“I’ve had a burn-out”: dare to talk about it openly in a recruitment interview

Burn-out, that silent shadow hanging over the professional world, is often relegated to the status of a taboo subject. Yet it is inseparable of our reality at work. So, how do you tackle it at a recruitment interview without it becoming a burden?

The key lies in the delicate balance between transparency and discretion. It is not a question of presenting oneself as a victim, but rather as someone who has been able to draw lessons from a difficult experience. The aim is not to focus on the past, but to show how it has shaped your life. approach approach to work.

Is it risky? Absolutely. Is it necessary? Undoubtedly. Because it’s in this vulnerability your assumed vulnerability authenticityan asset increasingly valued in the professional world.

So, dare. Dare to talk, dare to share, and above all, dare to be yourself. Because it’s by tackling this subject head-on courage and honesty that will make the difference.

Approach the subject with transparency and honesty

In a recruitment interview, sincerity is a quality highly valued by recruiters. If you’ve been through a burn-outIt’s best to talk frankly about it, explaining the reasons that led to the situation in the first place. It’s essential to show that you’ve learned from the experience, and that you’re now better equipped to manage your stress and prevent such an event from happening again.

By approaching the subject with honesty, you demonstrate your ability to be transparent and take responsibility. It may even be seen as proof of your ability to take responsibility. maturity and strength of character. Don’t forget that burn-out affects many people, and that some recruiters may have had a similar experience or know people close to them who have been through it.

“Talking about your burn-out in an interview shows that you’ve overcome an ordeal and that you’ve grown from it.”

Adopt a positive, constructive approach

Even if burn-out is a delicate subject, it is possible to talk about it in a positive and constructive way. Focus on the concrete actions that you have put in place to recover from this ordeal, such as consulting a health professional, taking part in stress management training or adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Present your experience as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. For example, you could explain that it has enabled you to better understand your limits and needs, and that you have learned to better manage your workload and delegate certain tasks. You can also talk about the skills you’ve developed as a result of this ordeal, such as resilience or emotional intelligence.

Anticipate questions and prepare answers

The recruiter is likely to ask you questions about the reasons for your burn-out and the steps you have taken to remedy it. In order to respond appropriately, it’s a good idea to prepare your answers in advance. Think about the key points you want to cover and the concrete examples you can give to illustrate your point.

Remember also to anticipate any objections the recruiter may have about your ability to handle stress or the responsibilities of the job. Prepare solid arguments to demonstrate that you are now in a position to face up to these challenges, highlighting the skills you have acquired since your burn-out and proposing solutions to avoid another situation of overwork.

Ne pas minimiser son burn-out : reconnaître la gravité de cette expérience est et expliquer comment on a réussi à la surmonter est plus que nécessaire.

Don’t focus on the burn-out during the interview

Although it’s necessary to talk about your burn-out during an interview, you mustn’t let this subject take up too much of the conversation. The main objective of the interview is to convince the recruiter that you’re the ideal candidate for the job, and this means first and foremost highlighting your skills, experience and professional achievements.

Once you’ve broached the subject of burn-out and answered the recruiter’s questions, refocus the discussion on the positive aspects of your career and the assets you can bring to the company. You’ll need to show that you’re now in full possession of your abilities and ready to take on the challenges of the job.

Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally to tackle the subject

Talking about burn-out in an interview can be a source of anxiety for some candidates. So it’s important to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the subject. To this end, don’t hesitate to do some relaxation or meditation exercises before the interview to calm your mind and avoid stress.

Remember that the recruiter is not there to judge you, but to assess whether you are the right candidate for the job. By approaching your burn-out in a calm and constructive manner, you’ll be in with a good chance of succeeding at your interview and landing the job you’ve been after.