All job candidates should be considered equally. However, having a disability may lead to misconceptions and pre-judgment from interviewers and potential employers.
Consider these six job search tips to help you find and land the job that is right for you.
- Online Career Fairs
People with disabilities face unique challenges when looking for a job. Luckily, virtual recruiting can help minimize or eliminate these problems. Virtual job fairs can help candidates with disabilities connect with employers and allow individuals not to share their disability unless or until they are ready.
LinkedIn and other social media sites are available and good sources. Creating a personal website may allow you to highlight your experience and skills, make your brand stand out and link you with other professional groups to network.
- Flexible and Remote Jobs
Flexible and remote jobs help you stay connected to the workforce, look for work and maintain or grow your career while making accommodations for your particular situation.
Flexible and remote work also helps level the playing field by creating a fairer job search and presenting more options for employment that accommodate each individual’s situation.
- Stay Flexible Yourself
Sometimes a job search doesn’t go as planned, but if you’re willing to be flexible, you might find more success. Consider getting creative about how you explore opportunities and try different search strategies rather than relying solely on traditional choices.
Try considering temporary work rather than only full-time positions, even if it is while you search for something permanent. Consider being open to different types of work like part-time, freelance, or jobs with flexible or alternative schedules where you can choose your work hours outside the typical workday. Even if these jobs are outside of your preferred industry, they keep you engaged in the workforce and could provide career opportunities you may not have considered.
- Consider When to Disclose
Carefully consider and give some thought to whether or not to discuss your disability with a potential employer. If there is no job-related reason to bring up your disability, you may not need to mention it.
This is particularly important when trying to get an interview – many experts agree that early disclosure of a disability in your cover letter or resume might work against you in the initial stages of a job search.
- Stay Positive!
The average job search can take up to three months for anyone, regardless of whether they have a disability or not.
While that length may seem discouraging, staying positive throughout your job search is important. Many people find success and thrive even though they are disabled. The Employment Counselors at Job Skills will work with you to create an action plan to assist you every step of the way.
- Your Job is Out There Waiting for You
Regardless of your circumstances, finding a job is a job in itself. Keep these steps in mind; they will help widen your options and work in your favour in the job market.
If you haven’t connected with an Employment Consultant at Job Skills, NOW is the time to get that one-on-one support you can use as you move through the new way of working. Call Job Skills toll-free at 1-866-592-6278 to connect to one of JS’s experts.
Job Skills has more than 40 online workshops to assist you in your career exploration and job search situation. Register to participate in the online ‘LinkedIn for Job Searching’ workshop on June 22, 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Watch for the other dates and times to register for our online workshops, as well as lots of great links and resources to assist you!
