So you can work one day a week? That’s great, but what kind of jobs will hire you? There are plenty of people who wants to work, but doesn’t get hired because of their disability. Either it’s because of that very visibel wheelchair, that one arm that is missing or something invicible.
The covid pandemic caused lock downs, but it also caused a lot of disruption in the work market. You don’t have to go to the office to make phone calls or have online customer support anymore.
To be honest, these tips are pretty standard for any job seekers. If you have some feedback that are spesific to disabilities, makes sure to let me know!
First of all, get your CV/resume in order, get on linked.com and plow through job websites like: indeed.com, monster.com, www.simplyhired.com
Use your network!
Countless jobs goes through friends and friends of friends. Get the word that you are looking for a job. Everyone wants to help out a friend in need, especially if that friend provides something for the business and makes them money.
Apply to more than one job simultaneously
To maximize to get a interview as quick as possible, it’s important to apply to several jobs simultaneously. Remember that applying for a job, doesn’t equal a interview or getting hired.
It’s important that you apply to jobs you know you can handle, and are willing to do. If you don’t get the job after an interview, ask why and ask for feedback. Honest feedback can hurt, but it’s better to get a clear picture on how to improve. And of course, it’s not a secret, some businesses will not hire people with disabilities because they fear that you will cost more than you will contribute. Push through it.
Employment center
If you have Employment center near you, use them, they exist because of you. They even offer services like job counseling (better then this site ever can!)
Your neighborhood
A employed neighborhood is a good neighborhood. «Help Wanted» in the window? Go inside and ask what they are looking for. If shop windows isn’t plastered with help wanted posters, local newspapers could be a good start.
Get more experience as intern
Underpaid or not-at-all-paid intern? Really? Yes, really. You live on your disability, works as a intern to learn new skills, get experience and make new connections. But be careful, it’s a thin line between a internship and being exploited.
Attend job fairs
Do it. My first job fair was a anxiety nightmare. As a young student wandring the halls of the university to afraid to talk the potensial employers wasn’t a great sucess. But they are looking for people, and you are looking for them.
If you decide to go, make sure to:
Contact companies directly
If you have a specific company in mind, and they haven’t published any job openings online, send them an email. You can even call them directly It’s maybe a Hail Mary and you won’t always get a response, but hey, it beats doing nothing.
Don’t get discouraged!
If you don’t get any interviews right away, apply again, and again and again. And if you are not qualified, apply anyway! The business is maybe looking for the dream employee, but maybe you are the best candidate out there right now. Expect nothing, consider everything.
