Should I mention this in an interview?

Anonymous

November 1,2020 at 6:17AM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

For the last few weeks I've been having trouble seeing at night and in areas that aren't very well lit. I'm going to be interviewing for a position soon but the posting said shift's will vary and could be anything from day, evening and even midnight shift. I go back to the eye doctor later this month to make sure my eye pressure has decreased enough and to make sure the glaucoma hasn't gotten worse. But if I interview before then i would like to know if its smart/legal to let them know of my vision issues.

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

10 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

10 Comments

Join the conversation

LibbyNovember 1,2020 at 11:53AM UTC
A couple of thoughts come to mind in reading your post to maybe help with your question.
#1 - have you currently scaled back/limited your night time driving based on your current situation?
#2 - what was your doctor's recommendation at your last visit?
#3 - if this is your first interview, I'd go through the interview and better understand the amount of driving that could occur at the times that aren't ideal for you. Also, if you have a follow-up appointment after the interview, depending how the interview goes, may think about waiting until you know more unless you hear something in the interview that doesn't work based on your current condition.
Sometimes job postings have everything and the kitchen sink included to cover a number of different bases within the position. It helps the organization hold people accountable for the position they are doing.
Good luck with the interview!
Krista CouttsNovember 4,2020 at 10:39PM UTC
Agree with Libby...go thru the 1st interview and try and get an understanding of this part of the job description!
KristenNovember 1,2020 at 7:26PM UTC
I'm sorry you're having night vision troubles. I understand how impactful that can be. I agree with Libby that sometimes a job posting will have every possible detail listed to cover the what if bases. I don't there is any reason to mention your vision issue ahead of time. Go for the interview and see what happens. Best of Luck!
CMcGovernNovember 4,2020 at 10:10PM UTC
I would say don't mention this in the interview (or any other health issues for that matter). Focus on your strengths, always (and they will too). I would only mention it after an offer has been made (and only then if they say that they want you to take the night shift) at that point you might have some negotiating power. Good luck.
Carla CappsNovember 4,2020 at 10:17PM UTC
I absolutely agree - the interview should showcase your skills, abilities, accomplishments as well as provide you the opportunity to interview the company. We spend at least 1/3 of our lives with our coworkers and in an office environment of some kind, so it's important the culture aligns with your values and you feel supported to do your best work.
Once the hiring process advances, IF it is relevant to performing your job, it may be appropriate to mention it. This is really at your discretion.
Nora KasedNovember 4,2020 at 11:24PM UTC
It’s commendable that you are trying to be transparent with your potential new employer. If a disability does not affect your ability to do the job with reasonable accommodations, don’t mention in the interview. I would venture to say that asking for dayshifts is not unreasonable, but I’m not sure. See a physician and get a diagnosis first. Job applications often ask about disabilities. You can choose whether or not you want to disclose the disability in your application.
Yamila RodriguezNovember 5,2020 at 12:33PM UTC
I would not mention it in the interview. Anyway, Before starting the job, you will probably have a medical examination. If it doesn’t come out then, you are fine for the job!
Krystin MorganNovember 5,2020 at 6:06PM UTC
I would wait until there's an offer on the table, at which point it's reasonable to share accommodations you may need.
LindaNovember 5,2020 at 8:19PM UTC
I am sorry you are stressing over this issue but I agree with everyone above, There is absolutely no reason to mention a potential health issue in an interview. I would wait until you have an offer and, even then, I would not feel compelled to mention it unless you know it will effect your performance and your doctor has confirmed it is a medical issue.
KayNovember 10,2020 at 12:41AM UTC
No reason to mention any of your health concerns at the interview UNLESS they ask a direct question about weather you have any concerns that may limit your duties in the position. I recommend honesty and let them know you are taking care of it. You want to start off with integrity. If not weather you have an interview or not, I am happy to hear you are on top of the situation and have an appointment for a check-up. Please continue to take care of yourself and good luck with the job hunt.