I'm a fucking idiot, and I have many self harm scars. Mostly on my thighs and shoulders, but have a few burns and criss-cross cuts on my left forearm. I know I shouldn't have done them but sometimes you don't think clearly when you're mental.
People very rarely comment on them, as they're fairly obviously self inflicted. I have a job interview on Monday, and only have short sleeve shirts. Do I buy a long sleeve shirt to hide my madness, or just roll with it? If I do get the job they'll see them eventually so why start with false pretenses?
What do you lads think when you see those with self harm injuries?
Eh, I have 'numerous' scars of varying boldness, most of the larger ones are on the upper arm so usually hidden. I don't think anything of them these days, though I tend to wear three quarter length sleeves most of the time.
To be quite honest, I imagine you'd be better off to cover any self harm scars before an interview. They're difficult to miss. I mean only to be realistic, mind. It really depends on what sort of job you're aiming for though - i knew of a noticably anorexic person who landed a job tilljockeying at Tesco.
>If I do get the job they'll see them eventually so why start with false pretenses?
I don't suppose it's a false pretense, merely presenting yourself in the best light. Stacking the odds and all that. Pretty much the same reason you'd iron your shirt, brush your hair, whatever.
>What do you lads think when you see those with self harm injuries?
Achievable and/or potentially interesting, though I've only every noticed scars on females. I've no doubt I'd think less positively if I saw them on a male. Although it really depends on what the scars are coupled with in terms of identity claims - if the person is still wearing MCR hoodies and mascara, they're probably a twat.
It's a job interview, the whole exercise is an elaborate dance of false pretences. Go buy a proper shirt. And a suit.
>What do you lads think when you see those with self harm injuries?
Same as you might think of someone with forearm tattoos - low-impulse control and won't play the game of covering them up. With the addition that it's likely you're a bit tapped. I know you must think I'm a bit of a cunt but especially at an interview there's not much to go on and I'm actually always one of the more professional ones.
Ordered a long sleeve shirt. The job is pretty low status, working in customer service at a call centre for a big multinational. The pre-interview guidance says to dress formally if appropriate, but to dress informally when that is more appropriate. So not very clear. I'm thinking shirt, no tie, dark jeans, and brogues. Is that smart casual? I hope I don't need a suit to be a call centre wagie.
I've had gaps on my CV that were listed simply as a "career break due to ill health". I'm not embarrassed or ashamed to talk about my mental health, I'm happy to go into detail if I'm asked, but I want to do it on my own terms. I want to have a real conversation that gives me the opportunity to challenge stereotypes and prejudices, rather than just putting it out there and letting people come to their own conclusions. I think wearing long sleeves to an interview is a similar principle - you're not hiding anything as such, you're just taking control over if, when and how you disclose things about your health.
