Search
Advice » Job Hunt Strategy » Getting Started » Don't Let Disabilities Get in the Way ...
Don't Let Disabilities Get in the Way of Getting the Job

Don't Let Disabilities Get in the Way of Getting the Job

If you have a disability, you know it will more than likely affect a potential employer's attitude toward you. Even if your condition has no bearing on your ability to do the job, most employers will have some concerns. It's up to you to show employers that, despite your disability, you're the best person for the position. Here are 10 tips to keep in mind when searching for work:

1. Use a Variety of Job-Seeking Techniques

These include personal contacts, classified ads, campus job-placement services, job-placement assistance through disability advocacy or support groups, vocational rehabilitation agencies, etc. Take advantage of the Internet. When you apply for a position, stress your qualifications.

2. Do Your Homework

Research any company you're applying to. Check with disability advocacy groups to see if the company has a good reputation for hiring, training and promoting workers with disabilities. Find out its business strengths and weaknesses. Many corporations' Web sites provide lots of information, including annual reports. Know how your background and experience fit with the company's goals, and be prepared to discuss why your strengths make you a good candidate. More than just flattering an interviewer, being familiar with the company shows you're motivated to work there.

3. Know What Technologies Can Help You Work Effectively

Regardless of your disabling condition, your talents and skills may be maximized and enhanced through assistive technology. For example, many people who use computers do not realize there are many accommodations available to them. Speech recognition software -- StickyKeys and Autocorrect, for instance -- can make using a computer easier for someone with dexterity problems. Adjusting a monitor's resolution can make reading small print easier for people with limited vision.

4. Decide When to Disclose Your Disability

Even though federal law states you aren't required to reveal your disability to prospective employers unless it relates to completing essential job functions, consider being open on this subject. If you volunteer this information, the employer may see you as a strong and confident person. Depending on the circumstances, you could describe your limitations in a resume, cover letter, job application, during the interview, after you've been offered the job or after beginning the job.

5. Make the Interview Easy for the Employer

If you are bringing an interpreter, wheelchair, guide dog, etc., notify your interviewers so they can prepare in advance. As needed, inquire about accessible entrances to the building and the best route once inside to get to your interview.

6. Role-Play

If your disability makes you do certain tasks differently, are you comfortable explaining how you will perform the job? Try role-playing the situation with a trusted friend or family member. Practice explaining how you will perform your job and what accommodations, if any, you need. Then describe how the company would benefit from hiring you. With rehearsals, you'll become more comfortable.

7. Dress Appropriately

Unless specifically encouraged to dress casually, follow the universal code about what to wear to an interview: a dark blue or black suit and dress shoes. For people with limited mobility, the process of dressing for a job interview can be quite a challenge, but it's worth it.

8. Bring Samples of Your Work and Extra Resumes

A clean, printed resume leaves a better lasting impression than the faxed or emailed resume your interviewer probably already has in hand. Samples allow you to illustrate your skills with specific examples.

9. Anticipate and Address Potential Concerns Directly

You know some people have fears and prejudices about workers with disabilities, even when they don't express these attitudes directly. If you want the job, you must allay these concerns. Using examples from your own life or prior work experience, discuss how you accomplish activities that challenge you, like getting around the workplace, communicating with others, using equipment and so forth.

10. Handle Illegal Interview Questions with Grace

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 made it illegal for employers to ask about medical history during an interview. If you are asked such an inappropriate question, respond diplomatically. Try: "Nothing in my personal life will keep me from doing an outstanding job in this position." This answer should satisfy a prospective employer's concerns about your ability to get the job done.

Rate this article:
Average rating:
Email to a friend
Share This
Share This

Latest Jobs

Superior Group
Posted: 5/24/2012
Knowledge Consulting Group
Posted: 5/24/2012
Snap-On Incorporated
Posted: 5/24/2012
The Judge Group
Posted: 5/24/2012

Want more personalized results?  Update Your Profile

Email to a friend
Share This
Rate this article:
Average rating:
Monster Advice Forums

Looking for Answers?

Get them on our boards:

Resume Tips
Job Search Advice

All boards
Join the Discussion

Monster Communities

Teaching Community
Where teachers meet and learn.
ArtBistro
Create and connect.
Excelle
Networking for the career-minded woman.
Nursing Link
Where nurses call the shots.
More Monster Communities

Monster Partners

Scholarships
Scholarships, financial aid and more ways to pay for school.
Education.org
Find top campus and online degree programs.
Military.com
Military portal for the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
Financial Aid
Scholarships & financial aid.
Staffing for Government Jobs
Staffing and hiring solutions for federal government agency jobs.
More Monster Partners

Job Hunt Strategy

Seven Job Search Mistakes New Grads Make
Even in an improving job market, there's little room for error when looking for your first job. Don't let one of these missteps cost you a career opportunity.

Resumes & Cover Letters

Cover Letter Checklist
Wondering whether your cover letter is the best it can be? It is if you can answer "yes" to the questions on this checklist.

Interviewing

Three Job-Interview Myths
In a job interview, things are not always what they seem -- or what you expect. Get the truth about three commonly held interview myths here.

Salary & Benefits

Jobs with High Lifetime Earnings
Want to earn the most money possible over the course of your working life with just a bachelor's degree? Consider one of these 10 lucrative jobs.

Employee Sourcing

Alt text
November Monster Employment Index Grows 13% Year-Over-Year, Tenth Consecutive Month of Positive Annual Growth.

For Seekers

Campus and Online Degrees
Advance your career and earn more with an online degree.
Compare Your Salary
See how your pay stacks up to others in your field
Free Salary Wizard
What are you worth? Find out and negotiate a better salary.
Research Careers
Get information on jobs and career paths to help guide your choices
Questions & Answers
Find answers to all your career related questions -- powered by Yahoo! Answers
eLearning by Monster
Search our catalog of online courses and learn new skills.
Resume Distribution Service
Our distribution service puts your resume right in the hands of recruiters.
Resume Writing Services
Our experts will craft a keyword-rich resume that stands out in the crowd.
Other Services

For Employers

Career Ad Network
Target your job posting to more candidates on thousands of websites.
Hire Right Background Checks
Explore our background check packages to improve the quality of your hires.
Hiring Home Page
Find the best candidates for your business with Monster hiring solutions.
Job Postings
Find the right solution for your hiring needs. Starting at $99.
Power Resume Search
Monster's new search technology precisely matches people with your jobs.
Resource Center
Find staffing insights, labor trends, HR best practices and more.
Target Post
Connect with skilled, hourly and administrative candidates for only $99.

Social Media

Jobs on Twitter
Find jobs in your area and industry.
Monster Careers
Tune into our career advice and discussions tackling a wide range of topics and industries.
Monster Corporate & PR
Stay up-to-date on the latest news. Get the 'Who', 'What', 'When', and 'Why' on all things Monster related.
Monster Customer Service
Got a Monster question? We've got the answer. Whether you're a job seeker or employer, we can help you find the answers you need.
Monster for Employers
Find advice on hiring.
Follow Us
Check out our many pages and stay connected with the latest industry news, events, career advice and job openings.

Other Links

Advice Forums
Tap into Monster's online career forums and share advice with experts.
Monster Company Profiles
Explore companies and get information to guide your career decisions.
Compare Salaries
See how your pay stacks up to others in your field.
iPhone Application
Download the Monster app for iPhone and iPod touch.
Monster Job Seeker Blog
Monster Job Seeker Blog.
Monster Thinking Blog
Monster's Recruitment Trends Blog.
Jobs & Career Resources
Search Jobs:
About Monster | Work for Monster | Advertise with Us | Ad Choices | Partner with Us | Investor Relations | Social Media
Terms of Use | Privacy Center | Help | Security | Contact Us | Sitemap
©2012 Monster - All Rights Reserved U.S. Patents No. 5,832,497; 7,599,930 B1; 7,827,125 and 7,836,060 MWW - Looking for Monster Cable? - V: 2012.5.0.21-315
eTrustLogo

|Chat With An Employer

Want to Chat With an Employer?

One or more employers would like to chat with you.
or Close