Job Hunting With An Invisible Disability: Success Strategies 

Finding employment can be a challenging process for anyone, but it can be particularly daunting for people living with invisible disabilities. Although not immediately visible, hidden disabilities can create roadblocks when it comes to job seeking. Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can overcome these challenges and find your dream job.

This guide offers actionable tips and best practices for job hunting with an invisible disability. You’ll discover:

• What invisible disabilities are
• Common obstacles disabled job seekers face 
• Tips on how to find a job when you have an invisible disability

First up, let’s explore what hidden disabilities are.

What Are Invisible Disabilities?

As the name suggests, invisible disabilities are conditions that aren’t instantly noticeable. However, just because they aren’t immediately obvious doesn’t diminish the impact they have on a person’s daily life and experience in the workplace.

Unpacking 8 common hidden disabilities

There is a wide range of invisible disabilities. For context, here are eight common conditions.

• Anxiety Disorders: Conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder take a huge toll on a person’s ability to concentrate, handle stress, and interact with others.
• Depression: As a mood disorder, depression impacts a person’s emotions, thoughts, and well-being. As a result, it can affect their concentration, energy levels, motivation, and ability to receive criticism. 
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): People with this neurodevelopmental disorder may struggle with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This can have a knock-on effect on their time management, organization, and ability to focus in highly stimulating environments.
• Autism Spectrum Disorders: Autism is a broad term for a range of conditions that influence a person’s ability to interact with others, communicate, and navigate social situations in the workplace. People on the spectrum may be more sensitive to certain sensory stimulants.
• Chronic Pain Conditions: Invisible pain conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis can limit a person’s physical ability, energy levels, and mobility. For instance, tasks that require physical exertion or long periods of standing or sitting could be challenging. What’s more, suffering from chronic pain can have a negative impact on the person’s overall well-being.
• Learning Disabilities: People living with learning disabilities like dyslexia or dyscalculia may face challenges processing and retaining information. As such, this can impact their reading, maths, and writing skills and cause a lack of confidence.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a mental health condition that often develops when a person experiences a traumatic event. It can cause anxiety and intrusive thoughts, making it difficult to focus and manage stress.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): CFS creates persistent fatigue that doesn’t go away no matter how much the person rests. As a result, this person may experience some challenges at work, such as mobility issues, exhaustion, and cognitive difficulties.

Next up: Let’s look at some common challenges people face when finding a job with a hidden disability.

Challenges When Job Hunting With An Invisible Disability

Finding work with an invisible disability poses a series of obstacles that can impact your confidence. In this section, we break down six common challenges that people with hidden disabilities may come up against in the workplace.

• Lack of Awareness: Since this type of disability isn’t immediately visible, employers and colleagues may not fully understand the impact of a person’s condition and their limitations. This can leave the individual feeling frustrated and isolated at work. 
• Stigma: Unfortunately, people with hidden disabilities often face stigma and discrimination in the workplace. For example,  they may have to deal with unfair stereotypes of misconceptions, resulting in fewer career opportunities.
• Requesting Accommodations: Requesting accommodations is a daunting prospect for anyone, but it can be particularly challenging for people with invisible conditions. Fear of judgment or being accused of making up their illness can leave them feeling uneasy about making requests or opening up about their condition.
• Disclosure: Disclosing your condition to your employer can be a stressful event, people often fear there will be negative repercussions, or it will impact how they are viewed at work. 
• Balancing Health and Work: In many cases, disabilities flare up. That means that people living with them may experience fluctuating symptoms, which can lead to burnout, affect attendance, or require them to request flexible working arrangements. 
• Fewer Career Development Opportunities: Unfortunately, some people dealing with a hidden disability face stigma that limits their access to promotions, training, and leadership roles. Due to their condition, their ability and professionalism are often unfairly called into question.

Whether you’re an employer, a person with an invisible disability, or an able-bodied person, understanding these challenges is the first step in creating an inclusive and supportive work environment.

Tips For Job Hunting With An Invisible Disability

While there’s no doubt there are obstacles to overcome, these five success strategies can empower you to find a job while living with an invisible disability. 

1. Know your rights

The first step in navigating the job market is to educate yourself on your rights, accommodations, and disclosure options. Research UK laws and regulations, including the Equality Act 2010, to get a better understanding of what accommodations you’re entitled to and how to request them.

Don’t know where to start? Check out our guide on getting to know your rights as a worker with a disability.

2. Highlight your unique strengths

Rather than focusing on your limitations, emphasise the unique strengths and skills that you bring to the table. Then, figure out how to highlight these in your cover letter, CV, and interview. Focusing on transferable skills such as resilience, creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability is a great way to showcase your value. However, remember to provide examples of when you have demonstrated these skills at work.

Let’s say you have been suffering from chronic pain. Explain how this experience has honed your time management and prioritisation skills.

3. Target disability-friendly employers

Utilising a targeted job search that focuses on disability-friendly employers is a great way to improve your odds. Employers that promote diversity, inclusion, and disability accommodation are going to be much more open and supportive of your needs. Plus, you’ll feel more confident disclosing your hidden disability and making accommodation requests.

Careers with Disabilities is a great example. Our disability-friendly job board connects you with accessible employers so you can find the right working environment. In addition, our resource hub is packed with information and advice on job hunting with an invisible disability.

4. Develop a disclose strategy

Knowing when and how to communicate your disability to an employer is a personal decision and one that you should consider well. Remember, unless you require specific accommodations during the selection process, you aren’t obliged to disclose your condition until you feel ready.

Our advice is to research the company, evaluate the circumstances, and assess for yourself when and how to proceed. When you’re ready, focus on your abilities first before outlining what your limitations are and how accommodations can support your success in the role.

5. Prepare for the interview process

Job interviews are always nerve-wracking, not to mention the added pressure of deciding whether to disclose your disability or not. The best way you can prepare for interviews is to practice self-care, do plenty of research, and practice interview questions with a friend or mentor.

The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel during the interview process. As part of your preparation, get ready to discuss your strengths, accommodations, and disability in case you feel comfortable to disclose this information.

Take a look at our interview tips for some pointers to get you started.

How We Can Support You When Job Hunting With An Invisible Disability 

Job hunting with an invisible disability is not without its challenges. That said, building your resilience and self-advocacy and taking a targeted approach can be extremely beneficial. In addition, educating yourself on your rights, coming up with a disclosure strategy, and selling your transferable skills can help you navigate the job market. 

At Careers With Disabilities, we work hard to connect you with accessible jobs and disability-confident employers who offer a safe and supportive work environment. Check out our disability-friendly job board for the latest opportunities near you.

Are you an employer looking to become more inclusive and disability confident? Our resource hub is packed with support and guidance on everything from supporting employees to job ad inclusivity screening.

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