Education job interview and past DUI....?

Question

I am inteviewing for teaching positions in big cities in the east and south. Disclosed my DUI as past arrests require an answer. DUI was 17 years ago, Im 4 years sober in aa/na for 8 years. I have some employment gaps due to struggles with substances, but have a 3.5 *** average, so I have passed the resume/ed phase. How do I deal with these topics on an interview if they come up....how much should I disclose...or is my basic story of becoming sober a plus forr me(overcoming lifes challenges a plus). I am also adopted and come from 2 diverse families now....are any of these a plus to disclose...the ED systems seek people with diverse backgrounds....any help would be appreciated...thanks

Answer 1

I think my answer is goint to be a bit different than those above. You might want to check with a professional hiring agency, but I think in positions where you deal directly with children (teaching, bus driving, daycare, etc.) your application will ask about any sort of arrest based on finding you of the proper charachter and fitness to work with minors.

As such, I think disclosing the DUI, along with the fact that it was so long ago, is the correct thing to do. I wouldn't talk about being four years sober unless they ask (which they will) and then I would announce it like a badge of honor. Also, keep in mind that current statistics show that nearly 1 in 3 people have been arrested for DUI or the like, so it isn't like you have the scarlet letter attached to you.

As for the employment gaps, I wouldn't bring them up unless asked, and then I would try and not use the base reason for having them (substance abuse) but maybe the causes...I wasn't in a place where I wanted to work, I was working on getting the skills in place to get a job, etc.

I don't know what being adopted and coming from two diverse families means, but if you can somehow make it an added benefit to the position you want (I'd be good at working with kids from XXX families because I am from that type of family situation) then I would use it for sure.

Remember not to sell yourself short in these things...everyone has skills and abilities unique to them, and by tapping into them you will be able to get the job you deserve.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

on most applications/interviews, you are asked about felonies,,,, if your DUI wasnt that (and most are not),,,, then i would only answer or mention it if directly asked about any arrest,,,,,, the fact that it was 17 years ago, would be a plus,,,,, so would the fact that you are sober now and in an organized program,,, your adoption would indicate your struggles in the past, and how that has been resolved for you,,, but there again,,,,, if asked i would mention it,,,,,,, basically you want to emphasis your love of teaching,,, the unique perspective you can bring to the workplace,,,,,, your views and understanding of the age group that you will be dealing with,,, and their diversity,,,,,,, honestly, just because you came from hard times and a diverse situation, does not mean you have understanding of the population you will teach,,,,, though you very well may,,,, you want to get across that you can relate to all types,,, that is what true diversity means,,,,
as in, can you relate to and encourage the child from a wealthy two parent home as much as you can a homeless child,,,, etc

Answer 3

Unless they ask you, I wouldn't say anything. However, if the topic does come up make sure you let them know that it had happened many years ago and you struggled with your drinking problem for a while but have been clean 4 years and are regularly attending AA/NA. Also include that you have brought yourself to the point in your life where you are now.... working hard to get good grades and keeping clean. I would not mention about your family life due to the fact that they may see that as you placing the blame on your family for your substance abuse. Good Luck!

Answer 4

You have almost ruined your life and now you are paying the consequences. I said almost. You need to start your life over. Find some job, anything, and start rebuilding your resume'. It is going to take you 5 or more years. Like already advised, find work that does drug testing. Be the perfect employee at the job(s) you find. Truth is not all what it is cracked up to be. There are some things an employer cannot ask. Know your rights, but you have no one to blame but yourself for your situation. You can do it, but it is going to take hard work and one day at a time. Good luck.

Answer 5

Yeah, don't bring t up. Let them do that. As far as the diversity thing, I,d tout that because it's all the rage in the field's administrative circles right now. Kinda like the whole iso 9000 thing was and the Dale Charnegie thing before that. It seems shallow and opprotunistic but the idea is to get your foot in the door and get a contract, right?

Answer 6

Don't talk much about the fact or the situation unless they ask.
But let them know that has not been apart of your life for sometime, you are recovered and you have had great support and now ready to show the world what you went through to build yourself to be a better person.
Take Care.

Answer 7

One of the Foundation Steps is Honesty, to yourself and to others. If you omit that from your life, then all is for nothing.
Substance abuse is like a don't ask,don't tell thing. If they ask, tell them honestly what your status this day in life is, if they ask for an opinion, you are not obligated to reply.