I have a question I would like to ask the community and see how others answer it. And, I apologize for the long post. I wanted to share as much of my thought process as possible.
I suffered a TBI (anoxic) Dec, 2005. Today, I am actively looking for more meaningful employment and seem to run into the same situation that keeps me from landing better opportunities, if I immediately disclose I have a disability. (And now, not to mention bad timing, with 33 million people out of work)
Here’s my question; When do you disclose to a perspective employer that you have a disability? I have a TBI. That, unlike probably many of you, I can hide. But I have expressive aphasia. I am told my speech is fine when I’m not under stress. Writing can sometimes be harder. And, boy, have I learned the importance of proofing my writings. But, when stressed (ie a job interview), I have a hard time fluidly expressing my thoughts. Yet, I am a fairly confident public speaker.
But, speech issues, be they occasionally or always, lead people to believe anyone with aphasia is, i don’t even know what word to use. Discrimination against those with disabilities, older age, and ethic backgrounds, for example, are illegal. But, they are IMPOSSIBLE to prove, not that I would sue to work with a company with those ethical standards.
I’ve noticed many potential employers are asking for “a statement of disability” where certain disabilities are listed and you have to sign a statement to declare one; not necessarily your disability. To me, it’s a back door to ask that question.
That said, I go back to my original question. I’ve struggled with this for years, since I was a patient at the HCMC TBI program and then Courage Center from 2005 through 2010. This question keeps coming up whenever discussing barriers to employment for those who have disabilities. And, I have heard this very question posed again and again! Which, to me, means it is a prevalent issue.
Don’t get me wrong, I know I am a hard working, dedicated and reliable employee. I have been very successful in the past. But since my injury, opportunities to even try to be successful seem very difficult to find. Alright, enough of me talking.
I would love to hear how others address this issue and their personal experiences. I hope this is a question that can start a dialogue to help many people with disabilities, not just help me!
Happy Summer! And, I wish you all good health and be safe!
Excuse any typos......aphasia. 😋
Sending a thank-you note, like these: https://www.algrim.co/264-thank-you-email-after-interview
It is really good. But what are some unique ideas to go above and beyond a thank-you note when you've completed an interview? #jobsearch #interviews
I need some advise regarding termination as well. I am a widow of 19 months; my husband (soulmate) passed away unexpectedly in April 2017. By September of 2017, I took short term disability to work through my grief and try to figure out what was also wrong with my right knee. I got cortisone shots for the knee, and a 3 shot series of glucosamine to try to help. I went back to work in January of 2018, walking with a cane. I ended up tearing my meniscus, and ended up on short term disability again and had a partial knee replacement on 2/28/2018. Right before my surgery, my boss called me (with HR on the line) to tell me that I was going to be replaced. Note - FMLA was in play the first time, not the second. I had the surgery, recovered, and then after applying for a different job (for which I was overqualified) I was "done" officially on 7/6/2018. Since then, I have applied for numerous positions, interviewed, and when asked, I advised that I was not "fully utilized" in my position. I truly wasn't. Since I have been off work, I have written a book and it will be published shortly. What do you suggest that I say about "leaving" my last job? I would rather be truthful, but I know that the truth isn't what people want to hear. Thanks!
My situation is complicated. I worked for the government for 28 years and held 5 similar positions all promotions. 3 years ago there was a huge change in management and employee retirements both elective and forced. I loved my career until the new director came on board. She made my life miserable but I stuck it out until!!! The part I'm legally bound to not disclose is what I need advice on...Ive heard many times from Recruitors to tell potential employers that I quit. Technically I did but when they ask why, what should I say that doesn't bring a negative to the table???
Hello Everyone! Hope you are all doing well. So, I have been on my temp/contract job for 3 weeks now. It is going good. Start OJT next week with my division. Prior to taking this job, the position I had really hoped to get, went to another person. This position is a software trainer for a major medical device company. I was the runner up to the person that was chosen. The hiring manager was great and said, she would keep my resume close. Well, today she reached out to me while traveling and asked me if I was still interested in the position and if I was available to talk with her on this coming up Monday. I have never had this happen to me! Bottom line, this position would align with my career path and so much more. I will talk with her on Monday. I figured the person they hired did not work out or they have a new position. If it is open due to the first person not working out, what kind of questions would be considered acceptable to ask? I would want to know why this person did not work out, yet maybe it is a question not to ask. In the meantime, I will keep moving forward and I must say, this email was a pleasant surprise! Has anyone had this happen to you? Thank you in advance for your input.
Just reading all the threads of people asking for hope, needing work, or getting through interviews or hopeful offers. This is me wishing everyone hope and to be strong and you got it! Like If you agree or feel free to comment to give hope to others. #hope #interviews #offer #work
Lets start a discussion. What was your weirdest job interview?
#jobinterview #interview #interviews #job #employment #work #discussion
Company culture is important. It can be the difference between hating or loving your job. A company with great culture is going to be excited to tell you all about it, but one with not-so-great culture will likely dodge your question.
So how do I know what the REAL company culture is?
Ask them! Here are a few sample questions to use during your interviews:
1. What is your favorite thing about working here?
This makes them have to really think about their own experience and what they value about their job. If the company has great employee perks and benefits, you’ll likely find out about them.
2. Are there activities for employees outside of work?
If a company offers activities outside of work to promote team-building, chances are they know the value of their employees. If you’re moving to a new area for work, it’s also a good way to meet people and discover the area!
3. How long have you been with the company?
When a company is constantly having to rehire people, it can tell you that they don’t value their employees and they probably don’t have a great employee culture. You should use your best judgement though, as sometimes you will interview at a great company with someone who is rather new!
What tips do you have for finding out about company culture?