4 ms·

I answered this in one of my first interviews with, "My greatest weakness is my inability to focus on things for an extended period of time." The interviewer t

I answered this in one of my first interviews with, "My greatest weakness is my inability to focus on things for an extended period of time." The interviewer told me never to do that, but appreciated my candor and extended an offer, though I didn't take the job. Sometimes it actually works to be honest instead of treating it as a game. :)

dvtv75 9y ago
This leaves me conflicted. I've noted here (quite) a number of times that I have a disability that impacts my ability to absorb chunks of written material. I've had an occupational therapist tell me that I shouldn't work in CS or IT (I have a CS degree in spite of that), and several doctors have told me I should stay away from the field, while others have told me that just go with whatever works and don't tell employers I have this disability. I prefer to be honest, but at the same time I also like to eat most days. I have an interview for a job in a few days, and no clue what I should do. If they don't ask, do I bring it up? What do I tell them? Most employers in the city are highly discriminatory against people with a disability, even if it means they're not hiring the most qualified one. (I'm not actually seeking advice here, just musing online.)
- tonyedgecombe 9y ago
  If they don't ask, do I bring it up? Most people without a disability would focus on their positive attributes, I can't see why you should be any different.
- bpchaps 9y ago
  If the companies that you're interviewing for aren't accepting of the way you are, then it might be useful to question whether those companies are for you. Yes, it's difficult to think this way when the specifics of your circumstances are difficult, but it still might be a lifestyle worth pursuing. Lentils/rice/chick peas are a super cheap way of living on a budget ;). It's exceptionally difficult having disabilities, especially when trying to relate it in a professional environment. Though, I've found my own disabilities have been very useful in figuring out what it is that I really want out of a career and life. Cheers and good luck.

dvtv75 9y ago

This leaves me conflicted. I've noted here (quite) a number of times that I have a disability that impacts my ability to absorb chunks of written material. I've had an occupational therapist tell me that I shouldn't work in CS or IT (I have a CS degree in spite of that), and several doctors have told me I should stay away from the field, while others have told me that just go with whatever works and don't tell employers I have this disability. I prefer to be honest, but at the same time I also like to eat most days. I have an interview for a job in a few days, and no clue what I should do. If they don't ask, do I bring it up? What do I tell them? Most employers in the city are highly discriminatory against people with a disability, even if it means they're not hiring the most qualified one. (I'm not actually seeking advice here, just musing online.)

tonyedgecombe 9y ago
If they don't ask, do I bring it up? Most people without a disability would focus on their positive attributes, I can't see why you should be any different.
bpchaps 9y ago
If the companies that you're interviewing for aren't accepting of the way you are, then it might be useful to question whether those companies are for you. Yes, it's difficult to think this way when the specifics of your circumstances are difficult, but it still might be a lifestyle worth pursuing. Lentils/rice/chick peas are a super cheap way of living on a budget ;). It's exceptionally difficult having disabilities, especially when trying to relate it in a professional environment. Though, I've found my own disabilities have been very useful in figuring out what it is that I really want out of a career and life. Cheers and good luck.