By Patrick Young
Some people are born with disabilities, while for others, a disability becomes part of your life unexpectedly. After you face the initial hurdles of getting treatment, you may think about getting back to work. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and positive progress in the workplace, there are more job opportunities now for individuals with disabilities than in the past. The right fit for you is out there, but you have to know where, and how, to tailor your job search.
Starting Your Job Search
If you’re reentering the workforce in the same field, you may already have resources and connections. But for some people, getting back to work involves a career change and a new set of challenges. Online job search tools are popular across all kinds of fields, and some of those are designed especially for people with disabilities. Websites like Disability Job Exchange and AbilityJOBS are perfect for connecting job seekers with employers. These websites also provide valuable tools that are relevant to your experience, like an online career fair from AbilityJOBS. These events are perfect for making connections and honing your networking skills from the comfort of home.
Setting Yourself Apart
Once you start applying for jobs, you want to make the best first impression. To do that, focus on creating a flawless resume and being well-prepared for interviews. If it has been awhile since you last wrote a resume, and especially if you’re entering a new field, you want to spend a little time updating your resume. The Campaign for Disability Employment is a great resource for getting tips on resume writing and interviewing.
Going into your first interview can be an overwhelming experience for anyone. One way to prepare for interviews, and create an impression that makes you stand out, is to have an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a short and sweet way to get to the heart of who you are. It communicates your accomplishments and professional background, but is also the perfect opportunity for you to share your career aspirations — this could be what gets you hired.
Special Considerations
When you get to the point of interviewing for jobs, some people wonder how and when to disclose their disability. The ADA provides protection against discrimination and mandates accommodations in the workplace, but it also means that you are required to disclose your disability. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to disclose anything when you first start the job search process.
On the other hand, even though disclosing your disability may feel extremely personal, some people feel that leaving it out when applying for jobs puts them at a disadvantage. As one contributor tells The Guardian, disclosing your disability on applications allows you to use it to highlight your strengths. You have probably overcome some obstacles while living with a disability, and being straightforward is a good way to show that you’re capable of growth. Disclosing a disability early also makes sure an employer has the information before you get into an interview, which means they’re more likely to focus on what you can offer, rather than focusing on your disability.
Want to Own a Business?
If you still aren’t sure of the right direction for your career, be sure to keep an open mind. The perfect job for you may be in an entirely different field from what you’re used to. For instance, you may decide to venture into the business realm and launch your own startup. In order to become a successful business leader, however, it’s a good idea to go back to school and pursue a business degree — you can even do this online for greater schedule flexibility. Having an educational background in business will help you obtain the skills needed for entrepreneurship.
If opening a business sounds enticing, but you’re wondering how you’ll be able to juggle all the different components, know that you won’t have to do it alone. You can hire professional services to relieve some of the burden and help keep the wheels turning. If you need assistance with human resources, Rocket City HR Consulting can handle all the phases of employee hiring and management.
The most important thing is to not limit yourself. We live in a time where the workforce is friendlier for those who are disabled than ever before. You just have to know where to search and how to put your best foot forward.
