When you are chronically ill, searching for a job can feel impossible. Among other challenges, it can be difficult to know if and when to disclose your disability. I understand. My name is Morgan, and I suffer from multiple chronic illnesses. Though I’m currently studying Business and Management at Oxford Brookes University, here are some of my best tips for young people job-hunting while managing a chronic condition:
Think About Location I used to believe that doing any job was better than none at all. To an extent, this is true because any work experience will help you become more employable—but not if it negatively impacts your health! Before you even start applying for jobs, think carefully about the location where you can realistically work. This will save you from wasting time or disappointing the employer if you have to withdraw at the last minute.
Use STAR and Save Your Answers STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It can be a great way to structure your answers to interview questions. You can even add an "E" to make STARE, with the last step being "Evaluation." Learn the STAR(E) technique HERE. Having a structured approach can help reduce nervousness when answering questions. If you are submitting written responses to interview questions, be sure to save them for future applications.
Build Your Confidence Many of us with chronic conditions struggle with confidence during the application process. To build confidence, nothing helps more than practice! Consider applying for positions while you’re still in school, even if you’re unsure about working for those companies. This experience can help you build up your confidence. Many organizations have different interview formats, including video interviews, psychometric tests, one-to-one interviews, panel interviews, and assessment centers. Familiarizing yourself with these formats will help you feel more confident when you apply for real jobs later on. Additionally, applying to multiple positions teaches you how to cope with rejection. Don’t give up! Submitting numerous applications can help you learn what different companies are looking for.
Disclosing Your Chronic Illness You can disclose your illness at any stage, but it’s important to do so before signing a contract. Failing to disclose a condition could invalidate your job contract and release your employer from the obligation to provide reasonable adjustments to accommodate your needs. I disclosed my illnesses after receiving an offer letter—generally, it’s illegal for a company to retract an offer based on your disability. If you're unsure how to approach this, seek advice from your college or university. They may also have a list of companies known to be disability-friendly.
Request Reasonable Adjustments If you have learning disabilities and/or chronic illnesses, you can request reasonable adjustments at any stage of the interview process and in the job itself. I requested extra time to complete psychometric tests. I also have regular hospital appointments, so I’ve arranged to make up any missed work. When requesting adjustments, it’s helpful to understand the interview and recruitment process so that you can determine which parts of it will need modification to accommodate your condition.
I hope this post helps you find your dream job. Thank you for reading, and good luck!