I don’t know about you guys but when I’m applying for jobs online, posting resumes, and customizing cover letters, when I click ‘apply’ there are the voluntary self-identification questions. There are ones asking about race, gender, and then there’s the disabilities section.
So, thinking back, I DID check the box next to yes and maybe that’s why I was judged right out the gate with my first failed interview. Should I have checked that I don’t wish to answer? If I had checked ‘no’ and in the future had an anxiety attack or needed more therapy appointments could that have been grounds for future firing?
Just wondering thoughts and opinions about this. To identify or not? That is the question.
Hmmm, I used to work in HR-you said it says voluntary…My ex-boss always stated never reveal something until you are hired-if accommodations need to be made, you fill out that form after hired. This makes a stand for discrimination suit if they you then get “released”. Age, children, & other forms of weeding out inconvenient prospects are illegal in some states. They will attempt to get you to talk about them in the interview(s) as casual conversation-beware it may be a deciding factor. Some issues are obvious-others not so. But they will dig.
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We can’t ask about disabilities in the US. I can’t get past the damn personality test that is so utterly ridiculous, it should be illegal to use. Seriously, as an adult, how are you supposed to answer, “It’s Friday night. Are you finding out where the next party is at, or are you sitting on the couch with a book” and a personal favorite of mine, “I take a different way home from work every night.” Seriously, WTF! Apply, screen, interview, hire. Streamline the BS designed to make people fit into a square peg.
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This is so bullshit
Disability. No. Their definition is wrong
PTSD or anxiety is not a disability.
If we eliminated those with PTSD depression or anxiety not meant workers would be left
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Thank you! I always respect your thought and opinions. 🙂
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I thought it was illegal to ask questions as such on a job application. I do know my uncle told me that an employer cannot ask about mental health issues.
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I think because it’s ‘voluntary’ they can get away with it.
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Wow that is plain wrong.
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Those questions are illegal in America, especially with the Disabilities Act. I wish people would see depression and anxiety not as disabilities but as temporary setbacks that don’t hinder us from being the best employees possible. I wish you much success.
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Great comment! I’m thinking because it’s voluntary companies can ask. Thank you 🙂
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Admit nothing and go for the interview
You can function with PTSD
I was top salesman before I retired and had complex PTSD
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Many people interviewing and in that company are depressed and have PTSD
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Many therapists have suffered abuse or a mental disorder
It was the impetus for them becoming a therapist
Here is a list of famous people with a disorder
http://amandagreenauthor.co.uk/300-famous-people-celebrities-who-have-suffered-with-mental-illness-or-issues-help-highlight-the-stigma-in-our-society/
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Once at an interview I went on and on about how I couldn’t handle people yelling at me lol. I thought I totally bombed it, but they actually gave me the job anyhow.
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Oh NICE! I haven’t done that yet but I’m sure some type of rant is on the horizon 🤣🤣
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Wow, looking at other comments I recall a legal battle with an ex-employer. I was not considered ‘disabled” since I had not been determined disabled through the proper channels. Food for thought to get around the games. Besides, the fact you don’t have to volunteer personal health information (HIPPA) by being presented with “voluntary” forms. Decline with a smile. If they want you, avoid the forms-it gives the company more pressure if you’re priority on list. They know what’s going on….
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In this state I live in it’s SUPER difficult to get disability for C-PTSD. I think I will forgo this part of the questionnaire.
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