JOB INTERVIEW

[IWantToHaveHope]

Hi guys, so about 1.5 years ago I had burn incident on my face, i may not look like a zombie in movies but when u see my face u can definitely see scars with not beautiful pattern and colors.

so anyway, 2 days ago I went to a job interview and interviewer asked me to take off my mask just to see how I look, when she saw my face I can see her attitude changed so much. I'm pretty sure she will not contact me again even tho I met all the requirement for the job (really, all requirement). I'm really hopeless and dont know what to do, I'm 26 and I dont know how do I even continue my life.

anyway i speak english, chinese and russian, does anyone know any job opportunities......?

[CarolinChangingFaces Partner]

Hi IWantToHaveHope , thank you for sharing about your situation.I understand you have scarring on your face from a burn incident in the past and that at a recent job interview, the interviewer’s asked you to lower your mask and you noticed a change in their attitude to you after that. This sounds difficult for you.

I can see that you mentioned feeling hopeless and not knowing how to continue your life. It sounds like things are really hard for you at the moment and we would strongly recommend reaching out to a health care professional in your country, like a doctor for example to get support with how you are feeling. If you feel unable to keep yourself safe at any point, please contact the emergency services in the country you are in.

I can see you are interested in job opportunities and thought I would share some self-help material that is on our website which covers applying for jobs when you have a visible difference: changingfaces.org.uk/advice...

And preparing for a job interview if you have a visible difference:

changingfaces.org.uk/advice...

I hope these are of some help.

Take Care

Caroline - Changing Faces.

[Blondebombsite]

Hi IWantToHaveHope,

I’m really sorry that you encountered someone who decided to judge purely on the way you look, which in most cases is completely irrelevant to the job role.

Personally I started working from home 6 months ago and I love it. I found the job on Indeed, although I’m not sure where you’re based. My colleagues are kind and helpful, and I have no idea what most of them look like.

My so also works from home, in a completely different role.

Most people nowadays aren’t so judgmental as your interviewer, in fact I think it was irresponsible of her to ask you to remove your mask anyway.

All the best with your job search xx

[IWantToHaveHope in reply to Blondebombsite]

Hi Blondebombsite!! Thank you for your support, and unfortunately in Asia employers definitely care about your appearance. I really hope i could move out of Asia (i don't mean to be unappriciating what we have in Asia like safety and stability, but the mentality here is very different).

BTW are you working in IT industry? I'm actually learning UX design and coding but im kinda tired of it. I don't know if it is ok to ask but ignore this question if this doesn't make u feel comfortable.

[Blondebombsite in reply to IWantToHaveHope]

Hi, thanks for your reply, no I couldn’t work in IT, I’m a technophobe 😆I work in a call centre, but from home. My son is a copywriter which is a much more IT based job, he also used to work on an IT helpdesk, all these jobs are becoming much more common as home working roles. I think it’s the way things are going nowadays.

I’m sorry that your culture seems less tolerant of visible differences, we’re far from perfect here in the U.K. but I think that with the great campaigning work that organisations like Changing Faces do, things are improving.

Unfortunately there are ignorant thoughtless people in recruitment roles, I’ve been asked some questions in interviews which I know are actually illegal under UK law, but just try not to let them get you down. Fake a smile and look confident, you sound like you would be a fabulous addition to any team xx 😊

[IWantToHaveHope in reply to Blondebombsite]

Sorry that you have to go through some rude interviews. But i'm glad that your life is more stable now. And yes I actually would like to work in Changing Faces to promote more equality for people who have visible difference haha!

Thank you for your words i need them. I have very low self-esteem (almost none), I'm trying my best to believe that i'm a lovable person and people need me. I'm thinking about suicide less this month (but not after the interview 😆) and really hope i will feel excited for life once again soon!

[Blondebombsite in reply to IWantToHaveHope]

Things will definitely get better, it’s clear from your messages that you’re a fabulous person, funny, kind and articulate. I’ve been through very tough times, as has everyone on this forum, and I’m sure that tough times will happen again, but just keep trying, and also use your skills to help others, I find that really makes life worth living. Possibly keep investigating a move to Europe, I know IT skills are very in demand in the U.K. for example, but either way, keep positive and continue to get and give support to others 😊

[Hidden]

Hi IWantToHaveHope, thank you for sharing your story. I completely understand where you're coming from, I've experienced it myself. This sort of thing shouldn't go on, but it does. I understand that such things can fill you with despair and a sense of hopelessness. I have been out of work for almost two years and I was getting quite depressed about it. When it comes to things like this we have to wait for the right company to hire us. Clearly that place wasn't right because of the interviewer's reaction. The ethos of a place and its treatment of its employees are just as important as having the right skills and qualifications. Unfortunately for people with facial disfigurements this process is much harder, so it takes longer to secure a job. I had an interview today and I got the job. I realised that it was the right place for me. I think this is something you come to learn as time goes by. I know how painful it is to get such a negative reaction from someone, but don't dwell on it. Learn something from it and try and move on to the next job application. There will be the right place out there for you. Others will never know the struggles we face, but you're not alone, we're here to support each other in this online community.

[IWantToHaveHope in reply to Hidden]

Hi Milan12, I'm really happy that you got the job today!! really nice that you met a nice company. Congratulations!! Also thanks for the support. I'm also unemployed for almost 2 years. I'm trying to get a job in Europe (i feel like they have a friendlier working environment towards different kind of people and more respect to individuals), but without an european passport is quite hard...

[Hidden in reply to IWantToHaveHope]

Thank you very much! That's no problem at all, always happy to support whenever. I think I have to agree with you on that point. I think europeans are more accepting towards people who are different, whereas in Britain we seem to be stuck in the past so they keep their prejudice ways. A European passport would be the first thing you need to do. I would imagine it might be expensive, and as you don't have a job, that could be quite difficult. I hope you find a way of getting where you want to go.