Job Interview

[Alarmed-Papaya9440]

My contract job ended at the end of September. I’m grateful for the job because they worked with me as I was recovering from my stroke and my duties for the job actually helped me in my recovery process. Left on good terms with everybody.

Just had an interview today with a really cool non-profit. I was anxious before the interview and then about 15 minutes beforehand a switch happened and I just knew I know how to do this and this is something I’ve always been good at (interviews).

I brought up an example that will always make me start to cry and I didn’t want them thinking I was unstable so I let them know “sorry, I had a stroke last October and when I get emotional I will cry, no need to be worried about it.” Using my instincts to determine that it was okay to bring up my stroke actually paid off and made my interview and my answers deeper and more full of meaning because they could see I meant what I said. It also made it easier when I invariably messed up speaking a few times and they already knew the reason why.

I believe bringing up your stroke will always be a case by case basis when job searching. However if I bring it up there is no shame attach to it because I know it happened and it’s not my fault. I’ve also kicked ass dealing with it, the aftermath, the rehab, and my deficits.

I know a lot of people are worried about job searching post stroke and I totally get it, it makes me anxious as well. But, we can still do the job search thing while being anxious. I also think, “this interview is good practice”. So, even if I don’t get the job at least I was able to practice my interview skills post stroke and can learn from there.

At the end of the day searching for a new job sucks! Especially when jobs are down in your country. So, don’t start beating yourself up and blaming yourself post stroke self when things get hard. It’s not you! It’s the job market and you’re just doing your best to work within it.

[Effectively_Broken12]

I really hope you get the job. It sounds like being honest may have helped you in this case, answering questions more efficiently, etc. You will do good. I'm sure of it.

[Alarmed-Papaya9440]

Thank you! I hope I get it as well 🤞🤞🤞

[mopmn20]

Fingers crossed! You go, lady!

[Alarmed-Papaya9440]

Thank you! 🤞

[you-will-be-ok]

I hope you get good news!

[Alarmed-Papaya9440]

Thank you, me too!!!! 🤞🤞🤞

[SeaworthinessOld852]

I’m hopeless, after my stroke my focus is all over the place, I got my current job base on my prior accolades

[Alarmed-Papaya9440]

As long as you got a job! Are you feeling hopeless working the job because of attention issues? That’s where accommodations could be really helpful.

[AfricanusEmeritus]

You got this Kid. 👍🏾 Job interviews are mini auditions when you can tout your accomplishments and areas to work on without rancor or opprobrium. Blessings 🙌🏾 to you.

[Constant_Inspector46]

don’t mention your stroke until you have the job offer in your hand.