Job interviews?

Question

I have been on the sick for 6 months due to depression caused by the situation in my workplace. Although I don't have any problem getting interviews within my organisation, I do have problems when asked about my sickness record because when I reveal what has happened and how it was the fault of my employer and not myself, well, you can see my chances fly straight out the window. I work for one of the largest organisations in the UK and I think my career has died, whilst I watch lesser qualified staff climb the career ladder. Do I lie, massage the truth (which really galls me) or what. The truth has got me nowwhere

Answer 1

The first thing I would do is talk to my manager. The important question is: do they know the reason for your absence of have you told them something else?
The reason why this is important is because depression should be ringing alarm bells in the HR Managers head as they should know full well that should this continue, you could be covered by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA). Now dont be alarmed by the title, its the definition that is important here. The definition of disabled is someone who has a long term physical or mental impairement which affects their day to day activities.

Breaking that down futher.....long term = 12 months ish or more....have you had depression for 12 months, or is this very likely to continue for a further 12 months?

mental impairment = depression

Day to day activities = the normal things that people do when they are not taking medication.

In the past, there have been cases of depression that is covered by the DDA and this sets the precedent.

If you feel that the DDA does apply, this means that your employer has to make reasonable adjustments at work and cannot discriminate against you for your absence.

On the other hand, if you wanted to leave, other employers are obliged to do the same.

It would be good for you to consider the reasons for your depression. Go and speak to your manager asking them what reasonable adjustments they could make for you (providing that you fall within the boundaries of the legislation).

Hope it gets better.

Answer 2

I was signed off work with depression about a year ago - but only for 1 month. Much of it had to do with my work environment too. I found that being open and honest about it was a good thing and it was strange how many people had suffered the same things also at one time or another. I took steps to deal with it - medication and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I also started looking for another job. I think employers respect those people who have had a problem/illness, taken steps to deal with it and come out on the other side. If you are depressed you should try and get treatment straight away or see a CBT - it'll be the best thing you do. Work and colleagues should not make you depressed and if so, you probably have grounds for a complaint/tribunal etc... If there really is no hope at this organisation, you need to go somewhere with a clean slate where depression isn't seen as a stain on your character....

Answer 3

The problem is not about telling the truth. the problem here is about responsibilty and wording. You can tell your prospective employers about the six months sick leave, without stressing that it was your employers fault. All they want to know is, whether, you are well enough for another job. How you word the truth about who was responsible for your breakdown can make or break your chances.

the important aspects you need to stress is that you are well. you know who was at fault, you dont need to say it over and over again to believe it.

It seems to be that you are still bitter about your previous experience. You need to be mature about it and learn from it. The goal should be getting another job and ensuring that you do not let your employers push you to those limits again.

With interviews, its not about how much experience, qualification you have, its the way you present yourself, and how you will fit in with the new company. (trust me I know this from experience).

Answer 4

Yes, lie! If you are interviewing with other departments in the same company, most likely management communicates and most likely are friendly. If you choose to stay there tell them you have had some health problems, but they are taken care of and should no longer be a problem. Do NOT tell them of your problems with your department or boss. They will not accept that.

I hope you are seeing a doctor and recommend you leave a company that brings out your depression.

Answer 5

Tell the truth, but don't make it sound like it was your employer's fault. That will scare any prospective employer off. Find another way to word it. Also, I'd not comment on the depression aspect, either. Just say you had an extended illness, you have been treated and you're in better shape than ever.

Answer 6

I was on the sick for 2 months with depression and have now decided to leave my job and start out on a totally different career working for myself!

Lying gets you nowhere as you will always get found out in the end, people will respect that you told the truth more than if you lie and eventually get found out.

Answer 7

In the movie, the Bonfire of the Vanities, Tom Hank's dad is this straight playing man of high integrity, who would never, ever, think of telling a lie. His son, Tom Hanks, is on trial for a murder which he didn't commit, but no one believes the truth. His dad advices, "Son, when the truth doesn't work, there's really only one thing you can do. Lie." (paraphrase.)

Sometimes people really don't want the truth. Tell them what they want / need to hear for you to be able to do your job and to do it well.

Good luck

Answer 8

I hate the stupid questions that organizations ask!!! Be ordinary. i replaced into asked at a job interview: What do you experience this interest can furnish you? I stated a pay verify I have been given the interest, i think of for being ordinary.

Answer 9

I would just tell that the reason I was off for 6 months due to depression was due to the place I worked for. But then again they might not even ask you about it.

Answer 10

i am at the same stage as you are i my career, god only knows what will happen to me when i decide to return to work. all employer are institutional racist and you should seek advice from a Solicitor/Union.

If you believe you are being DENIED OPPORTUNITY, ask the CRE to interven. There is a Code of Practice in place by CRE and that is worth trying.