To do anything to get this job?

[littleoscarsmama]

Hi all, I am currently stuck in a job I am very unhappy in. I have been there for 3 years and in that time I have suffered with endometriosis (sp) and have been off an awful lot, like a couple of days every 3 months. The illness is now under control and I am so happy to say that I have seen the perfect job for me. I am just filling out the application and it asks how many days i've been absent in the last 2 years. I'm not going to lie to them, but i'm scared that they will be put off by it, so I was wondering if I should elaborate on the form and put something telling them that the illness is now under control. I really, really want this job sooo much that I would do anything!

I haven't been applying for jobs for years, but I do remember vaguely that if they apply for a reference your current employer has a box to fill out.
If you don't tell the truth and it gets to the stage where your references are taken up, you'll be found out to be a liar.

Is there any extra notes area where you can give more details explaining your absences and emphasising that that reason has now gone away?

Hello, thanks for your replies. There is no extra bit to be able to write a reason why i've been off, but I could easily make one. I'm not going to lie kreecher.

I think it would be sensible to explain the reasons for your absence, just the same as you would explain anything else on your application that raised a question, eg a big gap in your work history. If you can say "the illness has been under control since X date, and since then I haven't had any sick days", so much the better.

Always keep yourself 'straight' as soon as you start telling lies you have to start worrying about your lies being uncovered and people realising you are a liar. It's simply not worth it.

Remember 'everything done in the dark comes to light'

Did anyone read the OP except me? She's has said twice that she isn't going to lie!

littleoscarmama, I would do as lucretiainshadows suggests. When I was diagnosed with diabetes I had much sick leave before hand while the Docs figured out what was wrong with me. It was years ago now, but a job app just after that I did what you are suggesting. I didn't get the job, but it had nothing to do with my illness!

but im not planning to lie!!!

Thanks Tee :) I think I will do that then just so they know that I don't throw sickies when I feel like it!

yes, i think definitely add a note if the box is on the confidential dda or equalities form.

if it's on the actual application form i'd be tempted not to put a number but instead to put a note referring to an accompanying letter which you should mark 'confident health information' and explain there.

that way, the number of sick days you had is not seen in isolation during possible filtering of applications by a low-level person but is covered by confidentiality.

[many jobs in this climate are recieving hundreds of applications and some firms will filter apps with temps or admin staff before anybody more senior gets involved.. ]

Excellent point, fluffles.

Sorry

Totally agree with Fluffles. Maybe say as well that you are more than happy to answer any questions they may have about your illness before the interview. And make sure you put in your note lots of details, although say you want it to be kept confidential. Also tell them how many days you had off sick before this illness started to cause problems.

Under the Equality Act 2010, employers can only ask health questions in very limited circumstances and it would certainly be illegal to ask you anything about this illness and your sick leave in the interview. IMO I think this can disadvantage candidates such as yourself, so make sure in your note you tell them everything you think a potential employer would want to know.

Whatever you do, DON'T LIE!!!

:o

Definitely let them know that you're now better (and mention if you have medical letters or some such that you can offer to bring along to interview stage should you be shortlisted blah blah blah)

Good luck!