need advice

[calla]

Hi everyone Calla here, in the new year im going to start job hunting ive had a couple of mock interviews with my job couch what do you say for weaknesses? a big part of my dyspraxia is timing issues do i just not say anything? or should i even say about my dyspraxia? im quite an honest person but i feel once an employer hears you have a disability (most) its a no no especially in today's economic climate there are some who r quite positive. but it seems over here it who you know im not a negitive person im trying to keep positive but i have to be realistic basically my job couch is saying play it down im 2.5 years out of work ? looking foreward to your replies !

[Osymandus]

You only mention it if you feel it would impact on the job , however interviwers can't discriminate and if you think they have you could report them . There are places that if you look for a double tick sign means you are guaranteed an interview if you have a disability (i know technically declaring it but ).

The think you have to decide is if you want to mention it .

[agsiul]

I wouldn't mention it.I'm in Ireland too and the only way I would mention it is if your job coach could practice that question ....what are your weaknesses? and that you are able to turn your weakness into a strength by showing that you are tenatious, etc. You've been out of work for 2 1/2 years so I wouldn't focus on anything else that might make it hard to get the job. Whenever I put myself down at an interview it was a disaster. You need to be very careful at an interview that you don't sound like you can't do the job. I've done loads of interviews. I'm not good at them because if I get a question that I wasn't expecting it really throws me. I was watching the programme on city and they gave a lot of pointers so I'm going to cut and paste them into this message so that you can use them to get ready for the questions that you are likely to get. I hope it helps:

Tell me about yourself:
Looking for your strengths and weaknesses.

They are looking for 3 things.
1.Someone who has the job skill set
2.Someone who can commuinicate with ease
3.Someone who can fit in with their team

You have to say what it would be like to work with you
Sell your skill set
Persoanlity traits
You have to tell him all the reasons

4 parts in answer
Personal
start by saying who you are:
say where you live
who you live with
Sell the best bits about yourself: you are a positive person there's a great sense of commuinty, you sound reliable,

Employment history
I've worked in this type of job for the last number of years
top 3 positions you held – that fit in with what the employer was looking for
Your favourtie job

Hobbies
List the hobbies but match the skill set to the employers needs
jewelry – attention to detail

Asspirations
If they give you the job are you going to stay
If they spend money on you would you stay

I would like to think that it in 5 years time I'd still be working with you

1.the ability to do the job
2.communicates with ease
3.going to be a good fit for their organisation

Preperation:
Research: the job description, profile the company – get inside: ethos, brand, what they do,

Reviewing Yourself:
Go back to CV that you sent in, what were you selling them, what unique skill set are you going to give them, Google yourself, facebook put it to maximum – don't give them an opportunity to delete you,

Behavioural

What are you strengths: skills set, transfereable skills, fit for company?
Weaknesses: weekness that can be job specific: need a diploma in that, reading, learning on the job, turn it to a strength, you've just solved that problem
That's a weakness that I used to have but now this is what I did to solve it.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time/
If your job is your dream job: To be honest i really hope I'll still be here because I've always wanted to do his job
Short term and long term goals: this is where I'm headed and this is what I want to get to becuase I'm on this road
Why do you want to work here? I really like what you do, aims, i THINKI'm a good fit for you and that I like the type of organisation you are
If I could talk to someone you worked with in the past: my boss thought I was great, you get a third party referal say the 3 best thing , the things that would be most adventat

www.bluemoon.ie

[DyspraxicButProud]

I wouldn't really make a big deal about it. Unless it's going to directly effect the way that you do your job, then I wouldn't worry about it. Of course, if you happen to think that your disability WILL effect your job and you can't do anything to stop it, perhaps you should move on to a different option. Of course, I don't recommend throwing in the towel just yet. DO keep going to your mock interviews and keep trying to figure out ways to combat such symptoms. The goal of having dyspraxia is become "normal" or somewhat normal. You can do it! I have faith you will!

[Osymandus]

Normal ? No , its about becoming you , a Norm dosnt exisit . Social integration be damned . Be trailblazer . Or just yourself

[carolinebythesea]

Hi personally i would disclose the dyspraxia. I have had jobs where i haven't an got into such trouble when my paperwork is'nt done properly or late, or i forgot meetings. I have recently disclosed by saying that although i do have dyspraxia i have found it a benefit as i am more understaning and empathetic and able to put in coping mechanisms.
The jobs where i haven't disclosed i have been horribly bullied as they have seen me as "a little odd" but because of disclosure i have found that does not happen.
However saying that after working since the age of 16 (i'm now 42 ) i have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and the two conditions are so difficult to cope with, i am now working for myself. Good luck, Caroline