Careers

Welcome to the careers section of iFace. Check out the forum and FAQs if you need ideas about what to do after school/college/uni. There's also some useful advice in FAQs about whether to mention your disfigurement before you go for a job interview. Take a look around!

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A I used to have a Saturday job and I really enjoyed that. I enjoyed the people there, learning new skills and the independence that the money gave me.

A

This is a difficult answer as there is no definite answer. You do not have to disclose your disfigurement on the application form or before you go for an interview, unless you want to. Employers cannot discriminate against you because of your difference and if you meet all the other criteria for on the personal specification they are obliged to offer you an interview. 

Once you are at the interview, you may be asked about your disfigurement, see the answer below as to how you can approach this.

A If you are asked at interview you could say to the employer that your disfigurement does not impact on your ability to carry out the job and that you are fine serving members of the public. You could even turn the question around and point out that due to your disfigurement you have had to learn additional and enhanced communication skills which makes you even more suited for the job. If the interviewer is still insensitive enough to ask questions then you could point out to them that this line of questioning is potentially discriminatory, but you have to feel very confident to be able to do this so don't worry if you feel this is too much. I guess the bottom line is do you really want to be working for someone who is that insensitive and so worried about appearance? Remember an interview is a two way process and it is an opportunity for you to find out as much about the job and the company that you will be working for. I would seriously advise anyone who finds themselves being asked uncomfortable questions about their appearance to look for work else where because chances are you wouldn't feel happy working there.

A Think of another time when you went somewhere new and had to meet new people ' at a Saturday job, a sports club or starting a new school. Did you ever tell others about your eczema then?  Can you remember what you said?  

If you can bring up the subject early on with your new flatmates, you can get it out of the way and get on with enjoying yourself. You could say something like, 'I know when people first meet me they often notice my eczema. Don't worry, it's not catching'.

It can help to practise what you want to say beforehand so that you feel more comfortable. The National Eczema Society www.eczema.org has a booklet for teenagers, which includes ideas for talking about your eczema. Email helpline@eczema.org Tel: 0870 241 3604

A

Lots of people, who have a visible difference, work with the public. If you're inspired to teach aerobics and you have the skills then go for it!
 
Working with the public is also a great opportunity to show other people that your visible difference does not hold you back and that no one needs to feel shy or awkward about it. 

If you or your Mum is concerned that people may stare or ask questions, think about how you handle these sorts of reactions in your daily life.  Perhaps you could give people a smile or briefly explain about your visible difference?  You can also do this with the people who come to your class, e.g. 'My face may be a little unusual but it doesn't stop me showing you a great routine that will really tone those muscles!'

It is important that you do not let your difference force you into giving up something you really want to do whether it is in the public eye or not, at the end of the day, it all comes down to the amount of confidence you have in yourself.

 

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