alien
Member's posted somewhat
Posts: 76
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Post by alien on Jul 19, 2016 15:05:31 GMT
Hi everyone.
I've a job interview coming up next week. I've had quite a number since being made redundant last autumn and this is one for a charity. I know the drill with charity and public sector jobs by now. It's all point scoring and competencies. Not my natural forte, but on a good day I can kind of manage it without going too far off-track, only this one, as with a couple of previous ones I've had, requires a presentation.
Now I can do a decent presentation, and I can do an okay interview, but putting the two together seems to cause me some issues.
I'm determined not to mention ADHD (or being a parent carer, which is another thing I think is maybe going against me when I interview), but am contemplating asking if they'd mind allowing me a short break between presentation and the interview proper to gather my thoughts. I think I'd probably give a better interview in these circumstances, but wonder if the break would cause them to view me in a lesser light than other candidates. They have asked if I have any special requirements.
What do you think?
Any input gratefully received, or any experience of similar scenarios also welcomed.
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Post by shiningbright on Jul 19, 2016 15:38:07 GMT
It should be fine to ask for a small break between. you can always chalk it upto nerves or something if needs be, go powder your noise or seek a glass of water. No one will mind I'm sure.
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Endymion
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Post by Endymion on Jul 21, 2016 10:47:28 GMT
Depends on what the interview is really (what job etc) and scheduled for how long. I interview a fair number of people and my thoughts are:
If you were to ask me for a break BEFORE the interview then I would want to know why and I would expect a good answer. "Nerves" is not really a good answer as all candidates are nervous and that's already a mark against you (on the basis you haven't informed them you have a disability). "Gathering your thoughts" is another no-no. Employers usually make you do presentations and interviews to make you think on your feet, judge your capability in regards to decision making, speed of thought and adaptability to certain situations. Giving you time to compose yourself is really counter-productive to that.
You also have to remember that the employer's/interviewer's time is precious to them and they are on a tight schedule to not just see you, but all the other candidates. Elongating your time slot is therefore not going to go down well in all likelihood and you will have less time to put yourself forward (not always a bad thing though!).
Obviously if you have a health issue which would make you disabled under the Equalities Act this would alter the above as they would need to make reasonable adjustments to allow you to be on a level playing filed with the other candidates. Plus they would also have to consider any aspects of your performance that were poor as against whether this was caused by your disability and so unfair to judge you on that.
It's a hard choice. My employers don't know about my ADHD as I am aware of the lack of awareness and stigma still attached to it, despite all the advances.
If you really need a break I would just engineer one i.e. needing the toilet, feeling under the weather and need a minute etc.
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alien
Member's posted somewhat
Posts: 76
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Post by alien on Jul 21, 2016 18:41:44 GMT
Thanks. I'm going to keep quiet and do my best regardless. We'll see. I know I've come close on two other presentation plus interviews recently. Funnily enough I've interviewed quite a few people before too. I've never really taken that line though. I think some people can interview well and for others it puts them way out of their comfort zone and it seems unfair to think you'll see someone at their best. I think people often forget that they shouldn't be looking for the most polished interviewee but the best fit for the job. Hard to express that when you're the one hoping to land a job though.
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alien
Member's posted somewhat
Posts: 76
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Post by alien on Jul 26, 2016 13:30:33 GMT
I kept quiet. Presentation went well. The interview was okay. Structured but friendly. A good balance. Well I say it went well, until about three quarters through where I began to have problems with my vision. Typical timing for being visited by my first ever migraine.
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alien
Member's posted somewhat
Posts: 76
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Post by alien on Jul 28, 2016 6:31:37 GMT
What do you know, I got the job. That was a long time coming.
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Post by shiningbright on Jul 28, 2016 8:49:49 GMT
Super happy for you :-)
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alien
Member's posted somewhat
Posts: 76
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Post by alien on Jul 29, 2016 7:17:22 GMT
Thanks very much. Now just need to get the rest of life in order so the transition works.
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Post by contrarymary on Jul 31, 2016 13:45:34 GMT
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Endymion
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Post by Endymion on Aug 2, 2016 12:47:52 GMT
Brilliant news. Well done
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