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Posted 9/24/2012 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
So, I have been out of work for about a year and a half and I am nervous to go on my first interview in that long. I lost my job because of my pain and health issues so I'm not sure how to approach a new job. Any advice as to how to handle working again with Fibromyalgia and how/when do I let the employer know about what is going on with me? Interview is Thursday so whatever advice that comes my way before then is very much appreciated. Thanks in advance smurf
Posted 9/24/2012 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi mmcinque5,

I am new here, so am only offering my personal knowledge outside of working around Fibromyalgia. I, too, have been looking for a job. In my area of the country, it is still tough and massively competitive. In my younger years, I found interviewing to be easy and I always got the job. I was smart and competent and (being a woman) considered a bargain in the business world.

Now that I'm older, the economy is different, and I'm not moving from one job to another - I find the interview climate to be very different. A prospective employer will use any artillery you provide to justify NOT giving you the job - so do NOT provide artillery! Do not mention health-related issues of any kind, nor that you left your previous job due to such issues. I am a profoundly honest person and such a step is very hard for me, but just having a gap in employment is enough to take you out of the competition. One additional statement (whether is it misunderstood or not) about possible competency (ie: your health) is very risky.

I don't mean to scare you! Walk in and present your best possible self. If they like you (at your best), then be confident that you will provide them with an employee that will be an asset to their company. As they get to know you, then necessities for your health can be presented and will probably be tolerated because you're such a great addition to their corporate family. This is the attitude I carry in to interviews.

Good luck!
Posted 9/24/2012 9:43 PM (GMT 0)
I agree I think you should walk in and just be who you are. My experiance in letting employers know about my fibromayalgia during the interview has been both good and bad. I have had most employers actually tell me that it scares them to hire someone with fibromaylgia and have not been hired as a result of letting them know. I now wait untill after I have been hired and only tell my employer if I really feel I have to. I think if you know your fibromaylagia is going to affect your job then it would seem like the right thing to let the employer know. On the other hand if you can still work and the fibromayalgia doesn't entirely get in the way then I wouldn't say anything. I wish you luck in your interview.
Posted 9/24/2012 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
It is not legal for them to ask, and you are not legally bound to tell.

As far as telling post-job, I think it only matters IF your work is affected. If the environment causes problems, if you are expected to do something that will aggravate seriously your condition.

I do not tell, and do not take days off. I am lucky to be in a profession that has great personal leeway. However, no matter how sick I am, I go to work. It is a point of pride with me.

Post Edited (Myself 09) : 9/24/2012 4:47:18 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/24/2012 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck, just be yourself. I have been on both sides of the desk all I can think of is try to be confident, well groomed and personally I would not mention any health issues.

I remember interviewing a lady who appeared very well educated and friendly and she admitted in the interview she had a few allergies. She showed up on her first day with a small suitcase she had a mini vaporiser, neti pot, a what appeared to be a travel mug which very quickly I found out was her spittoon. She had disinfectants, epi pen, allergy pills like reactine, Benadryl. This woman decided the job just was not for her when she found out that I was not about to turn our office of 100 into a scent free area, asking everyone not to wear perfume, scented anti perspirants.
Posted 9/24/2012 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
I know how you feel. I used to be really great at interviewing. I'd never prepare for the interview I would just wing it and I too always got the job. I recently interviewed for an internal promotion and the interview went just awful. I didn't know what to say, I felt panicked, and I did prepare this time. Maybe because I was too preoccupied about what they would ask it put more pressure on me. I did not get the job, which was really embarrassing because it was within the same office. I didn't tell many people that I interviewed for it but you know how things like that get around. Anyway that is just my story but I think you will do just fine. I agree with the others in that you should not disclose that you have fibro if you do not want to. If you start the job and find that you need some accommodations the best thing to do would be to contact the human resources department and disclose the fibro to them. Legally, they are not allowed to tell your supervisor why you need accommodations, they will just approve what you need such as leaving early now and then for drs appointments, or coming in a little late after an appointment. Just some suggestions. I think it's fantastic that you are ready to go back to work and I wish you the very best of luck!
Posted 9/25/2012 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
To tell or not to tell...that is the question?
I told...
I told my boss last summer I was diagnosed with lupus, but the only thing I was suffering from was fatigue, pain, and sunsensitivity.
I had work there for 12 years.
I didn't miss more than the alotted days. I didn't ask for special time off. All of my evaluations said satisfactory. The only thing I asked for was to use my sun protection for outside, special covers on the lights in my classroom, and to be able to sit when needed. He agreed to all of it and signed papers to it.

I was fired this past May for unsatisfactory work.

I wondered what would of happened if I didn't tell?
Posted 9/25/2012 11:15 PM (GMT 0)
Do no tell. I have been hired and fired in the same day because I said I had fibromyalgia. It was totally unfair because at the time it was well controlled and would have not affected my job performance at all. We have a right to work just like anyone else!
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