Interview for Ward Clerk role

Gingerflamingo

Hi there,

I have an interview for a ward clerk position on Monday and I am nervous. I recently applied for and got offered a Ward Clerk position for AMU at the same hospital. However, I ended up pulling out as they didn't think they'd be able to put in place the adjustments needed. They seemed particularly miffed that I had not disclosed at the interview about my Dyspraxia. 

I have an interview on Monday for the same role but in the maternity ward. It sounds a fair bit different from the other position, going by the job description. I feel it is something I could do and do well however I'm nervous about disclosing at the interview. Do you have any tips?

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

Personally and being from a recruitment background I would disclose at interview 

No point wasting your or their time if they can't make necessary adjustments it is also opportunity to discuss the requirements 

Obviously I get why you are reluctant to do this but no point in being offered the job and it not being suitable will just cause you and them stress and they may have turned down other candidates to offer you and have to start all over again 

Alex_Alumni

Hello @Gingerflamingo and congratulations on your interview

You do not have to disclose at the interview stage if you don't want to, that is entirely down to you.

Your employer shouldn't be asking questions about your disability which are discriminatory, but it is reasonable for them to ask how they can accommodate or support your disability within the role.

If those questions do come up, treat it like a discussion. Use it as an opportunity to explain how your Dyspraxia isn't a problem or a barrier to your ability to carry out the role, so long as any adjustments you need are accommodated.  

Scope has some great information on reasonable adjustments at work which you might like to read, as well as some useful interview tips.

Let us know if we can help you further, and I wish you all the best for Monday, it sounds as though you're keen, and a good fit for the job

Alex

Gingerflamingo

Hi Both, 

Thank you for your comments.

I did not disclose at interview but I didn't feel the position was for me. They relayed that it was very fast paced and I don't think this would work with my Dyspraxia. 

The feeling seemed to be mutual as I didn't get the job.

I'm not going to lie, I am a bit worried, as most jobs seem to require fast pace to keep up with demands which I feel makes it hard. I can only do a slower pace with more accuracy or fast paced but miss alot of things. I can't really do fast and accurate. 

Danielle_2022

Hi @Gingerflamingo,
Sorry to hear that the job didn't feel accessible to you, but it's always good to recognise your own needs and not push yourself too hard with these things. I just wondered if you'd heard about Scope's Support to Work programme? You are given lots of support in reviewing your CV and figuring out what roles could be a good fit for your skills/needs. You also do interview preparations & get access to a list on vacancies by disability confident employers. Getting employed is hard, disclosing can often be scary, but there are adjustments that can be made & we are here to support you along the way.

Best of luck

PS: even just trying is something to be proud of!

Gingerflamingo

@Danielle_2022

Funny you should say that I got in touch with them and had my first call with them this morning. So am very hopeful. 

Danielle_2022

I'm so glad to hear that, @Gingerflamingo! It's truly such an invaluable service and the people behind it really understand. I would love it if you could keep us updated on your progress here