Issue

Job Benefits

Background

When you are applying for a job, there may be certain issues, which trigger an employer's attention. You may have gaps within your education or work experiences and/or you may not have much work experience because of your personal cancer treatment. You have certain rights when applying for a job and it is incredibly helpful to know those rights.

Information

The ADA protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. When applying for a job an employer may not ask about your medical history. An employer can ask questions about your ability to perform specific essential job functions.

Information about previous work attendance records may be obtained on the application form, in the interview or in reference checks. You may want to provide a clarification regarding gaps in your history by providing an explanation. For example you may wish to disclose voluntarily that the previous attendance record was due to treatment for cancer that is now in remission and that you are now able to fully meet all job requirements.

To assist you in preparing a comprehensive resume and/or discuss a possible interview conversation, please seek out your community career center and/or your local college/university career services center. Career Services personnel or a State Rehab Counseling Service will assist you in developing a resume which will best highlight your skills and interests. These services are typically free or for a small nominal fee.

Resources

Dis-Abilities
1-800-514-0301(voice)
1-800-514-038 (TDD)

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
West Virginia University
918 Chestnut Ridge Road, Suite 1
PO Box 6080
Morgantown, WV 26506
1-800-ADA-WORK
An international consulting service that provides free information about how employess can accommodate people with disabilities. The service also provides information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC)
Provides information on how to enforce your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Key Words

job, resume, interview, job benefits, career