Would you reveal your past?

Question

My sister has a job interview today at a Homeless Shelter as an assistant to the Volunteer Coordinator. She is also someone who 5 years ago was near homeless herself and struggling with an addicition to alcohol.....she has been sober 5 years and her life has completely changed around. She is not the same person she was. She is in a social work program at the local college and wants to devote her life to social service. Should she reveal her past during the job interview?

Answer 1

Not unless she is directly asked about it or it is very appropriate in the discussion (for example, if she is asked how she would be able to empathize with the problems that the homeless face.)

However wonderful it is that she has turned her life around (and it truly is a huge obstacle that she has overcome), it is a similar situation to someone who got their life together after a nasty divorce, or an early career as a porn star, or any number of other personal struggles. The interviewer wants to know what THIS person will be able to do in THIS job to improve THIS company. Personal experience can be an asset, but it can also be distracting (i.e., the interviewer might think, "I wonder if she is at risk of starting to drink again if the pressure gets too intense?")

Keeping the focus on her capabilities and knowledge is the best way to go...and of course, telling the truth in response to a direct question.

Please wish her the very best of luck from me.

Answer 2

That is tricky, but I would be inclined to say no. If she were applying for a position in alcohol/drug rehab and had been in the program and clean for 5 years, I think it would be important to disclose it. For this position, unless she had actually been homeless, lived in a shelter and turned her life around, she probably should keep quiet about it. However, there are a lot of addiction issues that come into play in this environment and if she is asked if she has experience in relation to addiction, she may want to disclose her experience with addiction, state how she has gotten through it and how she is dealing with it now. I think it depends on how comfortable she is with the interviewer and how perceptive they would be to it. If she does mention it, she needs to be factual and not real lengthy about the whole thing.

Answer 3

No. It shouldn't matter either way but there is no call to reveal this much personal information, regardless of what that information is.

Once she is hired, she can reveal this as it comes up in her job (it seems like she probably has some really interesting insights/experiences).

Hope it goes well for her-

Answer 4

I think it's ok if she does. It might actually boost her chances of getting the job. Because of her past experience she can be quite helpful to those in need as she knows how they feel. it would be an advantage to the shelter if they want to help as many people as possible.

Answer 5

i've got no longer heard of an internet site that's able to track in on someone. think of approximately it, your laptop can not connect with or impression your soul in any way, as they exist on diverse planes. in case you have an pastime in learning previous lives, you are able to seem up Akashik readings/The e book of existence. There are likely human beings on your are who can help you come across out extra. the many times commonplace fee is usually comparable to seeing a Therapist.

Answer 6

I would put a better face on it, like say her life was in transition.

Answer 7

Why should she? If it doesn't impact the job, it's her business.

Answer 8

Yes ,its obvious she's change they will apprecaite her honesty.