mentioning illness in job application

[howlie]

What do you all think please? I have not worked for last three years because of cancer - have had to have three operations on my neck and it has taken a long time to recover from them - also two lots of radioactive treatment which is not pleasant. Anyway, I am now much better and am looking for a local part time job. I have briefly mentioned illness on CV to explain no job history for last 3 years, but do you think I should go into more detail on covering letter or even on CV? Don't want to bore people with too much info but I think people see the word cancer and don't bother reading anything else. Any advice please? Also should mention that I haven't been given all clear and probably won't for a couple of years yet.

[VillageVicar]

I would suggest that it's appropriate to state in your introduction letter that you have had a 'family leave' for the past three years, or have been working on personal goals. However, I would never mention this in any initial letter. It's too easy for whoever vets the applications to simply set yours aside in a subliminal judgemental way. Get yourself to the first hurdle - the interview, then speak about the challenges ( and use the word 'challenges' not problems, illness, or sickness,) and talk about how your determination and positive thinking has brought you through this challenge a renewed and better person.

I wish you every success in your endeavours!
+Fr. Bill

www.projectnewlife.org

[starmack]

Agree with answer above.

This could be used against you to discriminate.

Sometimes a statement of Qualifications for a post will set out that you have to have "capacity" etc to do the job. Unless you are certified not to work, you can be deemed to have capacity; in fact your intention to apply would seem to make that clear.

If successful in your application, you would face a medical test by a medical nominee of the employer. It is time enough then to declare and discuss such item in any detail.

Consult your local citizens advce bureau for a more formal response.

Again, good luck.

[howlie]

thanks for those answers. I've applied for a few jobs recently and there has been no reason to not receive a call except for the dreaded C word. I was trying to be honest but that hasn't worked, obviously!! Think I'll take the family leave option. Thanks a lot for your help.

[Ice-Maiden]

The best of luck to you.