The job search process is actually a lot like dating. At the base of it you’re building a relationship over time through a series of encounters (virtual, in person, written, etc.), and what you choose to share on a first date may look very different than what you’re comfortable sharing when you decide to move in together or get married. The same is true when you think about an initial phone screen versus your final interviews for a potential new role.

When looking for work, there are situations where disclosing might make sense or where you might decide it feels right for you, regardless of what may be strategic. Some things to weigh:

• Do you need an accommodation to do this job?
• If ongoing treatment means you'll need schedule flexibility, remote work options or other adjustments from day one, you'll need to navigate that conversation eventually.
• Some people prefer to address it early, particularly if they've identified the employer as especially supportive, while others prefer to wait until an offer is made or they’ve started the job and have a better sense of the culture, work environment, etc. It can be hard to know what you’ll need until you’re in the door.
• Does the company culture seem like it would respond well to disclosure?
• Not all employers are the same. Some organizations actively prioritize health and wellness, flexible work and employee support. Others, less so. Research can give you a meaningful read before you decide to share anything.
• What are the pros and cons?
• If you disclose and it goes well, you might gain an employer who's informed and supportive. If it goes poorly, you may never know exactly why you didn't get the offer. Only you can decide if that risk feels worth it in a given situation.

Remember you can always share later. Not disclosing during the job search or negotiation process doesn’t lock you into silence forever. People may choose to share after they’re hired and have had a chance to gauge the environment firsthand.

The bottom line is disclosure is a deeply personal decision, and there's no single right answer. It depends on your personality, needs and preferences; what you know about the company in question; and how you feel about sharing information about your medical history. You may also want to take into consideration what that company could already know about you from your common network or your online footprint. What matters is that you make your decision deliberately based on your specific situation and the employer you’re engaging with rather than out of panic or pressure.

Updated 2026

This article was made possible in part by support from the Andrea Argenio Foundation.