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Hi, I am recently looking for a job (even though I am not ready mentally). The thing is in application forms, there is a question that ask “have u seek counselling before” and i feel stuck cuz i seeked counselling but i feel that if i put yes, recruiter may think i am not ready or they will ask it during interview but this job i have strong interest in. But if i put no, i feel like i am lying… Ik according to MOM we should not discrimate, but ultimately humans will… So i kinda need help in this.

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Dear @Junni,

Thank you for reaching out for support. It makes sense to feel stuck as you want the role and you also want to be honest. It’s great that you’re seeking new job opportunities, even if you’re feeling a bit uncertain. Navigating job applications, especially questions about personal topics like counselling, can be tricky. Here are some suggestions that might help:

  1. Understand the Purpose: Employers may ask about counselling to ensure that employees have the support they need, and it may not necessarily be a negative mark against you. It’s important to consider whether your concern is based on actual evidence or simply fear. Additionally, some believe that if a company does not hire you because of your counselling experience, it may indicate that the company has limited support and understanding for its employees’ overall well-being.

  2. Consider Your Response: If the question asks whether you have ever sought counselling, there is value in being honest. However, you can also consider the context in which you provide this information. You might answer “yes” and be prepared to explain how counselling has helped you become more resilient and effective.

  3. Frame Your Experience Positively: If the topic comes up in an interview, focus on the positive outcomes of your counselling experience. You can say something like, “Yes, I have sought counselling in the past, which has helped me develop better coping strategies and improved my overall well-being. It’s made me more prepared and motivated to take on new challenges.”

  4. Know Your Rights: Yes you are right that according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), discrimination in hiring based on mental health is not acceptable. You have the right to be considered fairly based on your skills and qualifications. If you feel that you have been discriminated the option to report it is available too. You may also want to reach out to career coaches ( WSG, NTUC) to get their assistance on how to navigate such conversations.

  5. Prepare for Potential Questions: If you anticipate questions about your counselling experience, prepare thoughtful responses that highlight your growth and readiness for the role.

It’s important to be true to yourself and honest in your applications. Remember, seeking counselling is a sign of strength and a commitment to your personal growth. I hope the above has been helpful, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more support.

Wishing you the very best,
Kind regards,
CoolBreeze =)

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any chance that you can leave it blank? Is this a form by a recruitment agency or from the direct company that you’re applying to?

I wouldn’t lie but I also think that the question might be irrelevant to the job role that you’ve applied for