Disabilities


Disability Disclosure and Interviewing Techniques for Persons with Disabilities


you have a hidden disability such as a learning disability or a psychiatric impair- ment, when and how to disclose your con- dition can be a real dilemma. Below are some guidelines for dealing with disabili- ty issues in the pre-employment process:


D


Step One: Start with a Good Resume


Take time to write a good resume. This


is a written summary of your education, training, work experience, and most im- portantly, contact information. A resume should have three basic components: 1) Name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address;


2) Education and training


experiences; and 3) Work history and experience.


Do not overlook the value of


non-paid work experience such as internships, volunteer ac- tivities, and work that you have done for non-profit orga- nizations such as a church, civic organization, or political party.


Step Two: Write a Cover Letter


A cover letter is used to intro-


duce you to the perspective employer. It should briefly identify who you are and why you are applying for the position. It also should invite the employ- er to contact you for an in- terview. Be sure to enclose a copy of your resume with this letter. A cover letter also gives you your first op-


28 www.blackeoejournal.com


eciding when to disclose a disability can be a difficult choice for a person with a disability who is job hunting. If


portunity to disclose your disability. This would be to your advantage if: You are applying for a job with a state


or federal agency that must comply with affirmative action policies; The job you are applying for directly


relates to your experience as a person with a disability such as a rehabilitation coun- selor; or having a disability is a qualifica-


tion for the position. For example, a job as an addictions counselor may require that an individual be a recovering alco- holic.


Step Three: Completing Applications


For most people, the employment pro-


cess begins with a company’s job applica- tion. How you obtain and fill out this ap- plication can be the first impression the employer has of you. If you go to the job site to obtain an application, be mindful of your appearance. While it may not be nec- essary to wear your best interview suit it is important to wear clothes that are clean, ironed, and free from tears or holes. Be polite and come prepared with a pen or pencil and a copy of your resume. If pos- sible, take the application home with you. This will allow you to complete the infor- mation in a calm, stress-free environ- ment. Remember that neatness counts. The Americans with Disabilities


Act prohibits employers from ask- ing medical or disability-related questions on a job application. The exception to this is that a govern- ment agency can ask an applicant to voluntarily disclose a disability


for affirmative action purposes. Otherwise, if you encounter specif- ic questions about your disability or medical history, leave them blank. If necessary, this can give you the opportunity to explain why you did not answer the questions instead of why you intentionally gave false answers.


Step Four: The Interview


For most job seekers, the inter-


view is the “make it or break it” point. Remember that you have about a minute to make a good first impres-


The Black E.O.E. Journal


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