How to approach an intro call with work-related PTSD?

Anonymous

December 20,2022 at 3:33PM UTC

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How to approach an intro call with work-related PTSD?

(FTR: I’m not using the term ‘PTSD’ colloquially, it is something I have been diagnosed with)

This afternoon I have an introductory call with someone at my dream company. It’s been one hell of a year and a really bad experience on a new job has had me unemployed since May. The person I am speaking with on the call is aware of the situation and agreed to see if there is some way they can help me with landing a new role.

How should I prepare for this call? If I don’t know what to focus on, I’m afraid I will info-dump. This kind of call is a blessing to get in general, I don’t want to let my unfortunate past experience ruin a potentially great future opportunity. Thank you all in advance!

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AnonymousDecember 20,2022 at 4:28PM UTC
I would focus on a few drafted bullet points as to potential job description you are looking for, a few titles that might fight, types of environment the you thrive in and types of manager(s) that you respond to.
I would keep discussion of your ptsd to a strike minimum. Since this person is aware of your ptsd you don't need to go into detail unless it's extremely applicable and would lend clarity to the topic at hand.
Good luck!!!!!
AnonymousDecember 20,2022 at 6:19PM UTC
Thank you so much! These are great starting points for me, and that's exactly what I needed.
Barb HansenDecember 20,2022 at 6:53PM UTC
Here is how I would prepare for this upcoming call:
1 - I would write down the outcome that I want from the meeting, then...
2 - I would write down everything that crossed my mind - good things, bad things, all the things. Then...
3 - I would then walk away from my notes and do something else for a few hours, then...
4 - I would then come back to my notes and edit to remove items on my "everything list" that don't fit with my goal, so I have a list of three to five items that I want to cover in the meeting. Then...
5 - I would spend the rest of the time between now and my phone call doing things that ground me. If I can't go for a walk (which is the thing that grounds me), then I would listen to music, podcasts, or a favorite audiobook.
Since your call is this afternoon, you don't have the luxury of time on your side, but if you had a few days or a week, this (write, walk away for hours/days, then came back and edit/rewrite) is a great tactic to help focus on what's important to a task vs what's top of mind.
Good luck!
AnonymousDecember 20,2022 at 7:15PM UTC
That is great advice! I struggle with a similar issue and I am going to save this for upcoming interviews. Thanks!
AnonymousDecember 20,2022 at 8:40PM UTC
Here are some tips:
1. Take a few moments to prepare the place you will be taking the call from. Make sure the area is a place where are relaxed and feel comfortable.
2. Do your research on the company as much as possible and look for information from people who has previously met with the company.
3. Dont overthink it and go with the flow.
AnonymousDecember 20,2022 at 10:47PM UTC
I my opinion, I'd have asked the person you'll be speaking with that question. Not trying to be snarky, but they also should have suggested how you prepare for it since they're helping you.
AnonymousDecember 21,2022 at 2:12AM UTC
First, thank the person who has agreed to speak with you and express your admiration for your dream company.
Focus on what you hope to do going forward, why your background makes you a great fit for a new role and for this particular company. Show interest in the dream company and ask questions about its needs.
Because the person you will be speaking with is aware of your situation, there is no need to bring up the company you left in May. If you are asked about it, you can say that you decided the situation was not a good fit for your objectives, so you have moved on to find a position that can better use your unique strengths and skills.
Main point: Your strengths, successes and what you can bring to your dream company should be the focus of your conversation, as should learning more about your dream company and its needs.
AnonymousDecember 21,2022 at 5:39PM UTC
How did your call go?
AnonymousDecember 22,2022 at 3:28AM UTC
How would someone without PTSD handle it? Do that.
AnonymousJanuary 11,2023 at 5:52PM UTC
PTSD is a disability, someone with a disability can’t just do what a non-disabled person would do.
Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterDecember 22,2022 at 5:51PM UTC
Is this person who is helping you in a position to hire you?
If they are a coach who is giving you a "free" call - be up front from the jump and let them know if you will/will not be able to invest in coaching with them.
If they are a person in a field where they help people recovering from/living with trauma/illness/PTSD find viable work - that's awesome - ask them about the outcomes you can expect and what they will need from you to be successful.
If they are a recruiter for an agency, understand that they get paid when they place someone at a company with whom they have an agreement - i.e., they may want to help, but won't be able to make promises or even present you to a client if you don't match what the client is looking for
If they are a corporate recruiter - pretty much the same as agency - they may want to help, but if you don't match the criteria needed (or they know they're corporate 'culture' will be a trauma-inducing one for you) they may not be able to help place you.
In all instances - go in with 1-3 questions you'd like answered - specific things you'd like to know about the hiring process.
Good luck!
Lynda BoothDecember 23,2022 at 4:35PM UTC
Focus on future. Do not talk about the negative experience. be positive and talk about your goals.
Adrienne LeightonDecember 23,2022 at 6:14PM UTC
Anticipate what they will ask. Prepare how you will respond and what experience you want to highlight. Write it down so you can keep it crisp. Keep all responses to about a minute. Then ask, "would you like me to go into more detail.". Prepare, prepare, prepare. And good luck!!!
AnonymousDecember 24,2022 at 12:30PM UTC
I completely understood your situation. I worked in a toxic workplace and thought I would be fine after finding new employment. I became very cautious, suspicious and sensitive to any feedback. I didn't realize what was going on until I mentioned my behavior to my mother. She reminded about the bullying and other horrible treatment I had endured. She said that I probably had a little PTSD and it was going to take time for me to realize that I was safe. I wouldn't share what happened with a potential new employer or recruiter. Become the person you were prior to your bad experience and ace that interview.