question about finding a new job while in remission of cancer?

Not Public Info
Just like age, kids, etc - you don't have to share medical history. I'm on the lookout for a job, too - have been wondering if I should try to cover my neck dissection scar if I get an interview - silly, I know, but I am wondering. I don't know if potential employers are permitted to ask about your medical history - I wouldn't think so. As far as having visits with docs for next three years, that wouldn't be many more appointments than the average person has - I would think you would not exhaust sick/vacation time on your followups. Good luck on the job hunt.

Skiffin16 said:

I Agree
I wouldn't volunteer unasked information. But I'm sure once you start filling in information, there may be questions come up if you have had cancer or other illness within the last five years.

But more than likely that would come later when filling in your information for insurance and such....

I don't believe that they can ask specific quections concerning your medical history, but also, you should not withold information that could come back to haunt you later.

Good Luck,
John

My two cents since I did interviews and hiring/firing...
and orientations for ten years.

Tough call. As someone who did thousands of interviews, I don't think I would say or give specifics.   You're going to need to make your own mind up with this one.  I would never lie, but I wouldn't volunteer it.  They are not allowed to ask about any disability you may have.  You need to learn how to handle yourself, and have answers ready.

SEE NUMBER 13 HERE


CANCER SURVIVORS RIGHTS IN THE WORKPLACE

TEN QUESTIONS THAT ARE ILLEGAL FOR THEM TO ASK


HANDLING IMPROPER QUESTIONS

LOOK AT THIS PAGE, UNDER 'YOUR WORKPLACE'

When you put together your résumé, do a skills based one.  Not a chronological one.  This way it will not highlight your work absence.  

MORE GOOD TIPS THAT CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR JOB HUNT

Only other advice I have as someone who interviewed all the time is to dress appropriately, have confidence, a good hand shake, look professional, and practice your interview skills with another person, and if you can, it's really good to video tape yourself so you can see what you need to work on.  

Good luck!  

timreichhart said:

thanks sweetblood22
thanks sweetblood22 for that info.

You're welcome.
I did screw up on a link and it won't let me edit.

Hopefully this is correct:

HANDLING IMPROPER QUESTIONS

Skiffin16 said:

And the old standby questions....
Why do you think you are the best person for this position....

Where do you see yourself within the company in five years....

What do you consider your weaknesses...

What accomplishment at your present or past positions do you take the most pride in....

Etc..., yada, yada, yada....

Turn of your cell phone or any similar devices during the interview....

JG

Agree with all the above
Tim,

It is illegal or more accurately, you would have grounds to take them to court if they asked you about longterm disabilities or health issues and then did not hire you because of that. Having said that, it's best to be honest if they ask. Like Sweet I do a lot of interviews for the company where I work (Even though I'm sure most interviewees would much rather be looking at Sweet across the desk than at me). Just few things to add: know as much as you can about the company you're interviewing with, ask some good questions (not about salary or benefits), be excited about the possibility of working for them and be confident.

Good luck!

Greg

adventurebob said:

No
You don't have to say anything about it and they can't ask but: fighting and surviving cancer says volumes about what kind of person you are. You would be a tremendous asset to any company with the perseverance, focus and discipline that you have inside of you. I would advise you to share your experience as it seems appropriate to you.

Bob

"fighting and surviving
"fighting and surviving cancer says volumes about what kind of person you are. You would be a tremendous asset to any company with the perseverance, focus and discipline that you have inside of you"


While I whole heartedly agree with this, I can tell you that most companies will not see it that way. Although they are not suppose to discriminate, they do. They don't do it overtly, but they do it. It will more likely be seen as a sign of weakness and a liability.

Also, just because they are not supposed to ask those questions, doesn't mean they won't. So you definitely need to be prepared to answer them. At my last job, I literally had an interview sheet with the questions on there, and that is all I could ask, period. You learn to be a little sneaky doing your interviews to find out what you need to know.