? regarding Depression & Job Seeking?

Question

Basically I've been treated for depression for a little over a year. Before that I had been depressed for 10 yrs. I graduated H.S. Salutatorian and had top grades. I went to college where the depression really hit. I left college hoping to "fix" my problem and return. The depression got worse and I ended up shutting myself off from life for 4 years. I was terrified of working, thinking I couldn't do anything right (no confidence/self esteem). I then returned to college, got a degree in journalism and then began to look for work. Despite having excellent grades and the degree, finding meaningful work has been a major challenge. I used to suffer from severe social anxiety but am better. I have had several interviews that went very well, but never get the job (even entry level).
My question is should I explain the "missing" yrs on my resume? Should I explain that depression is what has held me back? How do depressed shy people ever get decent jobs?

Answer 1

Only explain if they ask. A lot of people have gaps in their college years, since they take off to travel or work to get the money to finish, etc. Don't mention the depression, since there are still a whole lot of prejudiced people out there who think either that you're too unstable to work or that you're faking to get drugs. With practice, your interview skills will get better. Always be sure to research the company you're applying to so you can ask informed questions. Always dress above the level of the position you're applying for and be scrupulous about your personal hygiene. Also, you can try calling the company back and ask if they have any suggestions for making your next interview more successful.

Journalism is way overfilled right now, so you may have to take something else until you find what you want.

Good luck and don't give up!

Answer 2

there are several ways you can do that. You can explain that you were having confidence problems that you overcame by returning to college, or you can list what you did during that 4 years - stayed at home to care for parents, worked at a fast food restaurant, and so on. It may not be you but just the economy the way it is so tell yourself that as well. Good luck to you!!

Answer 3

Personally, I would not mention your depression to them. They may hold it against you (even though they should not) It is your right to be private concerning your own medical condition. You may not be getting the jobs due to other reasons. There may be many more other candidates and maybe the employer just clicked with them better. Just keep trying and you will be successful. In the past when looking for jobs, I would have to go on many interviews until I was hired. Good luck!!

Answer 4

Do not mention the missing years on your resume. I graduated 5 years ago with honors and still have not found a decent job. It's just tough. Look for freelance jobs online, craigs list and newspaper to get some experience.

Answer 5

I thinkYou should begin to tell people about your past pains not all of them of course, just the ones you feel comfortable. I bet you'll find out that you are not alone. And you probably felt extremly pressured going to school because you felt that everyone was expecting great things from you and you were afraid that you wouldn't be able to deliver. Just try to be confident in whaatever God has in store for you and trust that he will take care of any and all of your needs then everything will fall into place.

Answer 6

Having melancholy received't effect your occupation. there's a element observed as HIPPA and really even interior the protection rigidity your clinical historic previous remains deepest. so as long as you do not tell every person that you're being seen and dealt with for melancholy no one will understand. till your interest performance is adverse, there is not any reason that searching for help will effect your occupation interior the Air rigidity.