Job Interviews when you have Bipolar Disorder

In a job interview, you may be wondering if you should disclose that you have bipolar disorder. This is not as cut and dry as you might suppose. Discrimination still takes place in our society and will disclosing that you have bipolar disorder get you dismissed as a potential candidate. The answer is "Maybe", but it would be nearly impossible to prove. Unless there is a strong benefit to sharing that you have bipolar disorder, or your symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your ability to do the job, I recommend not disclosing that you have bipolar disorder.

I am giving you this as my best insight, but you need to make your own decisions on what to share and not to share.

My experience is that once you have proven yourself as a capable employee, it does not hurt to share at that point. However, people have preconceived notions about mental health disorders that include the concept of someone going "Postal". Since you most likely will not know that person's point of reference, it is best not to give them anything that they may consider negative about you. In an interview, especially in today's tight economy, you must out shine everyone else. Even one little thing can get you dismissed as there are 100 candidates behind you ready to step in so why give them anything that can be seen as potentially negative.

In getting ready for an interview you should 1) know all about the company you are interviewing for. Do your homework, look up their website, and learn everything you can. Work this information into your actual interview, 2) Look up potential interview questions and prepare answers for them. You can find them all over the internet so I am not going to post them here, 3) Practice your answers in front of a mirror.

As for preparing for the day of the job interview, you probably already know the basics. Dress to fit the job or one notch above it. Make sure you have showered/bathed and use deodorant. If you smoke, try to avoid it before your interview. Use breath mints right before going in. Then take a few deep breaths. RELAX as much as possible and be friendly.

Give a strong handshake even if you are a woman. Smile. Take a breath before giving each answer. If you need a minute to think tell them that you need a minute to think about your answer. Just don't take too long. At the end of the interview, they usually ask if you have any questions. Make sure to have some. Examples could be: I read on your company website that your mission is XYZ, could you tell me how this job strategically fits into that mission? A basic one, but necessary is: What is the next step, and when will I know your decision? Unless you are offered the job, steer clear of questions related to health insurance, pay, vacation and sick time, etc. Show that you are interested in the company first. Then when the offer is made, you are in a position of strength to negotiate and find out about these policies.

I wish you the best in all your pursuits.

For more information, go to www.ThrivingWithBipolarDisorder.com.

Author: Cassandra L. Good, MA