Today's guest post is by Network member, Andrew Shortall. He was diagnosed with XLH at age two, and has become a self-taught chef, wine business person and a writer, with aspirations to become a novelist.
The New Year often brings new
resolutions, new habits and lifestyle changes. For some of us, that also brings
a new job, or the desire to change jobs. But what happens if you’re disabled,
or have a “visible physical difference” such as XLH symptoms and short stature?
How do you challenge the first impressions formed by the interviewers?
Recent studies have suggested that people with
disabilities are more likely to encounter employment discrimination. Experienced
candidates with disabilities face 34% less employer interest, possibly due to
increased investment risk, according to a report authored by researchers at
Rutgers University and Syracuse University.
It’s a sad statistic and a damning
condemnation of modern life, but don’t let it discourage you! We can take steps to get past these issues. How do we make ourselves more attractive to potential
employers? In my own experience, it isn’t easy but can be done. I’ve always
applied for jobs I felt capable of doing. And when called for interview, I
portrayed myself as the best candidate, as everyone does.
Naturally, I came up against the first
impression issues. But sometimes you do meet a prospective employer who sees
your potential first. The last job I worked at was one such example. In the
first interview, they quizzed me about my education and work experience and
only at the end did they ask about my physical condition.
I did what all of us need to do in these
situations. I was honest about my illness and limitations. Since it was an
office-based job, I knew my physicality would not be an issue in my job
performance. I told them, truthfully, that I didn’t need medical monitoring (at
the time) and I wouldn’t need to take time off. During the second interview,
they asked some more questions and then brought me on a tour of the building,
including the warehouse and the upstairs office where I would be based. Once
they were satisfied that I could easily walk to the warehouse and use the
stairs to my future office, I was introduced to the staff and told I’d have the
decision later that day. Within two hours, I got the call telling me I was to
start the following Monday!
Finally, some thoughts and tips if
you’re job hunting:
·
Be honest, if asked, about your
condition
·
Be realistic about your
physical limitations
·
Be sure you can do the jobs
you’re applying for
·
Be certain you understand the
extent of your condition
·
Know the company and the job
requirements
·
Don’t be offended if they offer
to make workplace allowances for you!
Good luck in your job search!
