Most of you know by now that I have an interview next week.
I stated on my application that I have a disability which I am willing to openly discuss. ( Job - Plants conservation officer on the Falkland Islands)
How do I talk about my brittle asthma without digging myself into a huge hole?
I want to be truthfull.
They will either ask me straight out what it is.
When they ask for strengths & weaknesses? (perhaps not)
The job does require me to be physically fit!
Do I ask if there is some support for disabilities? ( Not sure where the Falklands stands on the DDA) Plus would they have money to support a person to help me?
Hmmmmmmmmmm!
Ideas please ........ Quick!
Many thanks
Kate
XXX
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KateMoss
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11 Replies
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Hi not sure but I the Falkland Islands have to follow british laws (thats what we won the falkland war for :-P) so the DD act would be the same
Truthfullness is the best policy!
Hope that helps
Emma x
Kate,
Well done for getting an interview. You are almost there,- i.e. re getting the job. (Would like to think of this as an analogy between beloved Rams team getting to the finals re play off and promotion to the Premier league, but will NOT digress)
Being serious and professional now. You need to make a note of any qualifying evidence and supporting statements which relate to 'essential' skills that can be discussed at interview. Ideally all those you have already written about on your application form. So if, as an example, you have already written about your work in the Falklands, be prepared to discuss this info at interview and how you can improve upon any problems out there re your research.
Next, make notes about your ideas re strategic planning. ( How things could be improved upon in the future) Sounds grand, but isn't. But at least you will demonstrate ' forward thinking '
Most importantly your health probs.... Be truthful. But also point out the work AND RESULTS you have CONSISTENTLY achieved re your background of asthma probs.
Good luck re your interview Kate.
Mia
xxx
I have always been totally open about my state of health when applying and attending interviews. Since my asthma has been bad (10 yrs) i have still managed to work on and off for 6 of them with kids either in pre school or school - i now do 1 day a week in school when able .
What i have found useful is blowing my own trumpet with what i can do despite the asthma/other health problems so you should have a very good chance .
My fingers are crossed(apart fronm when i get cramp!!) and you are in my prayers.
I had to apply by letter so some trumpet blowing has gone on already LOL.
Qualifying evidence I have thought about already - lots of notes on the job description already.
Strategic planning is a good one to cover - have thought about that - eg what happens when the contact comes to an end and how the recording programme and grazing programes will continue etc.
My Line manager has said he will go through it with me tommorrow - how nice of him.
I will point out all the results I have achieved etc and be honest about my health. ( After all, I don't want to be Med-evacted off Tumbledown mountain! )
will print off your ideas - & thanks Me for the wishes too! Will have to find out about DDA on the FIs. It may be a UK overseas teritorry but things work differently sometimes. ( I bet there is no smoking ban yet ! LOL)
anyway, I can work round most things.
Kate
xXx
PS going to help with the sheep sheering at work soon for some 'sheep' experience - well, looking after the lambs while their Mums have their hair done LOL.
Kate,
Congratulations!
Sandie and I have our fingers, toes and paws crossed for you.
I have definitely found that being honest helps. I look at the job description and decide what things I would need support with and how. I also look at the other aspects of my disability that affect my job because I might need to take time off or pace myself differently to others. I then look at what support I have now and ways round things. A personal example is that I can't drive so I tell them how I get around independently using public transport. When it comes to other things such as tiring easily I tell them about how good I am at managing my time and how I've overcome this in my current role. I also tell them what plans I have in place for if I get ill with asthma, have a migraine or my eyes have an off day. Such as sunglasses, eye drops, asthma plan etc. Which helps to reassure them that I have as much control as is possible.
I've found that as long as people are open minded and I am positive that I can do the job and I am aware of my limitations people are willing to give me a try.
Best wishes, Kate.
The DDA only applies to the Great Britian* - not even Northern Island is covered by it (although they do have their own equivalent version). Places like the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are technically ""British"" but don't have to follow UK legislation at all if they don't want to - hence the Isle of Man has no speed limits, for example. I would imagine that the Falklands can do what they like!
However, if your employer is based in mainland UK, the DDA would apply regardless of where the job actually is.
Falklands Conservation has offices both in London and Stanley - will check wich is the official one. ( ie the registered one!)
Kate
According to their website they are a UK registered charity, so the DDA would indeed apply to them. Good news, Kate!
Just a thought Kate,
how long is the job? would you be based there permenantly or is it a year long secondment? If it is give them an idea of your health for the past year how many days you have missed but also how you have coped etc.
I think it is an amazing oppurtunity!!! What will be your actual job there? have you done anything similar? Also if i was the employer i would want to know how you plan to cope if you get ill at your worst? how often that happens? but i would also like the others say would want to know the type of things that would help the worst situation NOT to happen ie: preventative, which you live by daily anyway.
I hope you get the job!!! we want lots of piccies e-mailed back!!!!!
caution
You had better tell the truth Kate, as The Falkland Islands is run on a British mentality, which means that there might be a cctv camera hidden in nooks and cranies on the islands, to pick up you putting the inhalor to your mouth and them homing in to see just what you are up to.!!!!! just having a jest!!
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