Tips for Job Hunting if you have DID
by jm
Enlist the aid of a supportive friend to screen the ads you respond to for realism. You probably are not fully qualified to design missile guidance systems. You may actually not be "fine" working as a prison guard.
Come up with a really good answer for the question "and these other four years you don't mention.......... you were doing what again?"
("Oh, heck, I was in and out of the hospital all the time" and
Geez, I was seeing three-headed toads on the corner a lot"
are NOT good answers, generally).
Although it is acceptable in some places where they all talk like that (really- they do), in most places it is better not to use the plural pronoun- as in "I know we could do a good job".
Avoid any questions involving "kids". Just don't go there. Really.
I know it's hard, and yes, they are being unreasonable and rigid, but leave your favorite stuffed animal at home, or at least in the car.
It's better not to repeatedly ask "the ADA laws covers mental illness, right? Such a person would have to be given accommodations?"
Take some memory device to keep yourself aware that in their world, there is going to be a "job description" that you will be expected to have some interest in, and presumably a reason why you might be able to fulfill it's requirements. Saying "Huh? Oh, yeah,whatever. I don't even know if I'll remember to show up or why I'm here anyway" is less effective.
If you get a tour, saying "oh boy, I'll put my Tigger poster here", or "I could probably just go in that closet there if I really dissociated big-time" are more often than not not helpful.
If you get introduced to people or shown things, saying "I won't remember- hell, last night I couldn't remember my address" is not necessary.
If you are given a salary figure, look thoughtful or say you'll think about it. Do NOT say "you're going to PAY me?"
If you would like to add to this list, feel free to submit your ideas by email.
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