Submitted by ProcReg on
in
Forums
I don't agree with the blanket statement of "If you're not getting offers, you're bad at interviewing". I understand it's circumstantial, and in most cases, this is probably true.
I have a movement disorder that is way worse in interview type settings (nervousness increases the tics). How does one overcome not getting offers based on a legitimate disability? Also, it has been part of the discussion in the perception of my performance in past jobs, which has nothing to do with actual merit. The MBA did not help with insecure managers in interviews. I watched Maury Povich to remind myself of all my good choices; I had a rough time.
I've been with a new company for over a year now! I addressed it with them in the interview, and they said, "Just get your work done", and it's been a breath of fresh air working here. Maybe if I had addressed it sooner, it wouldn't have been such a problem, I don't know.
I'm more looking for guidance on this issue than a confrontation. :)
This has been an exception, and ignorance has caused a lot of employers to miss out on a great employee.
If it's weighing on your mind then you should explain it as earl
If it's weighing on your mind then you should explain your disorder as early as is practical. Perhaps even in the phone screen. Interviews already have enough pressure by their nature without having to wonder how the interviewer is interpreting it.
If you explained the movement disorder to me up front it would be off the table immediately. The person I want for my team is the best person for the job. A disability would be irrelevant so long as it did not interfere with their duties.
If you explained it to a manager and it still affected their opinion of you then you don't want to work for that person anyway (and neither do I).
Good luck out their my friend. I admire anyone who can keep punching while having to carry extra weight.