Need advice on a job interview

recovering nurse · Nov 9, 2011

Quite the dilemma I am sure. Personally, I have been on about 15 interviews and told them all upfront about my restrictions and being in the BON program. I recently got a job in dialysis and the nurse manager said one of the reasons she hired me was because of my honesty in divulging that I am in recovery. I remember in my very first interview since being in the program, I though I was going to faint having to tell the interviewer. It actually was not bad and I learned to say is smoothly and make a short statement. I would say "I left my last position to seek treatment for chemical dependency. I am in the Chemical Dependency program through the BON & have been fully compliant" and only had a few managers look at me like I had 3 heads...lol. Anyway, honesty and being upfront will get you a long way! Good luck to you!!

jmo1231 · Nov 9, 2011

Dear recovery nurse, yes you are correct I should have told them immediately God knows I had plenty of chances too...Oh well hopefully round 2,I will disclose my recovery:) Life is full of mistakes, learning and challenges thank God Im facing them sober!

Sapience · Nov 11, 2011

As a former hiring manager I would tell you that you may not have ruined your chances just yet. Part of that depends on the people you are dealing with. Right or wrong doesn't really matter at this point -- see what happens and learn from it. If you get called back I would just be completely honest and say exactly what you said above -- You have a lot to offer, and you would be very greatful for the job, however, you have something to disclose that you sincerely wanted to share in the initial interview, but this is new territory and you were uncertain about what to do. Then just tell them the truth -- you don't have to share the details, just what you feel comfortable with -- probably the less the better unless there is good reason to share more. (i.e. they are talking about an offer)

Don't really worry that you wasted their time, etc. This is what they do - people waste their time all day long. It's no worse to interview someone who failed to disclose circumstances such as yours as it is to interview someone who looks great on paper but is a huge disappointment for some other offending reason. And they probably have at least a couple of other candidates so you don't have to feel that you left them without options.

Keep your head up, know who you are, and remember its OK to say, "I was scared" Most people would be able to relate to that and understand that you are in a scary position. If they don't ....move on. There are people out there who will.

jmo1231 · Nov 16, 2011

Thanks Sapience for your words of wisdom. I am still waiting to hear from them so maybe if they dont call me back it was a good thing I didnt disclose it yet . Now I am thinking why they didnt call me back for a second round of interviews ? Lol hmmmm :)