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When I had the first job interview in compression after my lipedema diagnosis, I was not wearing arm compression. My concern was that I would be labeled sick and, above all, unattractive for my employer. From today's perspective, it's double nonsense, because now I'm something of an employer myself and I know the strengths of such applicants. If you are chronically ill, you don't automatically have regular days off, but rather an unmistakable bite and fighting spirit, which I would all too much like to have by my side in my day-to-day work. How is it with you? Would you wear compression in a job interview?
Finding # 1:
Look at your compression in the interview like glasses
I know that each of us deals with our diagnosis differently and is restricted to different degrees in everyday life. But let me break it down to compression: it is not an indicator of the severity of the disease. Many of us wear them in various stages and forms. Free yourself from the fact that your prospective employer might think that your compression might overshadow your competency. Above all, you must not harbor such thoughts yourself, because otherwise you will radiate this uncertainty outwards and pass on unconscious but false impulses. Hide your compression in the conversation and answer a question confidently with a focus on you, not on the disease:
“This is a compression garment that I wear every day for medical reasons. It increases my performance and gives me additional support. "
Competent sprat
That must suffice as information, because according to labor law one is not obliged to inform the employer about a chronic illness. It is none of his business. Look at your compression like glasses, both are simply just aids for your everyday life in order to be able to achieve your maximum performance.
Would you be ashamed of wearing glasses?
Two unbeatable looks
In the two application looks, I'll show you how you can appear fashionable and competent without having to leave the glam at home. Both with the black mediven 550, as well as in the color cashmere and with the new Classic design element from average you can create phenomenal looks that I would love to see again in the office.
Finding # 2:
Your illness is not a weak point, it is your strength
Of course, you don't have to tell the other person about your illness, but it is important that you don't let it slow you down even subconsciously. Your lipedema or lymphedema is not just a weak point, but has presented you with so many major challenges that they may have become a strength. You wouldn't be the same person you are now without her. You have proven once again that you are facing life and its depths only make you grow beyond yourself.
This is exactly what makes you attractive as an employee.
Your stamina is from another planet, your commitment is essential for survival and your courage to contest anew every day is incomparable.
Write this sentence where you can read it every day. Manifest this thought, let it pass into your heart and blood and believe in it. Because he's right.
Finding # 3:
Don't disguise yourself
If I were to sit in a job interview with you, my first impression would be crucial. How do you present yourself? Do you seem disguised because that's how people wear it or do you feel comfortable in your outfit and make me want to find out more about you?
A smart job interview is not just talked about, but you get an impression of whether it fits humanly. A good employer sees your competence in the résumé and only feels like you have a personal connection with you during an interview. Because working together means having to deal with each other every day. Knowledge can be acquired, but interpersonal conflicts will not be resolved that easily.
It is all the more important not only to dust off the confirmation suit, but also to set a personal mark in your look and underline your character. Of course, this is sometimes stricter, sometimes less strict from industry to industry. But even in the purest office look, nuances are decisive whether you look boring or show finesse. Statement jewelry, special shoes, an unusual cut or nail polish tailored to your compression. Show your creativity and your awareness of yourself.
And now go out into the world, do not let your compression slow you down, but inspire you and show what you are made of. Wear compression in the job interview? But hello!
This article was created in cooperation with Medi.
Pictures: Michaela Kern