past "mistakes"" How sad we get rid of one god only to promote those with money to the rank of gods As for the comment about health care, well my feelings towards a society which doesn't see it as its basic function to ensure the health and welfare of its citizens is well known
The volunteer recommendation was good advice. Time passes and experience on a subject increases. The subject that you like is the key. When you love what you are doing, it shows in your eyes in a future interview. This is the preparation of the employee to the specific job. Like Rocky training for a fight. Make a list and include: --everything you've ever done that you thought you were good at. --everything you've ever done that you are proud of. --everything you've ever done that others voiced their approval and awe. --everything you've ever done that made you happy regardless of the reward level. When you are finished, you can toss the list or store it for future perusal. The purpose of the list is complete after your subconscious has seen it, as the list was for your eyes only, and you're done here. Next, Search: college board career test and/or career test(they are online and free) as these tests will really aide you in pinning things precisely down, and are not necessarily for any further training or schooling purposes , but to fine tune your job-hunting strategy with what you have on you right now. Clean up your resume to get rid of the most shortest and troublesome job experiences. They will be checking out your arrest record more than calling your past employers. Have the info of your best employers available. Those conversations between interviewers and past employers are always brief and there is much they cannot divulge about negative incidences anyway. The interview is the easy part, when you're happy to be there: --Dress comfortable in office clothes and nice shoes. --Important, piece of paper or fancy binder (who cares) and pen/pencil for note taking. Take notes, even if the notes are later found of little import. It's very impressive to have somebody in the room taking notes--guaranteed. Do this regiment and you will always get hired. I have been hired before off a phone call, sight unseen, just from the sound of preparedness in my voice.
There should be organizations in your area that work with the mentally ill. Many will assist you in finding a job. My wife works as a case manager and helps people find employment. If you are young and don't have a criminal background, there is a good chance of finding employment.
Yes, a most excellent point, joe. Most charities and non-profits are more than happy to sing praises about their volunteers (just find out beforehand). Try to find a non-profit that's related to your current career path, and keep track of the dates and hours you volunteer. It'll help keep you on the "leave the house and go to work" mentality. Arrange a volunteer schedule for yourself. Diode-man, the ultimate point being, if you want to work, you will find work —it will happen. Earl Nightingale was an early motivational speaker and self-help guru. What he described as the strangest secret in the world is: William James, called the father of American psychology, described it as one of the most important discoveries of the century.
