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Dear J.T. & Dale: I have recurring ovarian cancer. To look at me, you would not know I am sick. I've also been very fortunate not to have any noticeable effects from the chemo. I've only missed three workdays since March '07 due to the illness. I will shortly be unemployed and will be seeking a new position. How/when do I tell a prospective employer about my cancer? — Meredith

DALE: First, let's talk about your legal obligations — there are none. Here's how one of our favorite employment attorneys, Scott Gordon of the Rodey Law Firm in Albuquerque, N.M., put it: "This job applicant is under no obligation to disclose her medical condition to any potential employer. Indeed, under the Americans With Disabilities Act, her potential employers are forbidden from asking about it." Understood. But, I wondered, what happens after she starts and needs time for medical appointments? Scott replied: "At that point, she'll have to disclose her condition and the need for leave. The act requires that the employer and employee work together to arrive at an accommodation that meets the employee's needs and doesn't create an undue hardship on the employer."

J.T.: And when we asked Scott to describe what would happen if a future employer should terminate Meredith for not disclosing her condition, he said, "If that happens, I know a lot of lawyers who would want to meet her."

DALE: So, no legal issue. And we don't see an ethical one, either. Which leaves just the business issue: Will you alienate an employer by failing to address the medical issues beforehand?

J.T.: Here's how I'd handle it. Almost every employer asks something like "What are your strengths?" Or "Tell me about your greatest professional accomplishment." This is your chance to be proud of the fact that you have taken on cancer, and done so without missing hardly any time at work.

DALE : Nicely put. But, Meredith, we need to be honest and admit that some people are going to be intimidated by your cancer, which means that you candor will reduce the odds of a job offer. On the other hand, it might just get you a better-quality person as a new boss.

J.T. : Candor certainly worked for a woman I interviewed recently. She shared with us her story of how she beat cancer. Her positive spirit was so inspiring that I thought, "Wow, if she can battle cancer with a smile, she'll be able to handle anything we throw at her here." We were delighted to offer her a job.

Letter of the month

J.T. : We love to hear from readers who share what they've learned while in the job market. Today we hear from Beth, who turned around unwelcome news about an interview situation.

BETH : When I interviewed for my current position, I was fortunate to learn ahead of time that I would be sitting in front of a panel. I'd never had that experience before, and I was terrified. Rather than let it get the better of me, I chose five reasonable and sound questions, printed out copies for each panelist and handed them out once we were seated. It served two purposes. One, everyone was literally on the same page; and two, for the first few minutes I could acclimate to the atmosphere because my interviewers were looking at the questions, not staring at me. I remember how surprised they were to see that not only was I prepared, but I'd thought of each of them, versus bringing only one copy of questions for the principal interviewer. This action also gave me more confidence and a higher sense of ownership of my part in the interview.

DALE : Beth outsmarted her fear and got the job. And while handing out questions is unusual, J.T. and I encourage every applicant to arrive with questions to ask of the interviewer(s). And there's no reason not to write them down and refer to them in an interview. It will make you seem more prepared, and will increase the odds of your having the sort of conversation that makes them want to see more of you.

Jeanine "J.T." Tanner O'Donnell is a professional development specialist and founder of the consulting firm jtodonnell.com. Dale Dauten's latest book is (Great) Employees Only: How Gifted Bosses Hire and De-Hire Their Way to Success.