Sorry I need to vent!

Tesslynne

I did some work with some1 on my CV & they WERE very helpful in a lot of ways. But a couple of times they said to take out that you can only do part time work (at this stage that's the case for various reasons) & take out that about your mobility issues. Can say had that gap because of your health. Discuss these things at the interview, when they've met you like you, won't discriminate. Sorry, if a potential employer doesn't want to hire me because I can only do part time they're not for me & I'm not for them. And if they don't want me because I have a condition? Then they are DEFINITELY NOT for me. I didn't change that part because, sorry! I only want to work for an employer who is inclusive enough & not just that has a role/roles if an agency that can work for some1 in that situation! I'm not wasting my time & theirs with an interview if those things might be dealbreakers! But I only need one job & I KNOW there are people out there who DO have part time roles & who ARE inclusive!!

MW123

@Tesslynne

Deciding whether to disclose your health condition and preference for part-time work on your CV is a personal choice. If you’re looking for an inclusive employer that offers part-time opportunities, being transparent might help you find the right employer. However, keep in mind that such disclosures could limit your options.

While UK law prohibits discrimination based on disability, some employers may still hold unconscious biases, and revealing your disabilities upfront could lead to judgments that overshadow your skills and qualifications.

When addressing gaps in your employment, consider framing them positively. Instead of simply stating that you took time off for health reasons, you might say, “Took time for personal development” or “Focused on well-being and skill enhancement.” This approach not only maintains a professional tone but also demonstrates that you prioritised your needs.

Make sure to communicate your preferences to the agency, specifying that you want your CV targeted exclusively to employers offering part-time positions. Ultimately, prioritise what feels most comfortable for you, with the main goal of highlighting your skills and achievements in your CV.

During the interview process, remember that you are also evaluating the employer. Use this opportunity to ask questions about the company. If you have mobility issues, enquire about disabled parking and whether accommodations can be made if parking is limited. Find out if the bathroom facilities and staff kitchen are accessible for you, and ask what measures are in place to support employees with disabilities. These discussions can ideally happen during a second interview stage, when you have a clearer understanding of the role and company culture. While many employers are committed to hiring disabled individuals, sometimes the physical structures of their company buildings may pose challenges that cannot be easily adapted, to accommodate everyone.

Tesslynne

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/923510#Comment_923510

Thank you! Yes, I mentioned that condition but I also have said about the upskilling & volunteer work I am doing. Which, nearer the beginning of my injury I didn't do I was mostly focused on the physical & had to but then later on, I've been able to. In terms of accessibility, it's just needing handrails for any stairs, can no longer do jobs with loads of standing, & I can get around most of my city but there is some public transport I can't physically use yet. And I can't run yet. And yes, running could be part of the last job & long standing shifts another one. But there's lots I CAN do, from the transferable skills that are not so physical & also things I've been brushing up on & learning wtih my upskilling. Yeah, I'm hoping to work for inclusive people. We shall see what happens but that's the intention. I've increased the days I put to 3 days a week but I don't think 4 or 5 just yet. But I could do 3. Anyway, thank you so much!

Tesslynne

(PS: I say yet, because I have been told at some stage my full mobility should come back but of course I don't know for sure & I may need further physio to even have a chance of that so I don't know. It does count as a long term health condition but it might hang around for a while or it may go at some stage. Do not know, taking it one day at a time. But at the moment, those are my physical needs in a job.)

Stellar

sadly the advise you were given about removing any mention of you only being able to do part time work is correct. employers will discriminate against you. while you cant stop them discriminating, you can make it harder for them.

Tesslynne

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/924376#Comment_924376

I know. But I kinda feel like I want to be even MORE resourceful & do even MORE research to find employers who don't! I actually think I could do 3 days - rather than 2 - but not yet 5.

Stellar

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/924381#Comment_924381

alternatively, you can say you're looking for part time work in your CV, but not mention health issues or disability at all. There are many reasons people work part time, and employers have no right to know.

Jimm_Scope

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/924381#Comment_924381

That is understandable. I think the person giving you the advice was just trying to give you the best chance at getting a job, not the job with the kind of employer you want. As has already been mentioned, discrimination against people with disability is against the law. However, some employers can still discriminate if they see something on the CV as it cannot be proven.

We do have an advice section on creating a CV if you would like to read more on the subject here: Writing a CV | Disability charity Scope UK

I know you've already done quite a bit but thought I'd point it out incase it does prove useful.

Regarding part-time, I would personally leave that off the CV. Most jobs will state if they are part-time or not, so I would just apply for part-time jobs. In my own personal view a CV should be as concise as possible and only contain relevant information. The employer will already know you are wanting to work a part-time role as you are applying for a part-time role. That's how I view it anyhow!