We answer your questions about applying for a job with a disability

If you’re applying for a job with a disability but you’re feeling nervous about being open with employers about it, you’re in the right place. Being open with employers about your disability during the recruitment process may feel intimidating, but we encourage you to consider the benefits of doing so.

In this article, we’ll answer many of the questions you have about being open with employers about your disability, including:

• Why does an employer want to know whether or not I have a disability?
• What information should I share with an employer about my disability during the recruitment process?
• When should I inform an employer about my disability?
• Who can I contact about my application and disability?
• I need an adjustment, but I don’t want to tell them about my disability. What are my options?
• What happens to the information I give about my disability?

Employers want to know whether you have a disability so they can provide you with the adjustments and support you need to showcase your true potential during the recruitment process.

“Reasonable adjustments” by employers might include additional accessibility support or a change in the assessment format to break down barriers that allow you to demonstrate your full potential.

The Equality Act 2010 states:

“Employers have a duty to make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure that a disabled employee is not treated less favourably than their non-disabled counterpart.”

If you require an adjustment, it’s up to you to tell the employer what you need and why. By helping them understand your disability-related needs (and what the adjustments will allow you to do), the employer can make the hiring process accessible to you.

Deciding what information to share with an employer may seem daunting at first. However, all you need to do is share information that allows them to provide the support and adjustments you require. It’s best to focus on what’s relevant to the recruitment process and avoid using complicated medical terms that the employer might not be familiar with.

A good rule of thumb is this: the more notice you give the employer of your requirements, the easier it’ll be for them to accommodate your needs. You can choose to discuss your requirements on your application form at the beginning of the process, or you may decide to let the recruitment team know once you’ve been invited to an interview or an assessment centre.

If you’re a MyPlus Students’ Club member, you can find a directory of Disability Confident Employers in the directory. Alternatively, you can find the organisation’s contact details on the company website.

When you’re invited to an interview, you should be given the recruitment team details in case you have any questions. It’s a good idea to contact the recruitment team as soon as you’re invited to an interview or assessment to discuss the adjustments and support you need to showcase your true potential.

It’s understandable that you may not want to talk about your disability with potential employers. Please know that you’re not alone in feeling this way. However, it’s difficult for the employer to provide you with the adjustments and support you need if they don’t know about your disability. Rather than discussing your disability in detail, try to focus on the impact your condition has on your ability to do the role.

Thinking about this may bring up some upsetting thoughts. It’s understandable to feel down about the things you might not be able to do, but there’s a lot to be said for thinking about what you can do. Remember, you have desirable skills and strengths that employers are looking for.

The information you provide on an application form about your disability and the adjustments you require isn’t passed on to anyone else without your permission. Additionally, the information you provide on the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form is separate from the interview process.

Discussing your disability with others is challenging, but please know that you’re not alone. Over 11% of students in the UK have a disability or long-term health condition, meaning employers are experienced in discussing disability with empathy and providing suitable support and adjustments to make sure applicants can showcase their true potential.

Here are some tips to help you be open with your employer about your disability:

• Think about what adjustments and support you can access by being open about your disability, both during the application process and if you get the role.
• Think about the positive skills and strengths that come from living with your disability.
• Being open from the start means you can be yourself during the recruitment process.
• If it helps you, practice being open with your family and friends to build your confidence about discussing your disability with others.

We hope this article helps you feel more confident about being open with employers about your disability.

This article has been republished with the permission of MyPlus Students’ Club.