If you are disabled, finding a job can be a lot more difficult. You may have a limited selection of jobs that are available to you because your disability prevents you from doing certain tasks. Not only this, but you may be lacking in confidence because you feel that your disability will get in the way and that employers may overlook you for the position that is available because of it. Overcoming this fear is one of the biggest hurdles, but you can do it. Read on to discover some tips on job-hunting for those with a disability.
Educate yourself
Many websites and groups provide help for workers with disabilities. Look online to find out about the websites and forums in your local area. There are informative sites that give you an indication of the best types of jobs to apply for, any assistance that is available, and so on. There are then forums whereby you can talk to other people that have disabilities and are looking for jobs. It can be helpful to talk to people that are in the same position as you. It is likely that they will have some useful advice that you can make the most of. Moreover, if you are feeling down and frustrated with the job-hunting process, you can talk to people whom completely understand how you are feeling, which can make a massive difference.
Make sure you are aware of your rights
It is also important to educate yourself on your rights. Many people have been treated unfairly during the interview process or after they have started their new job. For example, their employer may have unfairly dismissed them. If someone has discriminated against you because of your disability, this is not something you should simply accept. You could be entitled to compensation. You can find out more about this at fmelaw.com. Seeking compensation is advised because you will benefit from special damages that will cover the cost of income lost, ensuring you do not suffer financially because of what has happened.
Be confident
The right attitude can make all of the difference. However, as mentioned in the introduction, this is often easier said than done. Nonetheless, although you may not be feeling very confident inside, you can portray that you are. You know what they say, fake it until you make it. Acting confident can make a huge difference, as the interviewer will be confident in you. If you show self-doubt, why should the interviewer believe that you are capable of doing the job? If you do not feel like you have many job skills or you are self-conscious about your disability, there are a number of ways you can boost your self-confidence before the interview. For example, think about the hobbies you have and the skills you have learned from them. You will quickly find that you have more skills than you probably realized.
Don’t make the interview about your disability
It can be very tempting to spend the entire interview talking about your interview – explaining it, talking about how it won’t impact your job, and so on and so forth. However, it is better to only discuss what is necessary about your disability. Instead, talk about why you are the best fit for the job. Of course, there are some things you will need to mention. For example, if the interview is on the floor and only permitted people are allowed to use the lifts, you will need to let them know in advance that you can’t use the stairs.
Look for unique ways to make money
Nowadays, thanks to the Internet; there are many different ways to make money. You don’t have to go for a job in the traditional manner. For example, you could start your own blog and turn this into a career. You can find out more about this in one of our recent blog posts at wahwm.com. Write about something that you are passionate about. Perhaps you feel that your experiences could help other people in your position. If so, blog about it! You never know where this could lead. You can also take freelancing jobs online, depending on your disability. Freelance work includes the likes of writing jobs, admin work, marketing, and website design. If you are skilled in any of these areas, you can apply for jobs from the comfort of your own home without ever having to meet the person you are working for.
Focus on what you can do, rather than what you can’t do
Finally; make sure you focus on the attributes you do bring to the table during the interview. Everyone has things that he or she can and cannot do, irrespective of whether or not he or she has a disability. Just because you are disabled does not mean that you should sit and talk about the things you can do. Instead, talk in positive terms. For example, say that you can attend any meeting so long as your wheelchair can get through the door, rather than saying, “Oh, I probably won’t be able to come to meetings because of my wheelchair.” Interviewers are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, has a can-do attitude, and looks for solutions to problems.
Hopefully, you feel more confident about the job-hunting process. Use the advice that has been mentioned above, and you should find that the process runs a lot smoother. However, remember; don’t take a ‘no’ personally. Most people are rejected from many of the jobs that they apply for. There are likely to be a significant number of people applying for the role, and it could simply be that someone has more experience than you do. Do not let this stop you. Keep applying for jobs, and you will find one that is just right for you.