Hi Gaynelle,

Thanks for reaching out and congratulations on the job offer! I have sent your question over to our coaches who will be in touch soon. Your question does touch on some legal issues, so for that I would recommend contacting the National Cancer Legal Services Network (http://www.nclsn.org/) as they will be able to provide more guidance around completing your health profile and what to disclose.

I would also recommend reading the Building and Protecting Your Online Image page on our site: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/online-image

I hope this is helpful, our coaches will be in touch soon.

Best,

Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

Hi, Gaynelle,

  That job offer must have felt really good after the challenge of looking for work for a year, especially while you were recovering.  

I do understand your concerns, though, as your experience is similar to others who have found that a cancer diagnosis is not something that many employers understand, even when one is cancer free and well into recovery.

First of all, those health forms that your employer requires are a common requirement of many companies, and they are standard in-processing documents for most people working in a hospital setting.  They will be kept on file by HR. But since you already have the offer, I would be less concerned that they would be used as a way to keep you from employment. In fact, they should not be shared with the hiring manager, and should be use exclusively as part of your personnel file, which needs to be kept secure.   My advice here is to be honest on these forms and return them directly to HR.  When completing them, only answer the questions that are asked and do not elaborate beyond what information is specifically requested. 

My opinion regarding LinkedIn and Facebook is that LinkedIn is the one place that you maintain contact professionally.   This site provides you with a great platform to exhibit your skills and abilities and work history and to search for opportunities.   It is also a super place to solicit references from your colleagues that can be accessed by a potential employer.   You are not required to accept a colleague request from a potential employer, so do make sure your profile is as strong as you can make it before accepting that request. On the other hand, some of us just choose not to connect online with people at our workplace; so if you feel this way, you can politely decline the LinkedIn friend request via e-mail if you like.

As for Facebook, if you have your privacy settings established to guard who sees your posts, you should be OK even if someone searches for you.   The only thing that they may see is your profile page.   Since you are concerned about how open you have been on Facebook about your recovery, this is probably where you will want to draw the line and not accept a friend request from your future boss or potential work colleagues.  To check your privacy settings, go to the drop down arrow on the top banner of your home page, and click on "Settings".   That will give you many options on the left tool bar to manage your site security and privacy.   The article that Sarah refers to above,  "Building and Protecting Your Online Image" may help you determine what settings will be best for you to manage your situation and concerns.

In summary,  you are right to be concerned about your online privacy.  And, I know that the concern regarding employer discrimination against cancer survivors is real.   But, with an offer  to work in an area that will bring you a great deal of joy, in a place where your experiences will give you much empathy for those in your care - I think it is time for some celebration!   Wishing you much success in your new job, Gaynelle!

Warmly,  Kathy Flora, Career Coach

Thanks Judy! And everyone for your great responses!

Gaynelle, please let me know what happens.  I've always wondered if I
had pre-employment health screening, the nurse said "I see that you checked the
box that said you have (or have had) cancer.  What type?"  I'm not sure saying
"Nothing that would preclude me from performing this job" or "I'd rather not
discuss it" would fly.  If pressed, I'm not sure if we're obligated to disclose
more.  I certainly wouldn't want to.  Or maybe she wouldn't even ask??  So I'm
very curious to hear how yours goes.  Good luck!!