Topic Tuesday // Navigating work life and mental health // Tues 17 Sep, 7pm AEST

@cutiepiekitty that is really positive to be aware of wanting to get to a place of trust - doing that 'hard work' is so important (well done for working on it and connecting to support!) to help you get there and really that is definately a transferable skill around perservereing, self awareness and goal setting ⭐️

Lots of pressures @Former-Member

At first when we started we would say yes to every job we could

Over the years we have felt guilty for not taking on jobs

Feeling anxious if we don't do a good job , even though we always did our best

It wasn't exactly meant as a tip, but a former manager once said that "interviews are like exams - probably not a great way at evaluating someone's knowledge, but the best we've got".

Treating the interview as an "imperfect test" might help. That is, you aren't there to answer every question perfectly, but to show that you would fit in the role. This might include having a personality that works with the other team members, showing some insight about yourself, or even showing that you DON'T know something but can handle that in an appropriate manner.

I hate panel interviews @Former-Member very stressful. I remember my mouth was so dry I could hardly talk.

Really interesting insights into interviews here everyone. Like you said @Fracturedlight interview processes aren't always the best way, its a valid point and I hope as we get more and more aware of making opportunities more accesible to all that we get to a point of having different ways of applying for a role available. Like some of you have mentioned that one on one or panel set up might not suit you or might make you feel quite triggered. The weight of that word like you have said @CheerBear in itself can be too heavy and again - hopefully we can all see some changes as we advocate and reduce stigmas and get better mental health awareness in workplaces too.

@CheerBear you've mentioned some great tips here - speaking to someone supportive to remind you of your strengths is a good one. It can be easy to forget yourself in the situation. Bringing a support worker or someone you trust with you is also a good way to make the process more comfortable and often it is okay to speak to the potential employer about doing such things or anything else that might help - such as clarifying what kind of room you will be in or how many people you are going to be chatting to.

Preparation can really help like the above- other ways to prepare might be doing a trial run of getting to the location.

@CheerBear exactly. When I went into the first counselling session I nearly left. Same with other appointments/interviews. I know the office staff in the building they come to, so one kept me there and walked to the door of the room to get me there. And she met me with a hug after coming out. Knowing there is someone there for support does help.

Hi @Former-Member I’m going to go. It’s too fast for me tonight. I can’t concentrate.

Great topic.

@Former-Member Yes I hope it changes on day. Some of the best people I've worked with and know have failed miserably at interviews. People just need to be given a chance rather then be judged by a sometimes 10 minute window where majority of people are extremely nervous and anxiety filled and unable to 'perform' or answer a question to their normally me than fine 'normal ability.