APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.
Here, Karren gives her expert advice to reader Katie whose mental health struggles are keeping them from holding down a job.
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Karren Brady gives you career advice
Q: I have worked in hospitality for 12 years. However, I have OCD and anxiety, which can significantly impact my ability to do my job.
I tend to seek transparency, professionalism and perfection – when my expectations aren’t met or when my anxiety becomes too much, I end up leaving the job.
Although my CV and cover letter reflect my passion for the industry, my skills and experience, I’m now being overlooked for roles I think I’m a good candidate for.
And if I do get to the interview stage, I feel I have to come up with an explanation for my job-hopping.
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I really want to find a role I can stay in for the long-term, so how can I make myself more employable?
Name withheld
A: You have an impressive track record in hospitality, but the combination of OCD, anxiety and perfectionism has made it challenging for you to sustain roles that don’t align exactly with your expectations or coping strategies.
The first step towards long-term employability is identifying the type of role and environment that will set you up for success.
Look for positions that value structure and professional standards, where your attention to detail will be seen as an asset, rather than a stressor.
Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight not only your experience, but also the outcomes of your strengths, such as leading teams, improving operational efficiency or elevating service standards.
In interviews, focus on the fact you’re seeking opportunities for growth and workplaces where you can contribute your skills, rather than talking about personal challenges.
Finally, building coping mechanisms and strategies to manage your anxiety can help you maintain stability, making you a more confident employee over the long-term.
