Quick show of hands...

Has anyone EVER had the subject of pre-existing conditions randomly crop up with a potential employer during an interview?

I wasn't technicallyasked about any such condition during my interview (because the interviewer admitted it would be completely illegal), but I was advised that certain employees may wish to opt for a particular choice of coverage over others. Interestingly enough, this person is affiliated with several people I currently work with...coincidence?

I've already contacted NMSS, so should I be given a job offer, I will know how to navigate any insurance discussions. But, quite frankly, I'm not holding my breath for an offer now. It was a wonderful interview until that subject came up in the last 20 minutes. (It was a 5 hour interview, so this was a bit of a let down.)

Sorry for the long explanation, but I'm just curious if anyone else has had completely unknowing employers bring up the subject of pre-existing conditions.

Thanks all.

Not at interview. But I am bound by my regulatory board to inform them if I am unable to carry out my duties safely.
Last time I mentioned I was struggling with neck ache (pre dx), they jumped on me, suspended my allocation and insisted on a medical certificate to deem me well enough to work.
I would NEVER go to work if I wasn't feeling at least 99% ok.
Other people go to work with colds and pains so I'm no worse than them.

I'm going through a disability employment consultant at the moment. The minute I get a day job, I'm dumping my shift work.
I think getting a job through a disability service is the best way for me to go. I'm fed up of keeping it to myself and struggling. I need something I can do and it doesn't matter if I can't.

Unfortunately you can't prove much if you don't get the job. but trust your instincts. If you think they knew beforehand, then investigate further.

At the end of an interview for an administrative position a few years ago, I was asked "Is there anything that would preclude you from being able to complete the assigned duties of the position?"

I answered "NO"

My suspicion was that since this was my current employer at the time, there may have been rumors emanating from HR, but since I couldn't prove it, I kept my mouth shut.

I didn't get the job.

I have had interviews that skirted the question, and asked it, while not technically asking it. such as "is there anyone you would want me to know about that would make doing this job a challenge for you everyday or even sporadically?" type questions. that can include a depressive person, a diabetic, are you planning on getting preggers, and so on. They are getting quite good as asking, without asking.

On one hand, you cant blame them, cause moms that go out on maternaty leave every year or every other cost money. Depressive folks that are hard to motivate, and need extensive treatments or addictive folks in and out of alcohol rehab cost money. Now a days, once you are hired it take an act of congress to get you out the door, even if you prove to be a horrible employee. Its alot of legal manuevering to get your spot available again.

Hi to everyone who answered!

Just a quick update...I was offered the position! So, either they know and don't care, OR, they don't. I'll learn about compensation and benefits today, and if everything is fine, I'll accept the offer! (I'm crossing my fingers and toes that they have a group plan. They're a small non-profit, and I'm quite concerned about that issue.)

Wish me luck!

Doing the happy dance for ya! woo hoo!

Hi AaHaA,

I haven't applied for a job as of yet as I am still in high school (i'm 14) however I did go to an interview a few months ago for an Health and Social Care Course at College.

At the time of the interview, my arm was REALLY swelt up and bruised as I had injured it and developed a spread of the chronic pain condition, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome which is pretty similar to MS in many ways. I tried my best to 'hide' the swelling but it was really hard seeing as my arm was in a bandage and I had to have someone write for me.

The interview went well at first and the tutor was really nice until she saw the state of my arm. She then started moaning and kept asking me whether I would be OK on the course and be able to cope with it as it can be pretty demanding. She also kept saying that it would be really hard for them to get Placements for me in the health care field because of my illness as I could pose a 'risk' to them.

I told the tutor that I knew it would be really hard but that it was something I wanted to do and would be willing to give it my all. The tutor told us all to go home and called us back about a week later.

She called my mum and kept moaning about my illness and saying that I wouldn't be able to cope with the course etc etc. The tutor was a nurse and thought that she knew all about what was wrong with me, even though she had NEVER seen it before in her whole carer!!!

The law in the UK states that employers MUST provide suitable support for someone that suffers from a disability and that they have to do everything to try and support them.

My mum read on the college website a link saying that they HAD to offer someone with a disability a place on the course as it is the law so told the tutor that.

The tutor still kept going on about how demanding the course was even though my mum told her that my doctor said it was OK for me to do it as it isn't that hands on and most of the work is in the classroom apart from the placements.

None of the teachers on the course would give us an answer as to whether I had a place on the course so my mum pratically had to beg them for an answer. Eventually they said that I could have a place but that I had to carefully consider it. I gave them an answer and told them that I wanted to do the course so will start it in September. It lasts 2 years and I know it will be hard but it is something I really want to do.

It's SO frustrating that so many people have to deal with all of this and can't get a job due to an ilness. The law states that you shouldn't discriminate against people with a disability but yet most employers do!!!

Sorry that you had to deal with all of that but I am SO very glad you got offered a place on the course - that is great news!!!!! I really hope everythings goes well for you and please keep us posted!