Taking Medication? How To Communicate This To Your Future Employer
Many people get worried they’ll have a hard time finding work because they are taking prescription medication. Some jobs that are sensitive in nature will ask if you are on prescription medication during the application process. Random drug testing is growing in the workplace; the growth can be attributed to workplace safety concerns, productivity, and staying ahead of your competition. If you’re someone who’s taking prescription medication, then I know your concern. For years, I suffered from ADHD, so I had a hard time focusing. My ADHD was something I needed to disclose when applying for work, so know firsthand how it can be a sensitive issue for people.
The practice of drug testing and ADHD[1] has been becoming more prevalent in many states, especially with growing concerns over terrorism. States want to ensure a safe environment is kept under all circumstances, and testing has even become law.
Over the years, I found a great pattern that works and can help increase your chances of a successful interview process. Here are the things I’ve learned over the years that I know will help you, too.
Be Honest
The first thing is to be completely honest about the medications you’re taking when asked about them. You have a better chance of getting hired if you are honest than if you lie during your interview process. Not disclosing the medications you are taking when asked shows employers the type of person you are, which lowers your chance of a successful interview. If you’re an employer and someone lies about being on prescription medication, then you’ll want to avoid making this person part of your establishment, right?
Going forward, the next time you are asked this question be honest, because it shows character. Employers have dealt with people on prescription medication before, so they are just looking to find out if you’re honest. It’s important to note that they have measures in place to find out your medical history, so they’ll eventually find out anyway.
Explaining Medication
Giving an explanation on why you take medication can shed light on your situation. At the same time, you can explain how the medication will help you perform the job you are applying for. It’s very easy for people to make up their own thoughts about why people are on medication, but if you explain the situation, it can eliminate any confusion. Most of the time, if you disclose you are taking medication, then you’ll be asked for what and why, so just be honest about that, too; it’s a great feeling to get it completely off your chest.
Understand Employment Standards
There are many forms of prescription medications, so if one doesn’t meet employment standards, you can try to find an alternative. Pharmaceutical companies have made billions coming up with alternative types of medication to stay competitive in the market. You might switch between brand or generic drugs that will suit the employment standards better. Before you can proceed, it’s important to find out what the standards are and the alternatives available. The employer may be able to give you a list of relevant medications that are allowed under company policy.
Doctor’s Note
I’m sure you’ve applied for insurance before and they’ve asked about your medical history, right? When you list prescription medications on the form, insurance companies will most likely require additional information from your doctor. When you provide this information, it helps with the approval of your application, even though it’s at a premium rate. The point I’m trying to make is bringing a doctor’s note supporting your ability to continue to work is a great way to secure employment with a company. Sometimes, the company just requires additional information for their own comfort before accepting your employment request.
Advise During Drug Testing
As mentioned, many companies are now taking part in random drug testing, and it’s important you advise them about this before testing. A fail on a drug test means immediate termination, even if you are on prescription drugs and they didn’t know. It’s because companies must follow state policy, and failing a drug test falls under strict regulations which have no leniency. Let the company document your medication use prior to the test so that they can avoid putting evidence of the medication on the drug test results. Remember, being honest about the prescription medication you are taking can be beneficial to your employment process, because it shows that you care about the well-being of the company environment.
Featured photo credit: gainesvillegalawyer.com via gainesvillegalawyer.com
Reference
| [1] | ^ | PsychCentral: ADHD Meds and Job Drug Tests |
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