HappyJoyousAndFree

Practice. Practice in front of family, friends, pets, dolls, mirrors. My nurses' groups give practice interviews to each other. My counselor or therapist has done it. I've gone on the internet and printed off questions and then answered them. The point of doing all of that is not to memorize your responses, but to get you out of the "deer caught in headlights" reaction. Get you more comfortable talking about how great you are. My guess is that you haven't done that too often. Try to think about why it's so uncomfortable for you. For me, I just don't think I'm that great. Even when I can't think of anything bad. But I write down everything positive about myself. Think about you like you are your best friend...because you should be. Then talk about you like you would talk about your best friend. I don't think it's wise to be dishonest, especially if it's to get something I wouldn't get if I was honest. You can do this. If a self-sabotaging, low self-esteem, self-loathing addict like myself can learn to love me and land a fabulous job....anyone can do it! Go get'er done!

I agree with Jack. I've been most successful when I'm just me. I do have to prepare how I'm going to "break the news" but it generally flows naturally. The interview starts with small talk and the progresses to what kind of experience I have. I let them get to know me and like me for me first. I tell a humorous story, but no more than 1 or 2. I play up my strengths, making sure I'm prepared to answer questions about my weaknesses. Probably a third of the way through the interview, I'll say something like this. "A few years ago I became ill..." I'll tell them I'm in a program with the board of nursing. Briefly say a little about that, and then briefly describe that I'm not like that anymore. I bring copies of my license, restrictions with the applicable ones highlighted, number to my coordinator at the BON, cover letter, resume, references, and I definitely have several professional and personal reference letters. I spend the night before in prayer and preparing for the interview. I have my clothes ready, everything set out, driving directions, resume and copies....everything I can think of to get ready. Then I relax and make sure I get plenty of sleep. The next day before the interview I'm praying and relaxing. Leave in plenty of time to get there. I usually try to get there an hour early...that's just me. It alleviates any anxiety for me about being late. I then pray and get myself positive and calm. Then about 10 or 15 minutes before the interview I let them know I'm there. It's no secret that there are several negative stigmas attached to addicts. But usually by the time I'm through with the interview, the interviewer says that I have taken the positive out of an negative situation, or made the good better. I'll agree and tell them that of course I would've preferred a different route to where I am now, but I'm proud of the person I am and I am a better person because of my experiences. I'm a better nurse. More compassionate and understanding. You can make them want you because of this. Everyone makes mistakes. Our's are just more apparent. For me and talking to other recovering nurses, it's harder for us to get a job. And sometimes the jobs that are offered aren't the ones I would choose to have. But it is possible. It just takes more effort and patience. You can ask them to hire you on for 90 days at first. If after 90 days they decide it's not working, then you can separate. "But I guarantee that after 90 days you'll agree with me that you have made the best decision by hiring me and I will continue to work here after the 90 days are up." Be calm and self-assured. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Now, go get that job!!!