Should I raise the issue of a disability on a job interview?
I've been unemployed now for over two years. I'm encountering problems in the job interview process because I am coming across as hiding something (because, in fact, I am) and because I am not interested in seeking an advanced position within the companies I am applying to work because my disability issues would make such a position very difficult, if not impossible, for me to function up to such an expectation. I know that I can perform all of the essential functions of the jobs I am applying for with minimal (if any) accommodations, and it is my intent, once hired, to sit down with whomever my manager happens to be and have a heart-to-heart discussion about the potential difficulties I might encounter on the job that I need them to be aware of. While my disability is relatively minor, the cumulative negative social effects it has the potential to cause if people are not properly informed about it make me weary of trying to hide such issues indefinitely since I can all but guarantee that circumstances would play out which would cause serious problems if an employer was not aware of my disability.
All of the advice I have been given so far by people who know far more about this stuff than I do have told me not to disclose anything about my disability during a job interview because, as I have been told, I would essentially be shooting myself in the foot to even bring up such issues by contributing to an employer's potential unprovable bias.
I realize I'm being a bit vague here. I really don't want to disclose too much in this question about my specific disability issues. Therefore, I'm trying to keep this a more general question.
Can anybody give me some thoughts, advice, or suggestions about job interviews and how to handle disclosure of information pertaining to a disability?
2008-09-08T14:59:20Z
I'm well aware that an employer can't ask me if I have a disability. That wasn't my question. My question is this: should I tell them without being asked during the interview?
Lawyer X2008-09-06T20:26:08Z
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As you know, there's no easy or right answer to your question--only things to consider. The choice is up to each person as to what information to disclose and when. Here's an article that, although written for people applying for legal jobs, has some good general information and advice: http://www.calbar.ca.gov/calbar/pdfs/comcom/Disclosure-Disability-Job-Interview.pdf
Keep in mind, too, that for many jobs, disability can be an advantage. Government employers, for example, often have affirmative action goals that include hiring people with disabilities.
I think the advice you have been given is wrong. Disclosure is an individual thing and there is no hard and fast rule.
If you plan to disclose immediately upon being hired - than I see no reason not to disclose prior to being hired. If disclosure means you will not be hired - than it is unlikely it is a place I would want to work anyway.
If you want to try to work without disclosing ever - than I see a reason to delay telling until whenever you decide is suitable.
You have written of a very reasonable reason why people do disclose. You as a person, as an employee have made choices that are better understood if your disability is known and also understood. Otherwise you come off as deceptive and not interested in challenge and advancement.
Note to others: It is not a lie to not disclose your disability - it is your legal right. You will not be terminated for not revealing your disability. It is not legal for a potential employer to ask if you have a disability - only to ask if you are able to accompish the job tasks required.
I have several disabilities, all mild, the worst being CP. At times I disclose them and other times I don't. It depends on how comfortable I feel with the person and with myself at that moment. Although I feel better discussing my disabilities and being open about them and having that understanding that sometimes I will need help even though I may not always want the help; I always seem to do better when I don't disclose them. Those who have "Perceived" me as normal always treats me better than when they find out that I am not normal later on after I have opened up about it.
I know that it isn't supposed to happen in this day of age, but many people are still predujiced against people with disabilities. At jobs that I don't disclose the information, I get farther ahead in the job. It makes the job more difficult, but I just try my best to hide my disabilities and make due with what I've got. When they affect my job and I bring them up, I get treated like a broken machine.
My advice to you: Lie... I hate being untruthful about anything, but with the way this world perceives the disabled, I'd say it's your best bet in getting a job. Unfortunately, that's been my experience. Say you are interested in advancement when they ask. Do not disclose your disabilities if you do not need to.
In applications where I've placed my disability and have not. I've never gotten a job when I've placed it on the applications.
Some people say that "honesty is the best policy." I would suggest that it is the only policy. Once you are found to be deceptive it is very hard to gain trust - by employers AND friends.
As a professional interviewer, just let me say that a good interviewer can detect your deception by your spoken words and/or your body language. You admit that you come "across as hiding something." Not knowing details about your disability makes it difficult for me to give any further advice other than to be honest and to be open about the issue.
I would rather hire an honest person who has a handicap than I would a person who has the handicap of being a liar.
Yes, be candid and relaxed about it, do not try to wave it off, because they will notice and it will make you look like a liar and is cause for immediate termination. I am in the same position, and after interviewing several times, its been proven that when I introduce the subject the interviewee is more open and relaxed about it. Disabilities are still a sensitive subject and some people, well actually most people do not know how to deal with them.