Talking about homelessness in IB Interview
I’m currently refining my story for behavioral interviews (SA2026), specifically for questions like “What is your greatest challenge?” I’m considering discussing a period in the beginning of high school when my family experienced homelessness, and I had to work to help support my single mother and siblings. This experience was a pivotal moment for me—I overcame significant adversity and grew tremendously in resilience, responsibility, and work ethic. However, I’m concerned it might come across as too personal or that interviewers might perceive it as me seeking pity rather than demonstrating my growth. What’s your advice on how to approach this? Should I use this story, and if so, how can I frame it effectively to focus on the lessons I’ve learned and how it shaped me in a positive way? Thank you in advance for your insights!
I don’t care what anyone says here it’s raw and real and speaks to how you can navigate the trenches. These interviewers know when you’re bullshitting so if it’s truthful you should speak to it. Just make sure you mention the “happy ending” that came out of it so they don’t have concerns about family issues interfering with your work.
Thank you for the response I really appreciate it. I’ll definitely make sure to reiterate to the interviewer(s) that my family situation is improved
God forbid family comes before work!
I would not hesitate to answer the question with this anecdote. It’s a very real and authentic answer and shows a lot about your character. I know nothing about you but just from reading that anecdote I feel like you work hard and are grateful for the opportunities given to you. Shows a lot of positive character to for you to dig down deep, be in a stressful spot and do what has to be done at a young age.
Take what I said with a grain of salt though since I haven’t had the chance to be in the interviewer seat yet but best of luck.
Thank you! That means a lot
I have a similar story which I used in some interviews and it worked well only when there seems to be a good flow going with the interviewer.
If the person on the other end is showing no interest/doesn’t get along with you/seems distracted then it probably will backfire. Agree with what others are saying on this post but reality is a lot of interviewers are drained and don’t really care often times so have to play the cards your given on the day.
I appreciate the reply, would you mind if I PM you?
First and foremost, congratulations on overcoming an incredibly difficult situation, and I am happy that it sounds like things have worked out for you and the family. Others in this thread have already given good advice. My one note is that I've had 1-2 people over my career that have tried to network/interview and made their homelessness story the center of their story. Absolutely share a true and authentic anecdote like this to the extent you feel comfortable (while tying it to outcomes), just make sure not to use it as a crutch for other interview answers and coffee chats
It’s real and authentic.
My family faced a tough financial situation for a while, and I mentioned in an interview how my mom had to pick up an extra job so she was working probably 60+ hours a week (of course for terrible pay)
Told this to the MD who was interviewing me 1 on 1 and he completely respected it- ended up getting the offer.
People love grit and a comeback story. Don’t get overly emotional but show that it was really a hardship.
Best of luck
I think this anecdote would garner some serious respect. If anyone reacts snidely it would reflect worse on them / the bank.
Like anything, it’s all in the sales pitch. I had a tragic story that I spun as “look, I will work harder than anyone here’s why.” That played really well.
As long as everyone else checked out decently, this story would make me fast-track you
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