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From my new book, Life’s a Bitch and Then You Change Careers, discover how to change careers at any age. Plus interview questions to be prepared for, how others made successful career changes, if you have what it takes to make a change, how to get an offer in a new career when you have no experience and how to stay focused and motivated.


For help on negotiating alternative work schedules, researching companies that have family friendly policies, defining the environment and job you want that gives you the balance you seek, then positioning yourself on your resume for this job, see Resumes That Will Get You the Job You Want, Greener Pastures: How to Find a Job in Another Place and Interview Strategies That Will Get You the Job You Want.

 

Job Interviews

"Disabled"
Dear Andrea:

    I need advice regarding seeking employment while being disabled. I have multiple sclerosis and walk with a cane but occasionally use my wheelchair. I haven't looked for employment for over 25 years, and never, since I've been disabled. I have a good work record and was offered retirement due to a downsizing two years ago. I'm ready to go back to work, I think. Do I tell employers up front I have M.S.? What kind of salary should I expect or request? Do I offer my services without pay? Should I contact an employment agency?

    --Disabled and confused

Dear Disabled:

    Here's a list of things to do, in this order:

    1. If you haven't already, read the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) which lists regulations employers must follow. Call the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Publications and Information Office for "A Technical Assistance Manual on the Employment Provisions of Title I of ADA". It sounds technical, but the office assures me it's in plain English. They're at 800-669-3362.

    2. Know for sure whether you do want to go back to work. Your "I think" comment makes me question your commitment. If not 100 percent committed, how can you convince an employer to hire you and give your all on the job?

    3. Be prepared for questions that ask what you've been doing for the past two years: Why do you want to go back to work now after retiring? What have you been doing for the last two years?

      Hopefully you haven't just been sitting by the dock of the bay watching time go by. Tell of your involvement in worthwhile organizations, a book you're writing, or whatever.

    4. See if your state has a vocational rehabilitation bureau with a job placement program and vocational evaluation. Some of these bureaus work with businesses to facilitate job placement and understand the issues of a disabled employee.

    Work without pay? Why would you? Sometimes people making a career change or doing internships work without pay for a couple weeks. But I can't think of why you should.

    Should you contact an employment agency? If you mean a recruiter (a company that works on behalf of the employer to find the right employee) it can't hurt.

    If you mean an agency to which you pay a certain amount so they will find you a job, I wouldn't. I wouldn't pay anyone to find a job.

    Salary? It depends on the position and how many hours you're working. Your disability shouldn't enter into it. Your salary should be based on what's fair for the position and your level of experience.

    Regarding issues unique to your situation, as a general guide, if you can perform the basic functions of the job, the employer can't discriminate against hiring you. They can ask you to show how you would do a particular task.

    Familiarize yourself with all the "right" and "wrong" questions. Employers can be just as uncomfortable, so try not to be defensive if you hear a question that seems inappropriate. Think through their concerns and develop responses--even if they aren't brought up.

    For example, an interviewer may be afraid you'll be sick or absent frequently. This kind of response will help quell the fear:

    "I know this can be uncomfortable discussing issues around disabilities, so perhaps it would help if I talk about a concern or two that I think you might have."

    Then share one: "Sometimes employers are concerned that someone with a disability will be sick or absent often. In the 25 years I worked at Big & Small, Inc., I only missed work a total of X number of days--and that was due to a cold and the time I had my tonsils removed. I have always had an excellent attendance record which will continue if I were to work here."

    Employers might worry about you getting along with others. If you bring it up, focus on good working relationships you've had in the past.

    Do you tell the interviewer up front? It depends what you mean by up front. A woman who used a wheelchair told me it helped if she let employers know in advance that she was disabled. This put them at ease because they weren't surprised and had taken care of the necessary accommodations. But she only shared this information after she got the interview. Do not mention it during a pre-screening telephone call, on your resume or in correspondence.

    If your disability was not noticeable and you can do the job, why mention it?

    © by Andrea Kay

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