Comment by jasmine on May 17, 2013 at 10:36pm

Hi Tracey-I don't have experience with the situation you described, but maybe I can offer you some advice. I saw on your profile that you are a clinical psychologist. To me, that represents a job associated with healthcare. I truly believe that if your employer does not understand your condition, it is definitely a company/clinic you don't want to work for. I would think that most individuals in the healthcare system would not have an issue with this. I would recommend to reinforce that your condition will not affect your work performance in any way. It's best to be honest right off the bat, especially since you will be spending a lot of time in your work environment (by disclosing the information, you will feel a lot more comfortable at work).

This is just my opinion. I totally understand that it is a challenge and it may be out of your comfort zone, but it could definitely lead to something great. Good luck with the job search! I am very excited for you.

Comment by Tracey on May 18, 2013 at 3:14pm

Thank you, jasmine, for your response. I agree with you, that being up front and honest is the best way to deal with the situation. I think I was upset at the time I wrote the post that I even have to deal with the issue in the first place. On the flip side, I really can see how having this condition can benefit me when working with others. If nothing else, I may help someone by demonstrating courage, strength and hope. There is life beyond AU, or any type of alopecia. Once in a while I still find myself falling into the "why me" mindset. Most of the time I am positive about it. I just found myself being confronted by the challenges associated with it when I was considering going back to work. I've only been completely bald for about 7 months, but it feels like a lifetime. I guess that's okay, though, since it is truly going to be a life time issue! Thanks again!

Comment by Anth on May 20, 2013 at 4:02pm

hi tracey,

i as well am not entirely in the same boat. i'm an actor working in the business with alopecia, but i do understand that transparency is very important although somewhat daunting when it comes down to interviewing for work. but it needn't be daunting at all.
things like this are usually much bigger and scarier in our heads than in reality, and we tend to bring this fear with us into the interviews.

i'd suggest that you be upfront about your alopecia in a pretty light hearted way. it won't get in the way of the job and thats a fact, so you can just be transparent about it (for the first minute or so, thats really all thats necessary) then shift the emphasis onto why you are perfect for the job!

i know its not as easy as it sounds, but if you can find within you (or even project) an air of acceptance and that its really no big deal, others will join in.

best of luck and go rock those interviews!

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