TIPS FOR JOBSEEKERS WITH DISABILITIES SEEKING EMPLOYMENT

Pursuing employment can be quite intense as jobseekers prepare to highlight occupational skills and potentials that supersede those of other applicants. The job search requires thorough preparation such as proper attire, anticipating interview questions, and doing researching on the company and/or leadership team. People with disabilities may face other challenges along with the normal stressors involved in seeking work. Unfortunately there are instances were employers stereotype people with disabilities, making it difficult for some individuals to find fulfilling jobs. As a result some people prefer not to share their disabilities for fear of humiliation or disqualifications of potential job openings. Sadly such individuals are deprived from the deserved opportunity to share his or her given potential in the workplace.

The United States Department of Labor defines The American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) as follows; “The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and governmental activities. The ADA also establishes requirements for telecommunications relay services.” Employers cannot discriminate when providing employee trainings, promotions, or benefits. Also, upon hire employers must provide suitable accommodations for people with disabilities to meet job requirements. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) advises jobseekers to determine if job duties can be performed with adequate employer accommodations when seeking employment. Doing so decreases the burden of applying to numerous jobs and ensures protection under the ADA.

The EEOC comments further on how the ADA defines disability noting:

To be protected under the ADA, you must have, have a record of, or be regarded as having a substantial, as opposed to a minor, impairment. A substantial impairment is one that significantly limits or restricts a major life activity such as hearing, seeing, speaking, walking, breathing, performing manual tasks, caring for oneself, learning or working.

TIPS FOR JOBSEEKERS WITH DISABILITIES SEEKING EMPLOYMENT:

1. Research your employment rights. The EEOC and The United States Department of Labor offer resourceful information on ADA and related topics.

2. Partner with organizations in your area for employment opportunities and other available services for people with disabilities.

3. Focus on your strengths. We each have unique skills and abilities to share with others. Highlight individual skills and qualities that will be of positive contribution to the related job position. For instance: “I am excited to apply for the administrative assistance position. I feel confident in my potential to not only meet but also exceed company expectations. I am great with people skills and love to help others.” If the opportunity allows you can share your vision and potentials with the interviewer.

4. Work with a human resource or staffing personnel who can provide sound guidance and assistance throughout the hiring process. Staffing professionals are experienced in the field and can assist with resume tips and interview preparation. Human resource personnel can also suggest how, when, and to whom to address personal accommodations and disability questions.

5. Never feel inferior to other applicants. Career success is highly influenced by our mental attitude to follow through goals and aspirations with confidence. You know your individual strengths better than anyone else. Tap into your personal gifts and talents, seeking employment opportunities that align with your skills, abilities, and career goals.

EMBRACING DIVERSE PERSONALITIES AT WORK

Most of us have encountered personality clashes in the workplace at some point. We each have unique talents, skills, and positive attributes to share with others at work. Differences can foster creative strategies and team building, or in contrast create conflict when disparities are not handled appropriately. Tony Robbins comments on understanding how to manage a team with different personalities is a skill that’s relevant for managers and employees alike.

Tony shares his 4 main ideas around managing different personalities:

1. GET TO KNOW EACH PERSON ON YOUR TEAM: The more you understand each person you have on staff, the more efficient your team is. And make use of personality testing – a powerful tool for working with different personalities.

2. UNDERSTAND EACH ROLE IN YOUR COMPANY: Part of knowing how to manage a team with different personalities is knowing what strengths each role requires. If a team member’s role is client-facing, that person will need to have extroverted personality traits. If a role is heavily technical, that person will need to be a natural problem solver.

3. MODEL EMPATHETIC COMMUNICATION: Great leaders lead by example, especially when they’re mastering how to manage a team with different personalities. Demonstrate effective teamwork by tailoring your own communication to the person you’re interacting with.

4. BUILD A CORPORATE CULTURE OF RESPECT: When personality differences breed disrespectful behavior in the workplace, the results are toxic. A study of nearly 800 employees and managers across 17 industries found that when staff was treated poorly at work, 47% intentionally decreased the amount of time they spent on the job, 38% decreased the quality of their work and 78% reduced their company loyalty.

Dominant personalities tend to experience more conflict than other types, and often conflict with people who display steady behaviors. It can be challenging to work with individuals whose personality is very similar, or extremely different from your own. Yet, when co-workers come together and embrace each other’s strengths the results are astounding. Personality clashes are expected when operating in a team environment, yet the key is to remain open to new ideas and not allow differences to negatively impact employee relations. Effective results are often a collaboration of many great minds working together aside to their differences. Some personalities can be tougher to deal with than others, but with patience, understanding, and cooperation in part of employees optimal teamwork can be accomplished.

HOW TO THRIVE IN A MULTI-CULTURAL WORK ENVIRONMENT

There are numerous benefits to working with diverse teams of co-workers. Multi-cultural work environments bring forth positive attributes like creativity, new perspectives, unique solutions, and the influence of workplace culture. Working with individuals of different ethnic backgrounds may also present challenges and misunderstandings. In today’s multi-cultural society it’s crucial for employees to learn norms and expectations of other cultures. Embracing differences promotes staff and client relations, and also contributes to pleasant work environments.

TIPS TO THRIVING IN A MULTI-CULTURAL WORKPLACE:

1. Begin by researching common cultures in your work environment. There are interesting facts and suggestions to promote social skills on the job. Learning beliefs and behaviors brings understanding and improves communication among staff.

2. Speak to your supervisor about your interest. Leaders can direct you to resources, valuable information, and conduct meetings for the benefit of all employees.

3. Show curiosity in various cultures. For instance, if a staff member brings an ethnic dish to the holiday party you can ask about the ingredients, or if the dish is a typical ethnic food, etc. The idea is to welcome other cultures and to encourage individuals to share their ethnic backgrounds.

4. Communicate any misunderstandings with your supervisor before confronting an employee. Supervisors can share light on the situation providing information you may not have known. They can also speak to the employee about the issue giving your perspective in a professional manner. Be sure to follow-up with your supervisor to ensure matters have been resolved, and to discuss solutions. 

5. Be respectful of cultural differences. It’s rare to agree on all matters among people who share common backgrounds, let a lone when interacting with different cultures. Be mindful of other employee’s beliefs and ethnic norms. Keep in mind that embracing differences helps promote relationships and a better workplace.

FIVE Q & A’S TO DETERMINE WHAT JOB FIT’S YOU BEST!

With so many job opportunities available, it’s crucial to determine which positions best fit your lifestyle and personality. Here is a fun Q & A to to assist in defining which employment options are worth the time and pursuit. Taking a few minutes to think about your career decisions is a worthwhile investment.

Question #1: Do you prefer routines and schedules, or does spontaneity and excitement fuel your day?

Answer: If you prefer routine or a fixed schedule, then you may want to pursue employment options that offer a determined shift such as banking, sales, and various administrative positions.

If change and variety bring a sense of career satisfaction, there are many flexibility and creativity jobs you to engage. Unpredictable circumstances are encountered frequently, especially in the medical field and in the realm of education. These career choices are great choices for individuals that enjoy freedom and change. 

Question #2: What do you find more valuable, the rate of pay or company incentives?

Answer: If there’s greater value in the hourly rate, then a high paying position may appear to be the best choice. This option may not always be in your best interest. Let’s suppose company A has an offer for a full-time position with an earning of 60,000/year. On the other hand, company B makes an offer for 50,000/year including health benefits, a company vehicle, travel expenses, and periodic performance bonuses. Although company A’s offer may seem more appealing upfront, less expenses are paid out-of-pocket and more benefits are gained with company B’s offer. It’s a good tactic to define benefits and compensations before basing your decision solely on annual income.

Question #3: Is your schedule flexible or do you have fixed days/hours of availability?

Answer: A job offer may be attractive and well paying, yet the hours of work may not suit your schedule. Take time to analyze your availability and the hours that you can commit to working.  For some individuals the evening shift is ideal, while for others working twelve hour shifts three times a week works best. The key is to examine your lifestyle, preferences, and availability. There are many employers that offer up to four and five shifts, that accommodate to their employees schedule. Research the company and learn their work schedules, shifts, and hours of operation. This will help you determine if this job best suits your current employment needs.

Question #4: Are you extroverted and social, or introverted and reserved?

Answer: If you are a people person, getting an office job or working in the pharmaceutical lab may not be the best choice regardless of pay. At first the pay may be very appealing, yet it’s important to realistically envision yourself satisfied in the job role. Introverted or reserved individuals may not feel comfortable in a very social setting like marketing and sales. Being in such positions may create anxiety or frustration for job seekers that prefer some quietness and less social interactions. Office jobs, clerical work, and writing positions may better fit these personalities.

Question #5: Does the job opportunity enhance or contribute to future career goals?

Answers: Although some employment positions are on a temporary basis, it’s best to select occupations that contribute to your career goals. For example, your career path is in business management and there are two potential job offers that catch your interest. There’s an opportunity as a Sales Manager, or another offer as a Telemarketer. Both companies pay fairly the same, but the telemarketing position is more layback and closer to home. Although the telemarketing position may seem more beneficial, in the long run the experience as a Sales Manager will be of greater value on your resume when pursuing business management.