At what stage do I mention my disability?
Discussion
After a year out doing nothing because of an accident I had, I'm thinking about getting back into employment. The roles I'm looking for are quite mundane and don't pay brilliantly (admin, call centre roles etc) but I just need to prove to myself what I can actually do before I make decisions re my long term future.
Anyway onto the topic, I use a wheelchair or crutches full time (because of paralysis from a spinal injury) so at what stage do I mention this? Covering letter, on my cv or at interview?
There's a few reasons why I feel I should mention it. For starters, someone turning up in a wheelchair, or hobbling in on crutches gives the impression that I'm ill and thus could take lots of time off. Well obviously I have a medical condition but it's now stable and I just have an annual appointment to see my consultant that's it. I'm not running (I wish) back and forth to the doctors.
Also, I'd like to make it clear to potential employers that apart from using the loo for 5 minutes every 4 or 5 hours I don't need to be accommodated in any special way. I don't need a special seat or equipment etc.
Lastly, talking about my injury helps to fill a gap in my cv and explain what I've been doing for the last year.
So how should I play this?
Thanks in advance for any advice offered.
Anyway onto the topic, I use a wheelchair or crutches full time (because of paralysis from a spinal injury) so at what stage do I mention this? Covering letter, on my cv or at interview?
There's a few reasons why I feel I should mention it. For starters, someone turning up in a wheelchair, or hobbling in on crutches gives the impression that I'm ill and thus could take lots of time off. Well obviously I have a medical condition but it's now stable and I just have an annual appointment to see my consultant that's it. I'm not running (I wish) back and forth to the doctors.
Also, I'd like to make it clear to potential employers that apart from using the loo for 5 minutes every 4 or 5 hours I don't need to be accommodated in any special way. I don't need a special seat or equipment etc.
Lastly, talking about my injury helps to fill a gap in my cv and explain what I've been doing for the last year.
So how should I play this?
Thanks in advance for any advice offered.
I wouldn't mention it specifically, and I would word your CV carefully.
IMO, at the end of the day, if someone is going to (wrongly) discriminate against you for being disabled, that will happen at any point from receipt of your CV to interview so when you tell them is fairly irrelevant in that regard.
I would personally leave it off, and discuss what happened at the interview if you get one (and feel you want to)
This gives you face-to-face time to explain properly where you are and removes the CV-in-the-bin scenario before they've even talked to you.
IMO, at the end of the day, if someone is going to (wrongly) discriminate against you for being disabled, that will happen at any point from receipt of your CV to interview so when you tell them is fairly irrelevant in that regard.
I would personally leave it off, and discuss what happened at the interview if you get one (and feel you want to)
This gives you face-to-face time to explain properly where you are and removes the CV-in-the-bin scenario before they've even talked to you.
This is a tough call because your year not working counts against you unless you can justify it on the CV.
I'd be inclined to put on your CV that you had an accident and have been recovering as it's honest, it covers a hole in the CV and i think it might be looked on favourably.
In terms of mentioning a disability, I would only mention that when called to interview.
I know that larger firms typically have policies to not discriminate, and certainly in my company (very large FMCG) we would make every effort to make any provision you needed. Having said that you still have to be the best person for the job
All the best
I'd be inclined to put on your CV that you had an accident and have been recovering as it's honest, it covers a hole in the CV and i think it might be looked on favourably.
In terms of mentioning a disability, I would only mention that when called to interview.
I know that larger firms typically have policies to not discriminate, and certainly in my company (very large FMCG) we would make every effort to make any provision you needed. Having said that you still have to be the best person for the job
All the best
You might be surprised, personally I would advise up front full disclosure when dealing with large multinational firms. They are all set up, and likly have targets around diversity recruitment. If you are ethnic as well then many financial services companies would love to hire you.
In the cover letter
In the cover letter
Gargamel said:
You might be surprised, personally I would advise up front full disclosure when dealing with large multinational firms. They are all set up, and likly have targets around diversity recruitment. If you are ethnic as well then many financial services companies would love to hire you.
In the cover letter
For big organisations, a good cover letter explaining the nature of the disability sounds like it would be a big help.In the cover letter
I would mention it, but make it clear that the physical disability in no way prevents you from dong the job that you would have done previously. Your CV should emphasize your relevant skills and experience fort the job. I have hired many people in my career including those who have a variety of physical challenges, including blindness and other things that are more difficult to accommodate that someone who needs a wheelchair. Big companies and public organizations are normally very well equipped to hire people with disabilities.
I will admit I have often not hired people with a seemingly common allergy. Allergy to work
I will admit I have often not hired people with a seemingly common allergy. Allergy to work
speedyguy said:
Look on council/gov ads,, could you get a foot in the door (excuse the pun) using the guaranteed interview scheme ?
The trouble with that you will waste a lot of time going to interviews where the have no intention of employing you. You there just to fulfil their 'quota' - for want of a better word. Also in many/most cases with these employers it has already been decided who is getting the job!I agree with those that say tell them but make it clear that you are perfect for the job.
Best of luck.
swerni said:
Is that even possible in a wheel chair?
If you can mince in, in a wheel chair and are of ethnic heritage (including Ginger) don't be surprised if the HR person shouts "HOUSE" as they see you. Seriously, though all firms are required to make suitable adjustment, and most large firms where HR have a role in driving compliance to policy and employment law will be quite happy to assist and ensure the correct process is run. This doesn't mean you will always get the job, but that in theory your disability is taken out of the equation when assessing who is the best candidate.
Therefore I would disclose it in the covering letter.
Look I work at a high level within corporate recruitment. All companies are now required to comply with equality and inclusion laws, so your disability can actually work to your advantage.
You will see that most online applications now ask you to state if you have a disability and if you wish to have this taken into account when you are applying. As most decent sized companies have quotas and like to promote their E&I credentials don’t be afraid to let companies know.
You will see that most online applications now ask you to state if you have a disability and if you wish to have this taken into account when you are applying. As most decent sized companies have quotas and like to promote their E&I credentials don’t be afraid to let companies know.
Fortunately my disability doesn't put me in a wheelchair and outwardly I look able bodied.
I have also told them about my disability at the end of the interview. I can sell myself in the interview and then when they ask 'Is there anything you want to ask or anything else' I tell them then.
My previous employers have always respected me for doing it that way, and I can then ensure I tell them the condition properly rather than first impression on an email or CV.
Only two jobs have they known about illness prior to the interview, One I didn't get offered an interview, the other because they sent a large application form to fill out and submit prior to the interview as it was for a MOD supplier. I got that job.
I have also told them about my disability at the end of the interview. I can sell myself in the interview and then when they ask 'Is there anything you want to ask or anything else' I tell them then.
My previous employers have always respected me for doing it that way, and I can then ensure I tell them the condition properly rather than first impression on an email or CV.
Only two jobs have they known about illness prior to the interview, One I didn't get offered an interview, the other because they sent a large application form to fill out and submit prior to the interview as it was for a MOD supplier. I got that job.
OP, a couple of related things come to mind:
There used to be disability employment advisers in Jobcentres who would advise you on GIS and more.
If you have an inc SCI presumably you still have potential for some recovery (one year being relatively soon after injury) or at least need to work to maintain what mobility you've got. Sitting 40 hours pw might make you worse - reducing your long term earning capacity if nothing else. This https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/overview for an adapted chair, say, might help.
Spinal Injury Assoc is a useful resource http://www.spinal.co.uk/
Imho more employers than those who will discriminate against you will recognise you for having the balls to get up and have another go. Good luck.
There used to be disability employment advisers in Jobcentres who would advise you on GIS and more.
If you have an inc SCI presumably you still have potential for some recovery (one year being relatively soon after injury) or at least need to work to maintain what mobility you've got. Sitting 40 hours pw might make you worse - reducing your long term earning capacity if nothing else. This https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/overview for an adapted chair, say, might help.
Spinal Injury Assoc is a useful resource http://www.spinal.co.uk/
Imho more employers than those who will discriminate against you will recognise you for having the balls to get up and have another go. Good luck.
Streetrod said:
Look I work at a high level within corporate recruitment. All companies are now required to comply with equality and inclusion laws, so your disability can actually work to your advantage.
You will see that most online applications now ask you to state if you have a disability and if you wish to have this taken into account when you are applying. As most decent sized companies have quotas and like to promote their E&I credentials don’t be afraid to let companies know.
tin foil hat time You will see that most online applications now ask you to state if you have a disability and if you wish to have this taken into account when you are applying. As most decent sized companies have quotas and like to promote their E&I credentials don’t be afraid to let companies know.
the disability related information will NOT go to appointing managers, the only thing that might alert them to the fact there is someone on their shortlist with a disability is if their normal interview location is swapped for a different room
Quotas are well out of date
GIS is worthwhile - but the appointing managers will only pick this up if they do the shortlisting entirely - but then again they may not know why someone has applied under the GIS until they meet them ...
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