RE-ENTERING THE WORKFORCE

Excerpted from Cancer Care.org. For more information see the Cancer Care web site http://www.cancercare.orgor contact them directly at 1-800-813-HOPE.

If you are reentering the work force after an absence due to cancer, these are some recommendations on how to avoid discrimination:

Engage in activities to rebuild your confidence. Attend workshops about reentering the workforce, classes or seminars that refresh your skills, or read material to bring you up to date with changes in your particular area. It is also common for people with cancer reentering the workplace to seek counseling. Talking with a professional individually, or in a group of people experiencing similar fears and barriers can help you cope. Cancer Care social workers are available for consultation and referral on these and other cancer related issues through our toll-free counseling line 1-800-813-HOPE, or through e-mail.

Focus on skills and experience rather than chronology when writing a resume. If there was a period of time when you left the work force, there is no reason you have to organize your resume by dates of employment. Concentrate on your areas of expertise and experience.

Do not volunteer your history of cancer during the interview. It is not legal for an employer to ask you information about your health that does not directly relate to the "essential functions" of the job. Consider your cancer history like you would other personal information, which is generally not appropriate to share during a job interview.

Make sure you are qualified to perform the "essential functions" of a job. These are the basic job duties an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. To determine whether a function is "essential," consider whether or not the position exists in order to perform that particular function.

Seek employment with large companies. Because of the size of their work force they may be more likely to have encountered this situation and may deal with it easier. In addition, larger companies are more likely to offer a more comprehensive benefits package that gives benefits to all employees regardless of past medical history.

Don't ask about health benefits before you have been offered the job. Asking questions of this nature may raise red flags with a potential employer. Rather, inquire about employee benefits.

Be truthful about your medical history on insurance forms. It is never a good idea to lie about your medical history on insurance forms. Hiding a preexisting condition might make you ineligible for health benefits even after a waiting period.

Focus on your current health. If your employer is aware of your cancer history, emphasize your current abilities and skills, rather than dwelling on what you were or were not able to do in the past.

Ask your doctor for a letter. It is useful to ask your doctor ahead of time to write a letter that supports your current situation and abilities to work. This will help employers feel more secure if the issue arises.