Presenting and discussing a personal curriculum effectively during a selection process, especially as a candidate with epilepsy, involves careful preparation and strategic communication.

Source: Quick tips to find a job, Naukri, 2020.

Here are steps to ensure a compelling and professional presentation:

Tailor the Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Highlight relevant experience. Emphasize experiences, skills, and qualifications pertinent to the job. Focus on achievements and responsibilities that showcase your suitability for the role.
  • Include a personal statement: Start with a strong personal statement summarizing your professional background, career goals, and why you’re a good fit for the position.

Structure your presentation

  • Introduction. Begin with a brief overview of your educational background, key experiences, and career aspirations.
  • Professional experience. Discuss your work history, focusing on roles and responsibilities relevant to the job. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements.
  • Skills and competencies. Highlight skills that match the job requirements. Provide examples of how you’ve applied these skills in your previous roles.
  • Accomplishments. Share notable accomplishments that reflect your capabilities and dedication.
  • Conclusion. Conclude with a strong statement on how your background and skills align with the company’s needs and your enthusiasm for the role.

Addressing epilepsy

  • Relevance and timing. Decide if and when to disclose your condition. If epilepsy affects your work and requires accommodations, it’s essential to address it. Otherwise, focus on your qualifications first.
  • Professionalism. Discuss epilepsy in a factual, professional manner. Emphasize your ability to manage your condition effectively and how it does not hinder your performance.
  • Accommodations. If applicable, briefly mention any accommodations you might need and how they have been successfully implemented in the past.

Practice and preparation

  • Rehearse your presentation. Practice delivering your presentation to ensure clarity and confidence. Time yourself to stay within any given limits.
  • Mock interviews. Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to get feedback and refine your delivery.
  • Prepare for questions. Anticipate questions related to your CV, experiences, and epilepsy. Prepare concise, honest responses that reinforce your professionalism.

During the interview

  • Confidence and positivity. Present yourself confidently. Focus on your strengths and how you can contribute to the company.
  • Clear communication. Speak clearly and concisely. Avoid jargon unless it’s industry-specific and the interviewers are familiar with it.
  • Body language. Maintain good eye contact, sit up straight, and use appropriate gestures to emphasize points.

Examples
Introduction:“Thank you for the opportunity to interview for this position. I am [Your Name], and I have a background in [Your Field] with [X] years of experience in [Relevant Industry/Role]. I am passionate about [Specific Area or Skill], and I am excited about the possibility of contributing to [Company Name].”

Professional experience:
“In my previous role at [Previous Company], I led a project that [Brief Description of Project and Outcome]. This experience honed my skills in [Relevant Skills], which I believe will be valuable in this role.”

Skills and competencies:
“I am proficient in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. For instance, during [Specific Project], I utilized [Skill] to achieve [Result], demonstrating my ability to [Related Competency].”

Accomplishments:
“A significant accomplishment in my career was [Brief Description of Accomplishment]. This required [Skills/Qualities], which are directly relevant to the responsibilities of this position.”

Epilepsy (if discussing):
“I manage epilepsy, and it has not impacted my ability to perform my job effectively. I have a plan in place to manage my condition and have previously worked in environments where I performed at a high level without issue. Should accommodations be necessary, they are minimal and well-established.”

Ending:
“I am eager to bring my expertise in [Relevant Skills/Experience] to [Company Name] and am confident that my background aligns well with the needs of your team. Thank you for considering my application.”

By focusing on the professional strengths and addressing any concerns about epilepsy straightforwardly, people with epilepsy can present themself as a capable and confident candidate.

In conclusion, follow a summary of useful steps:

  • Search for jobs. Use job portals, company websites, government resources, and networking.
  • Tailor applications. Customize your resume and cover letter for each job.
  • Consider disclosure. Decide when and how to disclose epilepsy, if necessary.
  • Follow application instructions and use assistive technologies as needed.
  • Prepare for interviews. Research the company, practice questions, and plan for disclosure.
  • Utilize support. Leverage vocational rehab services and advocacy organizations.
  • Follow up. Confirm application receipt and send thank-you notes post-interview.

So, by leveraging these strategies, it is possible to enhance the job search and application process, ensuring that people with epilepsy present their best self to potential employers.

Information sources

1. Richfield T. (2024). How to write an application letter, An easy guideline, Resumetrick,

2. France, A. (2010). Management accounting practices reflected in job advertisements. Journal of Business Ideas and Trends, 8(2), 41–57.

3. Gatewood, R. D., & Barrick, H. S. (2011). Employee Selection in Human Resource Management. Cengage Learning.

4. Omar, N.K., Manaf, A.A., Mohd, R.H., Kassim, A.C., & Aziz, K. (2012). Graduate employability skills based on current job demand through electronic advertising. Asian Social Science, 8(9), 1103–1110.

5. Orme, V. (2008). You will be. A study of job advertisements to determine employers’ requirements for LIS professionals in the UK in 2007. Library Review, 57(8), 619–633.

6. Reeves, R.K. & Hahn, T. (2012). Job advertisements for recent graduates: Advising, curriculum and job seeking implications. Journal Education Library and Information Science, 51(2), 103–119.

7. Watts, A. G. (2006). Career development learning and employability. London: Higher Education Academy.

Suggested readings

1. Holmes, L. (2013). Competing perspectives on graduate employability: Possession, position or process? Studies in Higher Education, 38(4), 538–554. Available online

2.Messum, D., Wilkes, L., & Jackson, K.P. (2016). Content Analysis of Vacancy Advertisements for Employability Skills: Challenges and Opportunities for Informing Curriculum Development. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability, 6(1), 72 – 86. Available online

3. Prien, E.P., & Louis G. Gamble, J. (2009). A Practical Guide to Job Analysis. (R. Taff, Ed.), New York, Pfeiffer. Available online