Disability:
Blind & vision Impaired
(including not only those who are totally blind, but also those with limited vision)
Possible Access Issues: Path
of travel, displays of information, controls with written directions, elevators
operating buttons, and completion of written forms.
Possible Solutions: “Talking” computers and calculators,
labeling in Braille, respond to questions orally, air radio announcements,
avoid clutter in pathways, use writing, drawing, optical aids such as
magnifiers.
Disability:
Deaf & Hearing Impaired
(including not only those persons who are totally deaf, but also those with limited hearing)
Possible Access Issue: Information
obtained through telephone, warning devices such as alarms, equipment operating
noises.
Possible Solutions:
Disability:
Psychological Disabilities
Possible Access Issue: Difficulty
understanding signs, controls, operating instructions and/or directions
Possible Solution: Willingness of someone to assist and/or answer questions and provide direction
Disability:
Difficulty with Upper Body Movement
(including not only those persons who have limited use of arms, shoulder; persons who use wheelchairs or crutches; people of short stature; those who cannot perform certain hand movements, or have difficulty controlling movement)
Possible Access Issue: Difficulty
operating, locating or reaching certain hardware such as hand controls,
bathroom fixtures, water fountains, telephones, vending machines, light
fixtures.
Possible Solutions: Relocating a program or service to an accessible area, use of adaptive equipment and/or modification of present hardware.
Disability:
Mobility Impairments
(including those persons having difficulties, stamina limitations, as well as those who use wheelchairs and crutches).
Possible Access Issue: No grasp bars, handrails, or other supports. No designated parking spaces for disabled people. Distance from parking, public transportation stops. Route of travel such as curbs, walks, unleveled surfaces, carpeting, textured tile supports. Entrances and doors to restrooms, phones, water fountains, location of controls, general hardware.
Possible Solutions: Make necessary structural changes to eliminate barriers such as install ramps and/or widen doorways.
ARE YOU READY TO GO TO WORK?
1. Do you want to work?
2. Are you going to work for financial reasons?
3. Do you have a resume?
4. Have you ever filled out a job application?
5. Do you need a job that you can work from your home?
6. Do you have transportation (car, bus,taxi…)?
7. Have you volunteered for more than 2 day per week
in the past six months?
8. Have you worked within the last six months?
9. Do you know how many hours you are able to work?
10. Can you get to your job on time?
11. Do you know what types of jobs you are interested
it?
12. Do you have any of the skills required for the
jobs you are looking for?
13. Do you have at least 15 hours per week to commit
to a job search?
============================================================
1 - 5 no answers:
You are ready to go to work
6 – 8 no answers:
You have some barriers to go to work but you are ready
9 and more:
You should attend a career counseling session at your local technical
school or job center to assess what your barriers are to go to work.
DEVELOPING AN ACCOMODATION
PLAN
If your disability affects your ability to perform in the workplace, or if you need an accommodation during the hiring process, do everything you can to familiarize yourself with the kind of accommodations that you need to be as productive as possible on the job. You may have accommodation needs that are similar to those of other people with your disability but, keep in mind your own unique set of circumstances and personal preferences. Select accommodations that are both effective and cost-effective.
Consider developing a formal accommodation “plan”. In developing this plan, thoroughly research all the accommodation solutions available to perform work-related tasks that you might encounter. Where these solutions are items or tools, arrange to test various brands or models-both to be familiar with the range of options available you, and to learn which ones best meet your personal needs. Accommodation should be requested in writing so you can develop a written dialogue.
Explore the online resources of the Job Accommodation Network and place a toll-free call to one of their trained Job Accommodation Consultants (1-800-526-7234). Access the Job Accommodation Network on-line at http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/fact.html. The Job Accommodation Network is a great resource for information on accommodations specific to various disabilities. Click on the button at the bottom of this page to see a sample of the types of information you’re likely to find.
There are national associations that focus on most types of disabilities. A good place to start is http://www.DisabilityResources.org You can also contact your local job center or Midstate
Independent Living Consultants for assistance.
Click on the button below to download a sample form for requesting reasonable accommodations from an employer.
DISCLOSURE
Timing for disclosure and whether or not you
disclose at all depends on a variety of things; the first of which is the
nature or your disability; e.g., is it hidden or evident? When contacted for an interview, you should
always ask the employer what the interview process entails so you can determine
whether reasonable accommodations will be needed in order for you to
participate in the interview process. If
you have a physical disability, you will need to know where the accessible
entrance is. If a computer test is
required and, in order to take the test, you need special software to
accommodate impaired hearing or vision, you will need to make arrangements to
take the test on your own computer or to have the software you need installed
at the test site.
If you have an obvious disability (for example, you are deaf, blind, or use a wheelchair), it will be apparent to the interviewer or interview panel and may require an accommodation for the interview, the job, or both. Though you may have little choice in determining how to disclose your disability, the way you choose to present your disability can greatly affect how the employer will view it.
Are you presenting yourself as a person with a disability who has some skills – or a person with skills who happens to have a disability? Don’t be mistaken; this is an important distinction! Employers don’t hire people because they have disabilities – they hire people because they have skills. Make sure that you are presenting yourself as an enthusiastic and qualified candidate FIRST and someone with a disability, SECOND.
If you are applying for a job with an application, cover letter and resume and these information pieces will be sent via the mail or email, there is no obligation to disclose at the time of applying for the job and we recommend that you do not disclose at this time. The one exception would be when you are applying for a job wherein your disability actually makes you a more qualified candidate; for example, a job with an agency that serves or advocates for people with disabilities, like Midstate Independent Living Consultants. You want to be, and should be, judged on your skills as they fit the job. The employer is going to be reviewing all kinds of applications and resumes and evaluating, based on what you have presented on these documents, your skills and qualifications. Remember, you are a qualified, skilled individual, who happens to have a disability, not a person who has a disability and some skills.
Disclosure at the Application Site: If the employer requires you to complete the application on site or to apply in person, disclosure will be early in the hiring process. If you have a cover letter written to submit with your application you should consider addressing your disability in your cover letter if it is an obvious disability. You will need to take time and carefully consider your wording choice for your cover letter if you need to disclose at the application step. Remember to stress your desire to work for the employer and your skills and qualifications and then mention your disability. For example:
“As an individual who has a vision impairment I am confident that my disability will not effect my ability to work or my attendance record. I wanted to let you know about my disability in advance to avoid catching you off guard at the interview. Please feel free during the course of the interview to address any questions or concerns about how my disability might affect my work performance."
“I believe my skills and experience make me an excellent candidate for the position of _____. I have been in a wheelchair for the past several years, and this experience has taught me the importance of positive outlook, and to have extreme determination to achieve anything I do. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss how my skills can be used to benefit your company”
·
The Job
Accommodation network is a great resource. You may have heard this referred to
as JAN. You can access accommodation
information that is specific to your disability. Much of the data collected from people with
disabilities as well as employers indicates that those individuals who disclosed
their disability when called for an interview, when it was an obvious
disability, had a much better shot at getting a job. Research JAN on-line at:
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/fact.html
1. Script your disclosure. Write it down and have it critiqued. Run through it with friends who are employers and with other people in the working world.
2. Rehearse your disclosure script until you feel comfortable and good about it, not only with your lips, but also with your body language.
3. When you prepare your script, avoid being too clinical or too detailed. It may be of great interest to you, but the interviewer wants to know only three things: (1) Will you be there?; (2) Can you do the job as well as or better than anyone else?, and: (3) Will you be of value to the company?
4. Remember your script and be positive about your skills and abilities. The more positive you are, the more you will convey that you are a skilled and qualified candidate who happens to have a disability. Conversely, the more you discuss your disability, the more important it will become in the employers mind.
Five Job Hunting Errors
Poor resume. Employers use resume`s as a quick screening device, so if
yours does not strike them as outstanding, you won’t get an interview. Your
resume should describe your education and experience in a concise, well-written
format and most importantly, it should emphasize your accomplishments.
Failure to network. Make sure to contact friends and acquaintances, and to follow
up with people they refer you to get information on job leads.
Limiting job
sources. The job hunter needs to use all possible methods
to learn of appropriate jobs: classified ads, employment agencies, and other
sources.
Inadequate interview
preparation.
Remember that each interview
situation is different and will require it’s own unique preparation. Your
responses need to be timely, flexible, and address the specific needs of the
employer you are interviewing with at the time.
Poor physical appearance. Job
applicants who do not come in properly dressed and groomed are demonstrating a
lack of self-respect and are not creating a positive image. These individuals are usually judged to be
unacceptable by employers.
INFORMATION REQUESTED ON JOB APPLICATIONS
Before you fill out applications,
it will be helpful to complete a sample application (or the tool you can
download by clicking the box at the bottom of the page) so that all the
information you need is available right when you need it. Keep a copy of the information with you when
you’re checking out job leads that may require you to complete an application on
site.
Whenever possible, ask if you can
complete an application at home. If so,
you can make a copy of the application before you start filling it out - just
in case you make a mistake and would like to start over.
The information you’re likely to
need includes
· PERSONAL INFORMATION: List name, mailing address, phone number, and social security number. If you do not have a phone number, have a number where messages can be left for you.
·
TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT DESIRED: Do
you want full-time or part-time work, are you available for permanent,
temporary, or limited term employment.
On what date could you be available to work.
·
EDUCATION AND TRAINING: List academic, vocational, and
professional education and schools attended. Be prepared to attach copies of
certificates or other documents.
·
SPECIAL JOB-RELATED SKILLS, TRAINING,
LICENSES, AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: By
listing these it will make you stand out from other applicants. List any
equipment and/or tools that you are able to use and any licenses you have. Also
make sure to list any ability you have to speak and/or write other languages,
if it is relevant to the job for which you are applying.
· EMPLOYMENT HISTORY (BEGIN WITH MOST RECENT JOB): List employer's name, current address and telephone number, supervisor, job title, dates of employment, salary, and reason for leaving. Describe your job duties clearly. Use action verbs. Concentrate on skills that will interest employers. When completing applications you can pick the skills that will be most helpful in the job you are applying for. Job descriptions provide useful clues about important skills. Explain any gaps in your work history.
·
REFERENCES (CHARACTER AND/OR PROFESSIONAL):
List names, current business
addresses, and current phone numbers of people, not including relatives, who
can speak positively about you. Clergy members, teachers, counselors, friends
who are in business, and leaders of organizations and in the community usually
make good references. Be sure to ask for their permission before listing them
and verify where they can be reached.
Job Hunting Tips
►Job-hunting is a full time
job; you should spend at a minimum 15 hours a week.
►Take the initiative and
meet with employers face-to-face.
►Chances of getting a job
are better with smaller companies than with large ones.
►Know yourself; identify
your skills in detail and in priority.
►Research your potential
employer; find out all you can about the organization, this will show the
employer that you are interested.
►Be persistent but not
aggressively obnoxious; keep at the job hunt and make return visits.
►Sell your skills, talk
about what you can do, not what you did at your last job.
►Discover or develop
alternate names for the work you do, or alternate jobs where you can use the
same
skill.
► Investigate many
different organizations or businesses for job openings. Don’t limit yourself to one
type of organization.
►Don’t "put all of
your eggs in one basket" by relying only on relatives, just sending out
resumes, or just
applying to your first employer choice.
►Decide what makes you
better at the job you are applying for than everyone else, and then sell it to
the
employer.
►Get as many other people
helping you look for a job as possible: friends, relatives, coworkers,
professionals, and so on.
►Look as sharp as possible
when out looking for a job; be clean, well dressed and alert.
►Be sure to write thank you
notes to everyone who assists you in your job search, do it daily if possible.
►Remember: No one "owes" you a job; it’s up to you to
"win" a job by showing a potential employer that you have what it
takes to do the work required.
Networking to Find Out About Job Openings
Very few jobs are found through traditional approaches, like answering ads in the newspaper. The majority of jobs that people get are found through the process of “networking” with friends, relatives, and personal contacts and through direct application. Networking involves connecting with people who can provide you with information on job openings or connect you with other people who might know of job openings.
Steps to Effective
Networking Include:
1.
Start by contacting people you already know, your
friends, family, neighbors, etc. should be part of your initial network. Don’t
hesitate to let people know that you are job hunting. Ask
your family or friends the following question “who do you know that I could
talk to about employment opportunities?” Follow-up is essential to
effective networking. After
you speak with someone about a job lead or a referral, send them a letter thanking
them for their help and suggestions.
Keep them updated on your progress and ask them to keep you in mind
should they learn of any other job leads or if they think of anyone else who
might be helpful to you.
2. Give your contacts enough information
about your skills, qualifications,
and the type of job that you are pursuing. It is a good idea to make a copy of
your resume available. The resume will give the individuals in your network a
better idea of your skills and career goals as well as help them recommend you
more effectively to prospective employers should the opportunity arise.
3. Keep records of your networking
activities, including the name of
each person that you contact and the information, which they provide. A filing
system using index cards could be used to organize and provide a visual
reminder of your progress. You could also use a notebook to record your
contacts. Having a record of each of
your contacts will assist you when contacting referrals and when following up
on prospective job leads.
4. Follow through on the information that
you are given, this is the crucial
step in networking. As you check out job leads, contact referrals, and initiate
contact with prospective employers you should be continuously gathering further
information and referrals. As your network expands, your prospects of
discovering job openings increases.
5. Be aware of the impression that you
make, be sure to project a friendly,
confident image. Never put pressure on anyone to find a job for you. Whenever
contacting someone you do not know well, write the questions that you wish to
ask beforehand. You will feel and appear both better prepared and less nervous.
When initially contacting your referrals always indicate who referred you to
them. Remember to express your appreciation to everyone who takes the time to
speak with you regardless of whether they were able to provide the information
that you wanted.
6. Follow-up as you establish your network,
keep in contact with the people in
your network. Remind them that you are still committed to your job search and
let them know of your progress
PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERVIEW
To prepare for an interview you should try to complete a
mock (or practice) interview. Assistance
with mock interviews can be provided by Midstate
Independent Living Consultants,
Q. Tell me about yourself.
A. This is the dreaded, classic, open-ended interview question and
likely to be among the first. Keep it mostly work and career related. Example,
I am detailed-oriented, I get along with people, and show up for work on time,
etc.
Q. Why do you want to leave your current job? (Why did you
leave your last job?)
A. Be careful with this. Avoid trashing other employers and making
statements like, "I need more money." Instead, make generic
statements such as, "It's a career move."
Q. What are your strengths?
A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job, I am
organized, I work well in a group as well as independently.
Q. What are your weaknesses?
A. Everybody has weaknesses, but don't spend too much time on this one
and keep it work-related. Point out
minor weaknesses. I can be too detailed oriented sometimes. I don’t always keep my desk looking neat.
Q. Which adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
A. Answer with positive, work-oriented adjectives, such as conscientious,
hard-working, honest and courteous, plus a brief
description or example of why each fits you well.
Q. What do you know about our company?
A. To answer this one, do your research
and discuss who the company is. You don’t
need know the history of the company but do pick a few significant facts about the company.
Q. Why should I hire you?
A. Point out your positive attributes related to the job, and the good
job you've done in the past. Include any compliments you've received from
management.
Q. What past accomplishments gave you satisfaction?
A. Briefly describe one to three work projects that made you proud or
earned you pats on the back, promotions, raises, etc. Focus more on achievement
than reward.
Q. What qualifies you for this job?
A. Talk about your skills, experience, education and other
qualifications, especially those that match the job description well. Avoid
just stating what the employers already know from your application.
Q. What makes you want to work hard?
A. Naturally, material rewards such as perks, salary and benefits come
into play. But again, focus more on achievement and the satisfaction you derive
from it.
Q. What type of work environment do you like best?
A. Tailor your answer to the job. For example, if in doing your job
you're required to lock the lab doors and work alone, then indicate that you enjoy
being a team player when needed, but also enjoy working independently. If
you're required to attend regular project planning and status meetings, then
indicate that you're a strong team player and like being part of a team.
Q. Why do you want this job?
A. To help you answer this and related questions, study the job ad in
advance. But a job ad alone may not be enough, so it's okay to ask questions
about the job while you're answering. Say what attracts you to the job. Avoid
the obvious and meaningless, such as, "I need a job."
Q. How do you handle pressure and stress?
A. This is sort of a double whammy, because you're likely already
stressed from the interview and the interviewer can see if you're handling it
well or not. Everybody feels stress, but the degree varies. Avoid talking about
negative responses to stress like overeating and focus on positive ways of
handling stress like exercising, relaxing with a good book, talking to close
friends, etc.
Q. Explain how you overcame a major obstacle.
A. The interviewer is likely looking for a particular example of your
problem-solving skills and the pride you show for solving it. Example, There was a situation where I did
not have as much information as I needed and their was no supervisor around but
I was required to make a decision, I listed out what would happen in both
circumstances and came up with what seemed to be the best possible decision.
Q. Where do you see yourself five (ten or fifteen) years from
now?
A. Explain your career-advancement goals that are in line with the job
for which you are interviewing. Your interviewer is likely more interested in
how he, she or the company will benefit from you achieving your goals than what
you'll get from it. It's not a good idea to tell your potential new boss that
you'll be going after his or her job nor is it wise to say you only want this
job until another one comes along.
Q. Tell me about a problem you had with a
co-worker and how you solved the problem?
A. Don’t talk bad about the situation. The employer is trying to understand how you would deal with conflict. You should discuss what the positive outcome was. For example, you discussed the situation with the co-worker and then had to go to your supervisor to solve the problem.
Q. Why did you leave your last job?
A. If you resigned or were fired you can simply say you had different opinions and both parties felt it was best to end the employment relationship. Do not let harsh feeling come out during the interview. The employer does not want to hear about how wrong the last employer was.
Employee Name:
Date:
Accommodation
needed:
Justification
for request:
Alternative
accommodations that may also meet need:
Employee Signature
Date
Supervisor’s Review
The above request for accommodation is:
Approved
_____ Disapproved for the following reasons.
_____ Modified for the following reasons.
Supervisor Signature: Date:
RESPONDING TO CLASSIFIED ADS
While the newspaper-classified sections can be valuable resources for finding jobs, less than twenty percent (20%) of jobs are advertised, so your job search shouldn't end here. The classified ads will often leave out a lot of information, like who the employer is, where the job is located, or what kind of competition you will be up against. You should remember that while it is a lot less work for you to learn about positions that are advertised; it is also less work for everyone competing for jobs. This means there is more competition for the few advertised positions than there will be for those positions available in the hidden job market.
Here are some guidelines that can help you evaluate and
respond to newspaper ads:
· Read the newspaper every day first thing in
the morning.
· Read every ad. New ads are printed daily. Some ads may even be misplaced, so read all of the help
wanted ads.
· Write down ads that interest you.
· Don't be overly cautious about qualifications. Employers are looking for the ideal candidate.
However, job seekers can learn or improve skills through on-the-job training or experience. If you t
think you would like the job, ask yourself, "Could I handle this job with a few weeks of
experience?" or "Have I done something similar in the past?"
· Don't skip over the ads that have little information. Job seekers should assume the best about
listing and follow up, even if the ad supplies little information. For example, employers often leave
out information about salary, hours of work and duties, because these are negotiable.
· Beware of ads that appear too good to be true. They probably are.
· Analyze the ad. Advertisements that appear frequently may indicate that the position is difficult or
unpleasant and has a high turnover rate. This may be the reason the employer frequently uses the
classifieds.
· Tailor your resume` and cover letter. List
your specific skills as they relate to the announcement.
· Only include references if they are
requested.
RESUME
AND COVER LETTER DEVELOPMENT
Writing a Resume --What
is a resume anyway?
A resume is a self-marketing tool that is designed with one goal in
mind, to get you a job interview!
A resume is not about past jobs, it's about you and how you performed in
those jobs, which helps to predict how you might perform in a future job.
Essential Parts of a Resume
Resume Heading:
Job
Objective:
An objective tells the employer what
your target job is or what skills you have to offer. Most employers prefer an
objective, but there can be situations where it is best to omit the objective.
If you have more than one objective, it is recommended to create more than one
resume.
When to include a Job Objective:
Sample Job Objectives:
Education:
Work History/Experience/Activities:
Your work experience
section shows the employer what skills you have to offer. Here are some
suggestions to make the most of your experience.
If your
only experience is not relevant to the position you are applying for…
Think of ways to make employers recognize important qualities. A
waitress deals with hectic work environments, memorizes orders, interacts with
the public, sells products, trains other wait staff and solves problems
quickly. Think of changes you made in your previous work experiences, awards
received, and results produced.
If you are person with limited work
experience include activities you have been involved….
Indicate
the activities you are involved with, demonstrating balance in your life, skills
such as leadership, teamwork and commitment, and how you take advantage of
opportunities.
Some suggestions include:
Honors
& Awards:
Educational honors, employment awards, and community recognition are all
items, which may have a place on your resume. If they make you stand out from
the crowd, directly relate to the job you are looking for, or emphasize a
quality you feel the employer highly values, and then include them on your
resume. Honors and awards can be included in other related sections of your
resume. For example, if it is a work-related award, it may be included in your
experience section.
DO:
DO NOT:
Writing a Cover
letter
A Cover
Letter is a one page letter typically 3 paragraphs long that goes with your
resume. This letter is way to highlight
one or two of your accomplishments or abilities. The employer that sees a cover letter with
your resumes will view this as a sincere interest in the position.
Essential
Parts of a Cover Letter:
Highlight the position you are applying
for and where you found out about the position.
Example: I am applying for the
food service position that was advertised on Jobnet.
Detail what you could contribute your
qualifications to the company. If you
are responding to an add use similar terminology to highlight your
qualifications. Discuss your
accomplishments from past employment or volunteer activities that you have
achieved.
Example: I have many years working individually and as part of a team to
complete projects. I have been
successful in meeting the objectives as a volunteer with the YMCA. I am confident my experience will benefit
your organization.
Discuss that you are available to meet
with the employer to discuss you skills in more detail or indicate that you
follow up within the next couple of weeks on the status of the position.
Example: I would welcome the opportunity for a personal interview with
you at your convenience.
SAMPLE LETTER LAYOUT
Mr. John Volunteer
Dear Mr. Volunteer:
I am applying for the food service position that was advertised on
Jobnet.
I have many years working individually and as part of a team to complete
projects. I have been successful in
meeting the objectives as a volunteer with the YMCA. I am confident my experience will benefit
your organization.
I would welcome the opportunity for a personal interview with you at
your convenience.
Sincerely,
Jane Volunteer
TIPS FOR COMPLETING JOB
APPLICATIONS Hint: Always
keep a copy of your completed application so you can review it before your
interview.
Any employment process begins with a
company's job application. The impression you make when you obtain and fill out
this application is extremely important.
If you go to the job site to obtain an application, be mindful of your
appearance and behavior.
ü
Wear clothes that
are clean, ironed, and free from tears or holes.
ü
Be polite and
come prepared with a pen or pencil and a copy of your resume or the information
needed to complete an application on site, if required.
ü
If possible, pick
up the application and ask if you can return it the next day.
ü
The Americans
with Disabilities Act prohibits employers from asking medical or
disability-related questions on a job application. The exception to this is
that a government agency can ask an applicant to voluntarily disclose a
disability for affirmative action purposes. If you encounter specific questions
about your disability or medical history, leave them blank.
When you complete the application form:
Be Careful-If you are careful about following instructions
on your application, an employer will probably think that you will be careful
as an employee.
Employers may use the application form to judge how well you follow instructions
and how careful you may be as an employee. Know the deadline for applying and
where to deliver your application.
Be Neat- Print or write clearly so your application is easy to
read. Use a reliable black or blue ink
pen.
Be Certain-Before you begin to fill in the blanks, read everything on
the application carefully. After you complete the form, read it again to make
sure that there is no information missing.
Be Prepared-Fill out a sample application form to bring with you. By
having all the information about yourself ready ahead of time, you will be able
to fill the application form in completely and accurately.
Be sure to have a copy of the job description if possible and use similar words when writing your cover letter, resume and fi