Hi Susan,

The likelihood is, as you pointed out, that employers are either trying to meet that obligation or just capture demographic information but given the wide array of employment applications out there and diversity in employers there is no way for us to definitively say.

These forms can be very stressful for anyone with a current disability or history of having one so it is helpful to think about a few things as you face them (I am pulling this list from another recent post we answered, this has been something of a hot topic lately):
1) You never want to lie. This is why the dealing with forms is so much more difficult than when you are actually having an in person conversation where you can use techniques like the Swivel (http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/interviewing/the-swivel) to steer the conversation.
2) You do want to make sure to read the question and answer what is actually being asked and not any more than that. Phrasing really matters and since each form might ask the question differently you want to really consider what is being asked before you do anything. Sometimes on a first read we think we know what info someone is looking for but it is actually us filling in details not really there.
3) The most important thing you can do is be comfortable with your answer. Some people will choose to select "prefer not to answer" while others will feel that is as much of a red flag as selecting an answer that indicates you have or have had a disability (however the form is defining it).
4) Usually, these questions are being asked for demographic purposes and nothing more, often there are a series of them so if you choose to say "prefer not to answer" for one you may want to consider saying it for all of the demographic questions to be consistent. Again this will be a personal choice.
5) CAC spends a lot of time focused on encouraging people to develop their networking skills (we are actually working on getting more content about that on the website) and part of the value in that is that though you may still face these forms and a formal screening/hiring process if you are also able to network with someone in the company, organization or agency you are interested in working for that can do wonders to overcome any stumbling blocks that a blind application might face.

Please feel free to follow up with any additional questions!

Best,
Rebecca

Rebecca V. Nellis, MPP
Chief Mission Officer
Cancer and Careers

Thank you for your reply. Even with networking when people don't know your diagnosis, many choose not to step up. I've asked countless people to channel for me or introduce me and they go dead.

Hi Susan, Job searching is definitely filled with a lot of highs and lows, and can at times feel like there will be no end to it. Networking is very much an art and making sure you think about how to make it an ongoing and reciprocal process is key. While we are working to get some more guidance on the website related to it might I recommend you check out: Our recent job search webinar: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/videos/bwc/job-search (networking is addressed as are all the aspects of a successful job search) Last year's webinar on LinkedIn: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/videos/bwc/linkedin Our Job Search Toolkit: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/publication_orders/new (download or order and a free copy will be mailed to you) Looking for Work section of our website: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work CAC's blog: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/blog (we use this space to look at all angles of the work world, we cover a lot of content here on navigating the job search process in particular) Resume Review Service: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new (get free feedback on your resume from one of our professional coaches) Being a savvy candidate is hard work but by doing so you will get the opportunity to show a prospective employer what an asset you can be! Finally, it is so important that you remind yourself of all the accomplishments and contributions you have already had and made. Best, Rebecca Rebecca V. Nellis, MPP Chief Mission Officer Cancer and Careers