Job Searching with a Disability/Medical Condition

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We recently received a question from a  reader asking “When should I disclose that I have a disability to an employer” This is not an easy question to answer and requires a bit of discussion.

Generally, the guidelines we recommend for making this determination are related to two things:

1. The serverity of the disability or medical condition.
2. Your level of social confidence.

If the severity of your condition is such that it would have little bearing upon your ability to perform the job in question, our advice is clear: Don’t bring the subject up until the job interview.

In a job interview you will at least gain the opportunity to present your credentials and convince the employer that you can be a valuable contribution despite your disability or medical condition. If you are successful in marketing your overall qualifications and capabilities during the interview, perhaps the conversation can then turn to providing the necessary support and accommodations you need to sustain your job performance at a consistently high level.

Another important consideration when deciding whether to mention your disability or medical condition is your social comfort. If you are fairly comfortable with your disability and will not be embarrassed by the interviewer’s potential surprise or awkwardness, by all means, wait until the job interview.

On the other hand if you have a severe disability or medical condition and feel compelled to advise that employer during application, then do so. Should you elect to advise of your disability or medical condition during application (cover letter or resume), be sure to provide sufficient information. Don’t keep the employer guessing about you ability to perform the job.

The information you provide in your cover letter or resume should give a detailed and accurate description of your physical limitations and how they relate to your ability to function. Don’t overdo it, however. Remember, the employer is really interested in your job qualifications. It is important therefore, that you offer a convincing presentation of your qualifications and your interest in the job. First generate interest in your candidacy, and then, having accomplished this, introduce the subject if your disability, along with a frank description of your limitations and some convincing evidence showing your disability or medical condition will not effect your ability to perform the duties of the role (you may choose to do this at interview).

Some employers will ask in their application paperwork/online form if you have any disability that will prevent you from performing the position. This is a question that is designed to prompt a person with a disability to think over their application and you are not required to answer “yes” unless you feel your disability would have complications in your ability to perform the role. Physical changes to a work place is not a reason that you cannot perform a position, an employer can seek finanical assistance from the Government to make that required alterations.

This matter is rather delicate and I hope this article has answered the readers question.

We need your help to keep our website running and helping Australian's. If you find this information helpful, consider donating.