Chapter 6: International Job Seekers & Job Seekers with Disabilities
Pros and Cons of How and When to Disclose
Knowing when the best time is to talk about your disability can often be unclear; the chart below explains the advantages and disadvantages of disclosing at different times throughout the job search process. Identify what you would feel most comfortable with based on your individual circumstance.
| When to disclose | Pros | Cons | Whne to use |
|
Before an Interview |
The employer has already shown interest in you by scheduling an interview. If you need accommodations, the employer can be better prepared for the interview. |
Employer may make inappropriate assumptions or stereotypes that may impact their decision to The employer may feel you were dishonest in your application. |
Recommended if you require accommodations for your interview. |
|---|---|---|---|
|
During an Interview |
You can take the opportunity to highlight your skills and qualifications, positively address disability concerns and questions, and convince the employer of your ability to do the job. |
The employer may react or feel you were dishonest. The employer may see the disability as a possible problem. You may not have the appropriate accommodations, making the interview more challenging or uncomfortable. |
Recommended if your disability is not visible, but you are able to confidently focus on your skills and Be prepared to answer questions about your disability. |
|
At time of job offer |
If your disability doesn’t affect your ability to do the job, the employer will be confident in their hiring decision. The employer can onboard you more appropriately. |
The employer may react poorly or feel you should have told them before the hiring decision was made. |
Recommended if your disability is invisible, and you don’t require any accommodations. In this case, you could choose not to disclose your disability. |
|
After your start work |
You have the opportunity to prove yourself on the job first and respond to questions about your disability with employer and coworkers. |
You may feel nervous or |
Recommended if not disclosing is causing you unnecessary stress or you need accommodations. It may also be appropriate if there are problems or concerns with your work performance or coworkers. |
|
After a problem occurs |
You have the opportunity to prove yourself on the job first. |
The employer may react poorly or feel that you were dishonest. May perpetuate disability myths and misunderstanding among employer and coworkers. It may change your relationships at work. |
Recommended if problems or concerns at work persist. Be prepared to educate your employer and coworkers about your disability. Ask for help and rely on your support system. |
|
Never |
You will not have to explain your disability. The employer and your coworkers may not automatically assume work related issues are associated with your disability. |
The employer and your coworkers won’t become more aware or educated about the benefits and value of hiring and working with persons with disabilities. |
Recommended if your disability is invisible, and you don’t require any accommodations. In this case, you could choose not to disclose your disability. |
