“Maar wat zeg ik dan?” “Ik moet solliciteren, maar ben nog niet hersteld, wat nu als ik uitgenodigd word?”. Een vraag die wij regelmatig krijgen. Veel van onze coaches hebben een chronische aandoening of ziekte. Soms zijn ze al een tijdje uit het arbeidsproces.

You’re not required to say anything about your illness or condition. An employer is not allowed to ask about it either. If they do, you’re under no obligation to answer. Questions about your health or whether you want to have children are also not permitted. However, an employer may ask whether you’re physically able to carry out certain tasks. This helps them determine if any adjustments are needed in the workplace.

When should you tell something about your health?

1. If you’re not yet able to perform all tasks or work the required number of hours, you do need to share this. Since it directly affects how you’ll carry out the role, the employer must be informed.
2. If adjustments to the workplace or the work are necessary.
3. If you expect to visit the hospital or a specialist frequently, or anticipate being ill more often than average in the coming six months, it’s important to consider whether and how to share this—especially if it will significantly impact your availability or performance.

So, only if your illness or condition affects your ability to perform your duties, you are required to mention it, so that appropriate adjustments can be made. You do not need to disclose what the condition is. However, if you choose not to mention it and your employer finds out later, they may withhold your salary or, in some cases, even terminate your contract.

It’s quite common in such cases to start with a work experience placement, a trial placement, or through a second-track reintegration via a temporary assignment. The benefit is that both you and the employer can explore whether the match works for both sides. Additionally, it can be advantageous for the employer, as they may be able to make use of various support schemes.

It’s important to clearly state under what conditions and with which adjustments you’re able to carry out the work. And above all, focus on what you bring to the table, your talents, motivations, and experience.

Many of our coachees do want to be honest during the job interview and choose to share what’s going on, even when it doesn’t affect their ability to do the job. In those cases, they make a personal decision about whether or not to mention it.

Are you currently following, or considering, a second-track reintegration program with us? Our career coaches can give you valuable advice on how to approach job interviews. And practicing through role-play can help you feel even more confident going into the conversation!
Read more about a second-track reintegration program (spoor 2 traject) at Dynamisch Bureau.