self harm and jobs

[that-god-chick]

so iv been cutting for about 5 years now, i have scars on my wrists, pretty much covering both of arms, and on my thights... and fresh cuts on my wrist.. i wear a bananda on my wrist to try and cover the new one and hide the more extreme scars, but i'v been trying to look for a job latly as i will be 18 soon and up till now have yet to had a job (not to the lack of trying) and i got a couple of interveiws coming up and i guess what im wondering is if the interveiwer see the bananda or the scars will they be less likly to hire me because of, i really need a job and this has affect my life so much already i really dont want it toaffect my chances of getting a job..

[ackmedsgirl666]

i wouldnt think so... employers dont usually pay to small details like that
i have had several interviews with my scars showing... i even had a german tattoo and i still got hired on.. i think they mostly look for personality and appearance like piercings and stuff like that.. dont worry about it however if your employer asks about him tell him its something you stuggled with in the past and that you dont do it anymore... but the/she probably wont notice... but if you are feel extremely self conscious wear a long sleeved shirt.

[Desuetude]

It really depends on the type of job you're going for. You might find that if some interviewers see it could affect your chances but in other cases they could just dismiss it. I would recommend wearing long sleeves for the interviews and then worry about what to do should you get a job. Take it one step at a time. For the interviews though, seeing as you really want a job, long sleeves are probably your best choice. The majority of people don't understand self harm, you need to remember that. You might find that when you get a job you'll find it easier to explain that you've struggled with it but if you have fresh cuts, especially on your wrists where people will see, then it's going to be likely it will affect your chances.

[Mortal Coil]

I honestly don't think it will be much of a problem. Just keep your scars semi-hidden, and give it your best shot. Maybe you could replace the bandana with something less flashy, like a ribbon that you wind around several times.

I hope you get the job!

[that-god-chick]

yeah, thanks for the advice guys :)

[LoveMe_HateMe]

Not sure what it's like over in aus but over here employers are legally not allowed to deny you a job because of scars/mental disorders etc, so you should be okay :)

[that-god-chick]

i believe we have the same law here in australia, but if there are mutiply people going for the job the employer is clearly going to go for the one without scars or cuts, like they would choice the one with normal colured hair insted of the one with bright coloured "strange" hair... its jsut the way it works

[LoveMe_HateMe]

i believe we have the same law here in australia, but if there are mutiply people going for the job the employer is clearly going to go for the one without scars or cuts, like they would choice the one with normal colured hair insted of the one with bright coloured "strange" hair... its jsut the way it works

I know and I hate it but it shouldn't happen, they should go on personality and how capable the person is in doing the job. That's one reason why I hate stereotypes so much...

[that-god-chick]

I know and I hate it but it shouldn't happen, they should go on personality and how capable the person is in doing the job. That's one reason why I hate stereotypes so much...

yeah it stupid but hey thats society isint it... unfair i kno0w i hate stereotypes to for many reason this being one of the major ones, iv been trying for a job dor about 3 years now people take one look at me and my apperance and then see my scars and wont hire me, its stupid

[downwards spiral]

Don't be too worried about your scars. i use to work on a checkout in a supermarket. i always wear short sleeve. people are more understanding than you think, many people have seen my scars but dont even mention them. plus the boss i had also self harms and isn't scared to show her scars to public. be confident with yourself, however you could also try wristbands (help for heroes etc..) they help cover scars and are accepted in workplaces :) xx

[that-god-chick]

yeah thanks for the advice

[Syvelocin]

I've never actually been asked about my scars.

Seriously. No one has ever noticed them, or at least the ones I catch staring don't say anything. I wouldn't hide them to be honest. I feel like it just brings more attention to them.

My current boss has a bigger issue with my two little wrist tattoos than she does with my scars. Like I said, if she's noticed them, she hasn't said anything.

Of course, more serious pursuits may have issues with it, but it's never even been brought up by any of my employers before, and that would be retail, office, and food service.

[that-god-chick]

ok cool thanks for the help guys... means a lot