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Job Interviews

Ali2003

Ali2003

Newbie
Hi peeps,
Can anyone advise on if you should declare your type 1 diabetes in a job interview. I'm type 1 and not sure if I should mention this or not?
Any advice gratefully appreciated
Thanks xx
 
I've always worked on the basis that I on'y declare it where necessary, so if I am asked directly then I'll talk about it. As I have provided training to the NHS and as a result of that have an outside business interest that I have to declare, then it comes up as part of the discussion.
 
Ali2003 said:
Can anyone advise on if you should declare your type 1 diabetes in a job interview. I'm type 1 and not sure if I should mention this or not?
Click to expand...
https://about.brighton.ac.uk/careers/cvs-and-interviews/disclosing-a-disability/ has a pretty good summary.

Basically, you might not want to disclose your diabetes before you get the job, because it's relatively easy to get discriminated against at that point in time. If you haven't been offered the job yet then it's hard to prove that discrimination was the reason you didn't get it, rather than not having the best qualifications, someone else being a "better fit", etc.

But it's good to inform your employer after you get the job, so that they can't blame you for problems arising due to diabetes. If it does affect your performance, but they haven't been notified, then they aren't discriminating when they punish you for it. You can also then make sure you get "reasonable adjustments", such as taking a break from your job for a couple minutes to test blood sugar, or be exempted from policies regarding eating at your desk, etc, when necessary.

If a hypo might put you or other people at risk (as a driver, etc), then you're required to disclose it.
 
Only disclose if you are asked or on the application form and if you get a second interview, I would always do that. If asked do you have a disability that could affect your work, then that's a definite no for me, but never lie or cover it up.
Good luck and all the best.
 
I wouldn't declare it before the interview as it shouldn't really affect job attendance or job risk, but I might avoid taking on a job managing dangerous machinery as the risk of a hypo has serious consequences.
 
I was considering the same question a few years ago and overcame it by presenting my T1 in a positive light as a blogger.

My CV says something like "I am a blogger for Diabetes UK where I advocate a full and adventurous life which is not reduced by type 1 diabetes."
 
I wouldn't have declared it either unless asked. So much misunderstanding and discrimination out there.... how was your control during interview? Not had many interviews but in those I've had I always panic I'll hypo, so go high purposely then the adrenaline does crazy things to my sugar/symptoms! Good luck, hope you get it
 
They shouldn't really be asking to be honest - unless it's directly related to the safety of doing the role. If they are asking, ask yourself why it matters to them at this stage (it's clearly not for your wellbeing) and if so, is this somewhere you want to work?
 
helensaramay said:
I was considering the same question a few years ago and overcame it by presenting my T1 in a positive light as a blogger.

My CV says something like "I am a blogger for Diabetes UK where I advocate a full and adventurous life which is not reduced by type 1 diabetes."
Click to expand...
Hi

I mentioned at an interview I had last week (got the job), for the first time ever, that I had been active on a diabetes forum because I've been type 1 for 25 years and reading a lot about diabetes recently. It was for a job where I am currently temping and do have lots of experience. Never before mentioned my diabetes at an interview, but they asked me about myself, I said I read, they asked me what I read and I thought, well, don't bluff, and mentioned my diabetes as it was on my mind (as it usually is ;)). I didn't know the interviewers beforehand. TBH I don't know if I would do this as standard, I've never done this before and did think afterwards, well people don't always understand, they may know a diabetic and have good/bad views, misinterpretations, discrimination etc...but I did it and couldn't undo it. It worked out this time and I hope to be more open about my diabetes if I'm asked.
 
Ali2003 said:
Hi peeps,
Can anyone advise on if you should declare your type 1 diabetes in a job interview. I'm type 1 and not sure if I should mention this or not?
Any advice gratefully appreciated
Thanks xx
Click to expand...
T1 is classed as a disability and should have not be disclosed as this not usually made aware to a selelection panel unless necessary.
 
At the interview. No I wouldn't bring it up. I if asked on a form? It's best to declare.

Interestingly. I was at a job interveiw a number of years back. Dressed presentable, tie & shirt all pressed looked sharp!
The woman interviewing quite early on asked if I would consider "cutting my hair"?
True, I had long hair, tied back in a tail... I replied that I was willing to tuck the hair away under a hat/hairnet.
She did not accept this.
Gracefully, I ended the interveiw & as she escorted me to the door, she shook my hand & said "should you reconsider? Don't hesitate to give me a call..."

There are all kinds of interesting forms of discrimination. I still wonder to this day if she would have asked the same question to a female applicant....
 
My company asks "Health Declaration: Do you know of any reason, on the grounds of mental or physical health, why you should not be able to discharge the responsibilities required by the post in question? " So don't lie but there is no reason to declare before hand. Good Luck!
 
To be honest when interviewing I'd never ask as for when I've been interviewed I've never mentioned it as some have said above it's easy to give someone a reason not to employee you but your diabetes should have no bearing on your ability to do the job if your successful and get the job it's always worth mentioning after just to ensure someone is aware in work should you have hypo etc
Hope that helps
 
Ali2003 said:
Hi peeps,
Can anyone advise on if you should declare your type 1 diabetes in a job interview. I'm type 1 and not sure if I should mention this or not?
Any advice gratefully appreciated
Thanks xx
Click to expand...
I always said something on application forms as my wheelchair would be the elephant in the room anyway.

However, when it comes to the diabetes, no, not at interview stage. In any case I'm T2 diet only so, legally, nobody needs to know until I start meds.
 
Duotrans said:
T1 is classed as a disability and should have not be disclosed as this not usually made aware to a selelection panel unless necessary.
Click to expand...

As the word "disability" means barrier (in socio-political terms), it definitely needs to be disclosed - especially if someone's on meds and going for a driving or other physical job, which I'd hope no-one would ever do anyway.
It just doesn't need to be disclosed at interview stage.
 
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