How to Find a Job for a Recovering Alcoholic

Alcoholics often lose their jobs due to their dependency on alcohol, because they reach the point at which they habitually wake up and go to work hung over, or even feel the need to drink during work. Recovering alcoholics who have previously lost a job due to their past alcoholism may dread the prospect of looking for a new job for fear of being asked why they lost their previous job. The hard choice between hiding your past alcohol abuse and being forthcoming about it is one that must be made before embarking on a job search.

• 1

  Search newspaper and online classifieds for job listings in your respective field. Look for companies with a reputation for caring about their employees. Such companies may be more willing than others to ignore past alcohol abuse or at least not hold it against you.

• 2

  Apply for jobs for which you believe yourself to be qualified by submitting applications or your resume and cover letter when requested. Do not mention being a recovering alcoholic in your cover letter.

• 3

  Apply for entry-level positions. If you have been out of work for a while, you may not be able to compete effectively for positions you're qualified for against other job candidates who are currently employed, because employers often favor currently employed job candidates to those with gaps in their resumes. However, once you land a job, you can prove yourself worthy of higher positions and work your way up.

• 4

  Attend job interviews. Have a response ready to explain employment gaps in your resume due to alcohol use. While prospective employers can't ask you about previous alcohol abuse, you can choose to be upfront about it; however, be aware that some employers will hold this against you.

• 5

  Take and pass any drug and alcohol tests requested of you. Some employers request such tests only after they have made an offer of employment, while others require them of all job candidates, regardless of whether a job offer has been made.