25 replies to this topic

[Austin Guy]

As a person with HR experience, a potential employer cannot discriminate against anyone with a condition. It is absolutely fine to bring up your Celiac if you are comfortable with that. Call the restaurant in advance and ask about gluten free meals. Then order one at lunch and have a good interview.

[jenngolightly]

As a person with HR experience, a potential employer cannot discriminate against anyone with a condition. It is absolutely fine to bring up your Celiac if you are comfortable with that. Call the restaurant in advance and ask about gluten free meals. Then order one at lunch and have a good interview.

I think this is true in theory, but I've been on committees where this doesn't play out. If two potential employees are similar in skills, any negative might weigh against one of them, whether it's against the law or not. However, if that person is clearly the best candidate, the rule is enforced.

We might think that Celiac is no big deal, but there are a lot of people who still find it a detriment. I found out that I have Celiac while working at my present job. I work with highly educated people (at a university), and I'm still treated with kid-gloves by my boss. I have mixed feelings about the original poster disclosing Celiac in the interview. On one hand, it's going to come out eventually and you might as well tell right away. On the other hand, put your best foot forward and convince them that you can do the job first without writing "I have special needs" on your forehead.

[mbrookes]

Since you are highly unlikely to encounter rye or barley, just tell the server (like you probably always do) that you can't eat wheat or wheat products. Every one is by now used to people with food allergies and think nothing of it. The way you handle the whole thing may make a good impression. Don't make it sound like a disability, just matter of fact.
It is not a disability, and I wish people (yes, including some with Celiac)would stop treating it as such. Most of us live very normal lives and just eat carefully. (oops, I'm on my soapbox again)I am a very normal person who has to be careful what I eat. The fact that I have Celiac does not dominate my life.

[srall]

I think this is true in theory, but I've been on committees where this doesn't play out. If two potential employees are similar in skills, any negative might weigh against one of them, whether it's against the law or not. However, if that person is clearly the best candidate, the rule is enforced.

We might think that Celiac is no big deal, but there are a lot of people who still find it a detriment. I found out that I have Celiac while working at my present job. I work with highly educated people (at a university), and I'm still treated with kid-gloves by my boss. I have mixed feelings about the original poster disclosing Celiac in the interview. On one hand, it's going to come out eventually and you might as well tell right away. On the other hand, put your best foot forward and convince them that you can do the job first without writing "I have special needs" on your forehead.

I sort of agree. I have been on hiring committees where we have two equally qualified people and say one is a mom with young kids and the other is single with no ties, and guess who gets the job. Not legal, not fair, but I know it happens. I'd probably be reluctant to point out in a job interview that I had celiac if I was going to be required to take clients out a lot. I think I'd just try and get the job, then worry about things later. As for your lunch, (which has probably happened by now) I'd either order the safest thing on the menu, or go and order an iced tea and just say you really weren't hungry.

[Korwyn]

Since you are highly unlikely to encounter rye or barley, just tell the server (like you probably always do) that you can't eat wheat or wheat products.

Arrghh!!!! I disagree most strongly and vociferously! Barley malt is in many seasonings, dressings, vinegar, etc, etc. Restaurants serve rye bread all the time! We used to toast bread on the grill when we served it with soup! That type of thinking is dangerous for a known Celiac. I have other words I want to use but I'm being polite.

It is not a disability, and I wish people (yes, including some with Celiac)would stop treating it as such. Most of us live very normal lives and just eat carefully. (oops, I'm on my soapbox again)I am a very normal person who has to be careful what I eat. The fact that I have Celiac does not dominate my life.

I agree that it isn't a disability. It may not dominate your life, but are you going to say that it doesn't affect every aspect of your social and home life? I don't even allow our grandkids to bring snacks into the house when they come over. We have stuff there for them. I've gotten sick from crumbs that came in on Austyn's clothes after a 4 hour car ride from their house to ours. I got a sloppy kiss from Healey one time when they showed up and found out that he had been eating animal crackers the whole way there. You're going to tell me that you just have to be careful what you eat? Then you are MOST fortunate.

[mbrookes]

I agree. I am MOST fortunate in that I am not super sensitive. Thank you for not using impolite words, but I think you are over-stating the prescence of barley in salad dressings. If it is a worry, ask for olive oil and lemon juice on the side.
Maybe I did not express myself well. I mean that our attitude is very important in our health and the way we are perceived. I am a person who happens to have Celiac disease. I am not Celiac disease who happens to be a person. Maybe I have been exposed to too many whiners.

[Jestgar]

I would also say that I have to be careful with what I eat, but then I don't interact much with gluten eaters. I met my bf's granddaughter for the first time and I realized that I was reluctant to touch her because she had a sandwich in her hand. It made me realize that my ease of living is because I live within a carefully defined sphere. When I step out of that sphere is when I realize how careful I've learned to be, and the steps I've taken to make my life easier.

[GlutenFreeManna]

You may not think of yourself as disabled, but celiac disease (and food allergies too) is defined as a disability that is covered by the ADA. It is technically a disability no matter what your attitude or how well you manage it. You cannot just eat what everyone else is eating or just order something without asking questions. Some of us cannot even enter certain restaurants without getting sick. This is a fact of life for some of us and and not meant to be "whining". Consider yourself very lucky if you do not have bad reactions to cc and air-born flour. As to the OP, it is illegal for them to discriminate against someone for having celiac disease when hiring, but I do tend to agree with the other posters that said it may happen anyway. Proving discrimination is too difficult in a case like this. They can simply say the other person was more qualified. Better, IMO, to just avoid the topic until after you have the job, especially since it will not necessarily impact your ability to do the job. I hope you will update us with what you decided to do and how it turned out!

[Chad Sines]

If you will be required to eat out a lot for sales, then I think you MUST go to this. If you will not attend this most critical meal then he is going to wonder if you are reliable enough to attend them with a client.

I have never had any business associate or client give me any negatives about having an allergy to wheat (the term wheat is easier for them to understand). "Allergy to wheat?" "Yea, I used to be really sick before it was diagnosed but I am great now" Most either know someone with it, have heard about it or were curious about it. It has been a great ice breaker.

Would you hide if you had a seafood or peanut allergy?

You have to eat at your meals but you do not have to eat wheat. Like others said, you could just eat a salad if you want to keep it a secret. But if you do not let people know this you will offend them at some point when they invite you to a celiac unfriendly meal and you act "off."

[a1956chill]

Jason did you go to the interview? How did it go?

[aeraen]

Have you considered turning it into a "positive"? When your waiter arrives, tell him politely, and without apology, that you are allergic to wheat, and then order a very simple meal (like others said, salad w/o croutons would be perfect) with confidence. Ask any questions you may have graciously, and explain any questions your waiter may have simply.

Do so with a minimum of fuss, and you will show your prospective employer that you are able to handle an awkward situation confidently and with grace.