Navigating HR Questions About Mental Illness in Job Interviews

Many job seekers fear that questions about their history of mental illnesses might affect their chances of getting hired. However, understanding the legal framework and your rights can help ensure a fair and inclusive hiring process.

The ADA and Your Rights

The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) generally prohibits employers from asking about medical history before an offer is made. Employers can only ask about a medical condition if they believe it might affect an employee's ability to perform the job. Interviewers should avoid asking about recent injuries, hospital stays, or any medical conditions, including mental/behavioral illnesses.

Even after the hiring process, employers cannot request disclosure of any health conditions that occur while you are employed. Background checks typically do not include information regarding mental or emotional health unless it is related to a criminal case.

Responding to Unlawful Questions

If you are asked an illegal question, such as about a history of mental illness, respond with something like:

‘Thank you for the question. According to the ADA, I cannot be asked about past medical conditions. However, if you are concerned about my ability to perform the job, I would be happy to discuss my qualifications and my comfort with demanding tasks.’

It’s important to remain calm and professional, and to redirect the conversation toward your qualifications and suitability for the role.

Factors That Impact Hiring Decisions

What the interviewer observes and hears affects your chances, often interpreted through their biases, prejudices, and mood. While qualifications are key, the single most critical factor is the interviewer's ability to envision you performing the job day-to-day. If the job seems easy to picture with you, they may be inclined to proceed.

It's also important to note that being labeled with a history of mental illness might not be as stigmatized as it once was. If you choose to share that you had a difficult experience with a situation causing stress and you sought help, which was ultimately a positive decision, you can frame it as a strength.

Practice and Preparation

Prepare for the interview by practicing common questions with friends or your therapist. This can help you feel more confident and prepared to handle unexpected or challenging questions. Remember to focus on your strengths, skills, and readiness for the role.

Disclaimer and Credibility

When seeking advice on mental health matters, it's crucial to understand that opinions provided are general and should not be interpreted as personalized medical advice. The information shared is intended for general awareness and does not replace professional consultation.

Dr. McPhee, for instance, provides information for educational and illustrative purposes, and not as legal or medical advice. Any narratives or fictional cases used are for teaching and do not represent real individuals or incidents.

So, when you go into an interview, be ready to demonstrate your qualifications while staying within ADA guidelines and maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.

Good luck!