Entering the job market and searching for your new role can be a time filled with excitement and joy, as well as challenging emotions. A job search is typically filled with highs and lows, anticipation, anxiety, hopefulness and sometimes disappointment. Understanding that this complex set of emotions is just part and parcel of navigating a job search is the first step to building resilience and persistence. While the job search varies for each person, it’s a unique time for all involved. Those living with injury, illness or disability can find the job search process to be both challenging and rewarding. With the right supports in place, individuals can find meaningful employment that aligns with their skills, interests and abilities. Don’t give up — the perfect job is out there for you, all that’s left for you to do is find it. In today’s blog, we have put together a list of essential job search tips for people living with injury, illness or disability so they can eventually find meaningful employment. We hope the advice below will help you navigate your path forward with more ease and certainty.
Make a plan
The job search can feel overwhelming. With so many jobs available, navigating your search without a personalised job plan is extremely difficult. A job plan will allow you to stay focused on your goals and clearly understand the jobs you plan to apply for. This plan may include identifying your strengths and interests, setting achievable employment goals and outlining the steps you will need to take to reach your goals. It’s possible to work with a professional Disability Employment Service to create a job plan tailored to your needs and aspirations. A professional DES company can also help you to find the best jobs for people living with disability. Disability Employment Services are experts at finding employment for people living with disability through the job search process and providing personalised advice. By outlining a clear plan, you will have a roadmap to follow, ensuring your job search is more effective.
Put time and effort into your resume
Your resume is critical to your job search, highlighting your skills and abilities to potential employers. While it can be a bit of a arduous process, putting time and effort into your resume will pay off by increasing your chances of being invited to an interview. If you are struggling to put your skills and abilities on paper, reach out to a professional Disability Employment Service for some help in perfecting your resume. With a DES company, you can access personalised advice to help make your resume shine based on who you are and ensure you are putting your best foot forward for potential employers.
Prepare for interviews
Admittedly a job interview can be a little daunting, but with the right preparation, you can go into a job interview with a newfound confidence. An interview is your chance to make a positive impact on potential employers and showcase your skills and suitability for the role. To prepare for an interview, you may want to research popular interview questions and flesh out carefully crafted responses. These responses will help you iron out some of your nerves and feel more prepared and confident for the interview. For those living with injury, illness or disability, it’s also a wise idea to develop strategies for discussing your disability during the interview if you deem it necessary. You can ask questions to learn about potential workplace accommodations. Again, it’s possible to work with a Disability Employment Service to help navigate your interview and workplace accommodations.
Build a support network
Having a supportive network of people around you is invaluable throughout your life, and it’s particularly beneficial when navigating a job search. Ask family and friends for advice, share stories about their experiences, and discuss your job search. Looking for a job doesn’t have to be an isolating experience, and sharing your story with others can help you to find new perspectives. Furthermore, it’s a great idea to join online forums to connect with other individuals going through similar experiences. For example, joining a disability employment group may be a good way to chat with others who are navigating similar experiences and can share advice based on their personal encounters.
Networking
Networking is a great way to put yourself out there for opportunities. Networking allows you to meet people already working in your ideal field and chat casually about what the industry is like and what’s required of those applying for future roles. You can attend local job fairs or industry events, participate in networking events organised by professional Disability Employment Services. You can also engage with potential employers through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Building these connections with employers can increase your visibility and access to job opportunities. That’s a wrap on our advice for navigating your job search. The job search process for those living with injury, illness or disability can be made more accessible and rewarding when the right support is in place. While there will be challenges and bumps along the road, this is to be expected with a job search.
The most important thing is not to give up hope, maintain a positive attitude and continue to believe in yourself. Your unique skills, abilities and work experience are valuable and will make for an important asset to a future employer, it’s just about finding the perfect role to let your skills shine. We hope these essential job search tips have helped you implement strategies for a successful job search. Don’t forget – if you are struggling with any aspect of the job search, there are professional Disability Employment Services available to help you on your job search journey. Get access to personalised assistance, advice and access to resources that can help you to better put forward your unique skills and abilities to potential employers. You don’t have to do this alone. Instead, you can confidently navigate the job market and find your dream role by working alongside these services.