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Epilepsy and Job Hunting: a lengthy battle

Epilepsy and Job Hunting: a lengthy battle

My name is Kerry Wheatcroft. I'm now 26 years old and come from Bingham, Nottinghamshire. I've been trying so extremely hard for such a long time (almost three years now!) to find work. This is mainly due to my Aspergers' Syndrome (form of autism) and because I suffer from epilepsy.

Nothings ever been so frustrating when I have the experience from so many different voluntary roles that I've been doing here, there, and everywhere over the years to keep myself busy.
My Aspergers' Syndrome makes it ten times harder, and I think my epilepsy is more often the main reason people say no/unsuccessful to me so quickly.
I've had a few interviews over time now and a large amount of call backs, so my CV and cover letters must be alright. The main reasons I've been given through a phone call for being unsuccessful have so often been either because I can't drive, which my epilepsy stops or where they are based. However I'm used to travelling lengthy ways on public transport. It's usually just one main office base. I will always check out where they are based and make sure I can get there well.
I'm never going to be the best candidate in an interview however, no matter how much I try. They are all the most difficult things for me in one big bulk:

- Going into an unknown place for the first time
- Talking to any unknown person
- Talking about most difficult topic (myself)
- Being put on the spot (not having time to process questions, answers, forms)
It's so hard to prepare for, because don't know fully what to expect. I will always have the perfect answers, but just can't ever get in out in words quick enough in an interview before the next question is being asked. If I could get an extra 2 - 3 minutes after being asked, to process it through, I'm sure I could give them the perfect answers majority of the time.
The longer it's taking, the more frustrating it's getting. Now my sister, who's 10 years younger than me has just finished school and is constantly talking about getting a job herself, which everyone thinks she will so easily. It's making it more and more hard to carry on trying myself. I'm wondering sometimes how I have managed to stick with it for so long as it is!

VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please call 02037405973 or email [email protected] for more information.

We are also officially recommended by Disability Confident as a step on achieving Employer status, please click here for more information.

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VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please email [email protected] for more information.

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