Resumes for people with a disability or illness

Unemployment rates for people with a disability or illness are very high, with most employers indirectly or directly discriminating against people with a disability (usually with the discrimination based on false pre-conceptions).

As a job candidate with a disability applying for jobs, the only question you need to ask, is ‘Can I do the job’?  If the answer is yes and your disability doesn't affect job performance, then create a standard resume, using the techniques outlined on CareerDIY and don’t mention your disability or illness within your resume or cover letter.

One of the primary purposes of a resume is to screen candidates out, so don’t give employers and recruiters the opportunity to discriminate against you.  If you do disclose a disability, then it is highly unlikely that you will secure interview invitations, and besides the law is on your side here in Australia, as you don’t have to say anything on your resume or CV. 

The only time you should reveal a disability on your resume or CV, is if you know that it would increase your chances of getting the job.  For example you are applying for a program within government, designed specifically to recruit people with disabilities, or the disability is related to the position (e.g. a disability advocate, that will be working directly with clients that have a disability). 

When managing employment gaps, caused by medical-related absences, don’t fill in the information and provide lengthy explanations, simply downplay the dates, by using a combination resume and not making the dates so visible on the page.

You also need to be careful about including achievements on your resume that could unintentionally reveal your disability.  For example, you should avoid providing lengthy details about your involvement with the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Society.

If you are concerned about not disclosing your disability or illness, as you have a visible disability (e.g. noticeable impairments to speech, hearing, sight, or mobility), don’t feel pressured to raise your disability on the resume, or before interview.  Instead get your foot in the door for interview and if the disability is visible, put the employers mind at rest very early on the process, by assuring them that you are quite capable of doing the job. 

Relevant Articles and Resources

• The Great Australian Resume - (e-book by Carolyn Smith)
• Blank resume form - free for CareeDIY Readers
• The top 10 resume mistakes to avoid
• Sample resume objectives
• Top resume myths
• Resume formats
• Resume fraud - why you should not lie or exaggerate on your resume
• The difference between a resume and a curriculum vitae
• Transform your resume - a quick lesson from a professional
• How to use action words to enhance your resume
• Key words for resumes
• Should you include hobbies / interests in your resume?
• Free resume examples for Australia
• Why you should blow up your current resume and start from scratch
• Resumes for migrants to Australia