Disability Disclosure: Determining if and when to disclose your disability to a potential employer

What you can say

When to say it

• When it was a problem
• What you learned from the problem
• How long you’ve been sober

• Possibly in the interview, especially if it might come out in work history or reference checks

What you can say

When to say it

• When it was a problem
• That it is under control
• What you have learned to avoid it happening again – coping skills
• Stress new goals and capabilities

• Unless this is likely to come out in work history or reference checks you may wish to avoid
• If this is an ongoing problem for you, you should consider disclosing during the interview

What you can say

When to say it

• When it occurred and possibly why
• What happened
• What you learned from you mistake
• Show regret/remorse
• Stress new goals and capabilities

• Possibly in interview, especially if you are asked or if it might come out in work history or reference checks, you are required to answer honestly

What you can say

When to say it

• What learning problems you have
• How you have learned to work around these problems
• Special efforts you’ve made to improve skills
• Stress goals and capabilities

• In interview especially if it might be obvious or your job might require you to do something that would be difficult for you

What you can say

When to say it

• What the physical problem is - educate the employer
• What specific limitations are – stress that you would not exceed them
• Ways you have learned to adapt physically
• Capabilities and goals

• In the interview even if the employer does not bring up the subject – educate them and put them at ease with your confirm dealing openly with the issue

What you can say

When to say it

• Explain why poor record of employment – take responsibility for it
• Do not blame others - especially former employers
• State what you have learned and why you would stay with their company
• Stress your ability

• In the interview as it will be obvious from your work history
• Possibly could be briefly brought up in cover letter accompanying job application and/or resume