What to do when your references know you had cancer?
Rebecca R. on August 1, 2016
Hello career coaches and hivemind:
I'm a young professional who is one year out of cancer treatment. After a successful phone interview--where I did NOT mention my health issues--I now have out-of-state interview for a job I'm excited about. Here's my question: Should I ask my references not to mention cancer?
The references will include employers who I currently work for as a freelance journalist. At least two were extremely accommodating while I was in treatment. Although it would have been wonderful if I had a full-time job and qualified for paid leave, I'm very proud that I only missed four weekly assignments while undergoing two surgeries and chemotherapy. It could be that cancer would come up naturally if they opted to say positive things about my work ethic, reliability, etc.
Many thanks for your thoughts.
R.
1 Comment
Rebecca Nellis
Aug 1, 2016
Cancer and Careers Staff Comment:
Hi Rebecca,
Congratulations on both being one year out of treatment, and on having positive forward movement on your work life too!
I would recommend encouraging your references not to discuss your health as part of their assessment of your skills and qualities. Not only does it bring up complicated legal issues in terms of what an employer or potential employer is entitled to know about you but it could also work against you even if it is presented in a glowing and incredibly impressive way. You want your own interviews, and your references, to focus specifically on what a rock star employee/journalist you are and you don't want anything to distract from that. And, unfortunately, this could. You are in a wonderful position because it sounds like you worked through your cancer so there is no major gap you'll need to address, and it also sounds like you were consistently a phenomenal employee so your references should have plenty of ways to express that without talking about cancer. You might even want to send them some thoughts of your own about what you'd appreciate they'd mention in light of what you know about the job and the interviewer. The more they help drive home what you've presented to the employer the better. It is all about being a savvy candidate. Then down the road if you decide your cancer experience is something you want your new workplace to know, you can control that conversation when it isn't also about whether to hire you or not.
Feel free to write back with any follow up questions, and be sure to let us know how it all turns out!
Good luck,
Rebecca
Rebecca V. Nellis, MPP
Chief Mission Officer
Cancer and Careers
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