Hi Jim,

Thanks for writing to us and congratulations on the interviews! You have a great attitude and it sounds like you've put a lot of thought into preparing for your interviews and thinking through how you will answer tough questions. I have sent your question over to our coaches who will be in touch soon.

In the meantime, I could recommend that you read through the following resources if you haven’t already:
- “Top Three Legal Questions About Employment” (the first question should help answer your question about disclosing your health information in an interview): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/legal-and-financial/top-three-legal-questions
- The “Swivel” (a good technique for addressing questions that may arise from cosmetic issues): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/interviewing/the-swivel
- “Interviewing Methods & Tips” (just useful in general): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/interviewing/interview-methods

I hope that this is helpful, our coaches will be in touch soon!

Best,
Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

Hi, Jim,

Your question, and most importantly, your positive attitude have made me smile. My guess is that you will find others who also respond to your healthy energy with the same feeling that I have in reading your question. However, your questions are certainly legitimate an require some thought so that you are perfectly comfortable navigating any concerns or reactions you may encounter.

From what you have said, you have a solid approach planned for your current appearance if it comes up in interviews. And, if you choose to, saying a brief comment about the bandage may be something that sets an interviewer at ease, since one cannot mention it themselves. Your breezy approach will go far, I believe, but judge each situation as it unfolds, and trust your strong instincts on whether and how much to disclose to each person you encounter.

As for the expanders and your concern about what employers may think or decide about you because of them, if you are not yet employed, I recommend taking the same approach during subsequent interviews that you did in those in which you wore a bandage. That statement you suggested that “doctors attest to your complete recovery and health” is a good one. Then, stating that you are currently undergoing a cosmetic procedure to improve the final visual outcome of your initial surgery may be enough. You seem like one with a direct approach, so feel free to gauge the interviewer and the flow of conversation and fit it in only if it seems necessary for your own comfort or that of the other party.

That said, you are not required to address either issue at all in interviews, and many times that is what I would advise for those with a less confident approach. However, your attitude really shines through, and I believe it will carry the day for you.

Now, if you are already employed when you begin the skin expansion process, just mention it to your direct supervisor if you need any accommodations for the days of surgery or directly afterward. And, only if you think it will make things easier for you, go ahead and describe the expected interim visual effect.

Your confidence is infectious, Jim, and my greatest wish for you is that you encounter individuals in your search who are not only compassionate, but also knowledgeable and who possess a sense of humor, as you do.

My very best in your full recovery!
Kathy Flora, Career Coach