Off topic..job interviews

Gabe N Abby Mom
Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
in Breast Cancer #1
I've been on medical leave for so long I no longer have FMLA protection at work. That puts me in a position where I will be on a 90 day "job search leave". This is an unpaid leave, but benefits continue (whew!)and I am still considered an active employee. Basically I have to interview for jobs within my company.

So by my thinking, if I have to interview for the company which is employing me I might as well interview with other companies too. So I put some feelers out...and I have two interviews next week!! I'm both excited and nervous.

Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts on revealing or not revealing bc during an interview. I know that legally, they shouldn't be asking about it and employers are not supposed to discriminate in their hiring. But, if it comes down to me and another candidate where everything else is equal, bc could tip the scale. It's not legal, it's not right...but it happens.

On the other hand, I feel dishonest by 'hiding' it. I'm very curious to hear your thoughts.

Hugs,

Linda

Comments

  • mollyz
    mollyz Member Posts: 756 Member
    #2
    Nope
    I would not reveal because 1.they want want to insure you with insurance 2.they will only think you'll be costing the company more money with medical cost.I haven't went back to work yet I've been out a year May 28 and with the neuropathy and I'm not worrying about that now i need to get completely well. I have a question about your rads treatment I'm still sore from that, my last treatment was on April 8. I'm so tender and i still use the aquaphor is your areas completely? MOLLYZ
  • Chickadee1955
    Chickadee1955 Member Posts: 355 Member
    #3
    mollyz said:

    Nope
    I would not reveal because 1.they want want to insure you with insurance 2.they will only think you'll be costing the company more money with medical cost.I haven't went back to work yet I've been out a year May 28 and with the neuropathy and I'm not worrying about that now i need to get completely well. I have a question about your rads treatment I'm still sore from that, my last treatment was on April 8. I'm so tender and i still use the aquaphor is your areas completely? MOLLYZ

    Hi Linda,
    I wouldn't reveal
    Hi Linda,

    I wouldn't reveal the BC at any time before being offered a job. Would you tell a prospective employer you have high blood pressure or diabetes? If you are offered a job, I guess you could bring it up, but unless you think you'll need accommodation for doctors' visits, etc., I think I'd play it close to vest...or the chest....or wherever....:D
  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member
    #4
    Chickadee1955 said:

    Hi Linda,
    I wouldn't reveal
    Hi Linda,

    I wouldn't reveal the BC at any time before being offered a job. Would you tell a prospective employer you have high blood pressure or diabetes? If you are offered a job, I guess you could bring it up, but unless you think you'll need accommodation for doctors' visits, etc., I think I'd play it close to vest...or the chest....or wherever....:D

    No
    There is no reason to tell them. Like Chickadee said, you wouldn't mention high blood pressure or diabetes. Good luck with the interviews! What an exciting time.

    Cindy
  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member
    #5
    Chickadee1955 said:

    Hi Linda,
    I wouldn't reveal
    Hi Linda,

    I wouldn't reveal the BC at any time before being offered a job. Would you tell a prospective employer you have high blood pressure or diabetes? If you are offered a job, I guess you could bring it up, but unless you think you'll need accommodation for doctors' visits, etc., I think I'd play it close to vest...or the chest....or wherever....:D

    No
    There is no reason to tell them. Like Chickadee said, you wouldn't mention high blood pressure or diabetes. Good luck with the interviews! What an exciting time.

    Cindy
  • butterflylvr
    butterflylvr Member Posts: 944
    #6
    mamolady said:

    No
    There is no reason to tell them. Like Chickadee said, you wouldn't mention high blood pressure or diabetes. Good luck with the interviews! What an exciting time.

    Cindy

    Linda,
    I agree with the above statements. It would be similar to a newly expectant pregnant woman does she tell them or not? I guarantee you they wouldn't hire someone for a few months knowing she will soon expect maternity leave. If the issues are out there the cards are in their favor, but if you keep a hidden hand they are in yours. You are right, they aren't suppose to discriminate but unfortunately it happens more to women then it does men. People hide their conditions all the time whether it be cancer, drugs, alcohol or any of the others, once an employer is aware of it your odds of hire go way down...

    Good Luck,
    Lorrie
  • csr771
    csr771 Member Posts: 117
    #7
    Interviews
    I agree with the others in that I would not reveal the BC--not at the interview stage anyway. I think that it may tilt the scale in an unfavorable way. I have a question: is it better to leave your company altogether or go to another department in your company? I have been working for my company 18 years. While I would very much like another job, I cannot see leaving the company because of my benefits. Not that it is a bad thing to move, but definitely weigh the pros and cons. It has to be about what's best for you.
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #8
    butterflylvr said:

    Linda,
    I agree with the above statements. It would be similar to a newly expectant pregnant woman does she tell them or not? I guarantee you they wouldn't hire someone for a few months knowing she will soon expect maternity leave. If the issues are out there the cards are in their favor, but if you keep a hidden hand they are in yours. You are right, they aren't suppose to discriminate but unfortunately it happens more to women then it does men. People hide their conditions all the time whether it be cancer, drugs, alcohol or any of the others, once an employer is aware of it your odds of hire go way down...

    Good Luck,
    Lorrie

    Linda congratulations
    Linda,
    Congratulations on landing two interviews! Very impressive accomplishment, which tells me that you have a great resume and qualifications for the jobs. On the long-tern survivors board we have had similar discussion you might want to take a look at it: http://csn.cancer.org/node/206178.
    I am trying to be a straight shooter so these are my thoughts:
    I have been among few, who was laid off while on medical leave during radiation treatment. I took 6 months off and found a new job at the same level I had before my BC diagnosis. I did not hide the gap in my resume, however never brought my health situation to the interview process (3 consecutive interviews total 10 people + presentation). Why did I never talk about my illness? Because it has nothing to do with my job qualifications and performance. Since I have not been asking for special treatment, or reduced hours, and a good fit for the position, my health is my personal issue.
    You should feel comfortable with your approach and your answers. Please do not forget that the only way Bc survivors can get health, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance is thought your employer. If you get a job with benefits you will be automatically enrolled even you have pre-existing conditions.

    Good luck with your interviews. Let us know the outcome.
    Hugs,
    New Flower
  • Mitzi333
    Mitzi333 Member Posts: 511 Member
    #9
    csr771 said:

    Interviews
    I agree with the others in that I would not reveal the BC--not at the interview stage anyway. I think that it may tilt the scale in an unfavorable way. I have a question: is it better to leave your company altogether or go to another department in your company? I have been working for my company 18 years. While I would very much like another job, I cannot see leaving the company because of my benefits. Not that it is a bad thing to move, but definitely weigh the pros and cons. It has to be about what's best for you.

    Interviews...
    Best wishes on your interviews. One thing to consider...If you have a gap of time listed on your resume and/or application, the potential employer may ask about it. Be prepared to respond to their inquiry of what you were doing during that time. You don't have to mention your health. Nor does the potential employer have the right to ask about medical issues. However you don't want to fabricate a response that may be subject to review down the road. Although you past the interview process and get hired, the employer has the right to go back and review the accuracy of your application and resume for various reasons. My thought is just be prepared with an honest response should the issue surface. You don't want to get hired and let go for falisifcation on your application or resume.

    Good Luck!!!

    Mitzi ;0)
  • Ticky
    Ticky Member Posts: 117
    #10
    Mitzi333 said:

    Interviews...
    Best wishes on your interviews. One thing to consider...If you have a gap of time listed on your resume and/or application, the potential employer may ask about it. Be prepared to respond to their inquiry of what you were doing during that time. You don't have to mention your health. Nor does the potential employer have the right to ask about medical issues. However you don't want to fabricate a response that may be subject to review down the road. Although you past the interview process and get hired, the employer has the right to go back and review the accuracy of your application and resume for various reasons. My thought is just be prepared with an honest response should the issue surface. You don't want to get hired and let go for falisifcation on your application or resume.

    Good Luck!!!

    Mitzi ;0)

    Don't tell on the first interview
    I have very positive feelings about you finding a job from your wonderful posts on this board.

    Good Luck,

    Ticky
  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
    #11
    Ticky said:

    Don't tell on the first interview
    I have very positive feelings about you finding a job from your wonderful posts on this board.

    Good Luck,

    Ticky

    Absolutely not!
    How's the length of your hair? If your hair doesn't look long enough and you have a good wig, wear it. Last time I saw you your hair was really cute, tho. Probably cuter now.

    You know all the legal stuff, but the moral stuff is it's none of their business. It's a very private matter.

    Your bc is a personal challenge - it has nothing to do with your qualifications for a job. I sure hate the recent posts from others about losing jobs.

    Good luck - go get 'em

    Suzanne
  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #12
    Linda, no way would I mention bc.


    I certainly would not disclose it at anytime if it did not affect my ability to do my job! If it was testicular cancer, would a man disclose it? You are not being dishonest. They are paying you to do a job based on experience and ability, not on past medical history!

    Good luck on your interviews! Hopefully one will be the job of your dreams.
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    #13
    Double Whammy said:

    Absolutely not!
    How's the length of your hair? If your hair doesn't look long enough and you have a good wig, wear it. Last time I saw you your hair was really cute, tho. Probably cuter now.

    You know all the legal stuff, but the moral stuff is it's none of their business. It's a very private matter.

    Your bc is a personal challenge - it has nothing to do with your qualifications for a job. I sure hate the recent posts from others about losing jobs.

    Good luck - go get 'em

    Suzanne

    Thanks for asking about my
    Thanks for asking about my hair...I've been debating about the wig too. I'm just not sure my hair is long enough yet. It's only about an inch and half, it seems to be growing so slowly. That's probably just me being impatient.

    Will we get to see your wig on the 25th?
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    #14
    Thank you all for your
    Thank you all for your responses, you've definitely given me a lot to consider. New Flower, thank you so much for the compliment. I did go read the other thread you mentioned. And the hero perspective Phil brings up is very interesting. It seems the overwhelming answer is don't mention it. So I've got to come up with responses that are honest, that I feel comfortable and confident with. But it's a thin line for me to walk, as I got these interviews from personal referrals so the people I'm interviewing with may already know about the bc.

    To get ready for the interviews, I've been looking at interview questions on line and thinking through my responses. It seems like so many of them can be answered with "Duh, cancer." Like 'what was the most difficult decision you've made in the last year?' or 'tell me about a challenging project you've completed recently'. So it's probably good that I've been practicing because I don't think "Duh, cancer" will get me hired anywhere.

    Thanks again everyone! I'll let you know what happens.
  • Jean 0609
    Jean 0609 Member Posts: 2,462
    #15
    Hey Linda,
    Good luck on whatever you decide to do! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

    Just a thought, since you mentioned benefits. Not sure how the insurance handles "pre-existing conditions" if you have your own health insurance and change insurances.

    xoxo,
    Jean
  • joannstar
    joannstar Member Posts: 403 Member
    #16
    I chose not to reveal
    my bc at my recent job interview (previous business was sold so the job ended--found out the day I finished treatment 4/1/11). The subject did not come up during the interview so I didn't say anything. My hair was super short and gray. I muttered something about having cut off the color and decided to go natural--not really a lie. I got the job and it came up in conversation about 2 weeks later. I have been open and answer any questions.
    I am proud to be a survivor and am looking forward to my 1 year cancerversary on 8/19/11.
    Good luck in your job search!
    JoAnn
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #17
    Jean 0609 said:

    Hey Linda,
    Good luck on whatever you decide to do! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

    Just a thought, since you mentioned benefits. Not sure how the insurance handles "pre-existing conditions" if you have your own health insurance and change insurances.

    xoxo,
    Jean

    Employer based insurance
    Jean,
    If the job comes with benefits through employer there is no "pre-existing conditions" situation. Employee automatically eligible and becomes a part of group benefits plan.
    If survivor shops around on her own, pre-existing will be a limited factor.
    Linda,
    Good luck
  • Jean 0609
    Jean 0609 Member Posts: 2,462
    #18
    New Flower said:

    Employer based insurance
    Jean,
    If the job comes with benefits through employer there is no "pre-existing conditions" situation. Employee automatically eligible and becomes a part of group benefits plan.
    If survivor shops around on her own, pre-existing will be a limited factor.
    Linda,
    Good luck

    Thanks New Flower,
    I didn't know this. Thanks for the info.
    xoxo,
    Jean
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #19
    Jean 0609 said:

    Thanks New Flower,
    I didn't know this. Thanks for the info.
    xoxo,
    Jean

    Thanks everyone for all of
    Thanks everyone for all of this good information. And, good luck with your job search!


    Leeza
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #20
    Ticky said:

    Don't tell on the first interview
    I have very positive feelings about you finding a job from your wonderful posts on this board.

    Good Luck,

    Ticky

    I know you will find a
    I know you will find a fantastic job!
  • mollieb
    mollieb Member Posts: 148
    #21
    It's Not Relevant
    Don't feel dishonest about "hiding" breast cancer, unless it will keep you from performing your job. If you know you can get in there and do what's expected, go for it!

    How many times have employers "hidden" key information from you at an interview (this is a really miserable place to work; the person you will replace left in tears)?

    You don't want to look like a victim, you want to look like a winner -- and you are!

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