Finding a job can be a challenge at the best of times, and even more so if you suffer from some form of disability. However, it’s far from impossible for people with disabilities to land a job and in this article, we’ll take a look at a few tips to help people facing extra challenges with finding gainful employment.
#1 – First Focus On What You Want To Achieve
Before concerning yourself with ‘how’ you’re going to achieve your employment goal, focus first on what it is you want to achieve. The how will work itself out as you go along, but the primary goal and focus is to think about what you really want, know it and feel it, then you can start working on how to reach that objective.
Whenever anyone comes up with any sort of goal, they don’t usually know in the beginning how they’re going to do it. The first step is to have a firm goal in mind.
#2 – Connect With Your Network Online and Offline
Some of your connections may be aware of your disability while some may not. If you put the feelers out for a job using social media such as Facebook, make everyone aware of the challenges you face and that you’re really hoping to find a job.
Between your circle of connections both offline and online, chances are the word could get spread to thousands of people in a short space of time. Someone may know someone who has a vacant position that you could fill.
Word of mouth is one of the most powerful ways of achieving what you want.
#3 – Research Potential Companies You Would Like To Work For
Whether you suffer a disability or not, doing some research on a company you think you might want to work for is always a good idea. You can browse their website, see what they are posting on social media and get a feel for what they do and what they might be like to work with.
Employers are always impressed if you seem familiar with their company and what it represents. You could even try sending through some emails to enquire as to whether they’d be willing to hire someone with a disability.
#4 – Find a Support Group
This might be an online community or an offline group in your local area. If you can join a group of like-minded people, then you can support each other in your job search efforts. Each member of the group will have their own experiences to share, and everyone will be able to offer up a variety of ideas and suggestions to help each other find employment.
Not only that, you’ll naturally feel more upbeat and confident when you associate with others who are facing similar challenges to yourself.
#5 – Search Online For Jobs For Disabled People
All online job boards have advanced search features to narrow down your job hunt. In the advanced fields, you can specify that you have a disability and search for jobs that may mention hiring disabled individuals. You might even be able to locate some job boards online that are specifically designed for people with a disability to search for work.
#6 – Take Advantage of Disability Employment Services
The Australian Government has initiatives and support mechanisms in place to offer assistance to job hunters who suffer from a disability. One such facility is DES or Disability Employment Services.
DES encompasses a range of options that are specifically designed to help disabled people find employment. Often, DES is administered through agencies such as a Jobactive provider. Once an individual is part of the program, their disability will be assessed and it will be determined how many hours per week they are capable of working, what training options are available, as well as assistance in getting job interviews.
One advantage of teaming up with a Jobactive provider is they will act as an intermediary between you and the employer, negotiating an employment deal on your behalf.
Conclusion
There are ways to increase your chances of getting and keeping a job, even when you do face physical challenges. There are support networks out there and people ready and willing to assist you with your job hunting goals.
Research some Australian Government websites for further information on what the Federal Government is offering to people with disabilities or keep visiting techdee for informative articles.