Finding a Job: Resources and Strategies Corey Turner, MS, CRC RIC Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Getting Started Vocational counseling can help! Identify your strengths  Job Skills  Work History  Education  Current Job Market  Current Interests

Getting Started Identify your needs  Additional training  Transportation  Workplace accommodations  Resume  Interview Materials  Assistance with re-entering the job market

What is Vocational Rehabilitation? Vocational Rehabilitation is the process by which a person with a disability is assisted with the personal, social, and vocational effects of disabilities One of the focuses of Vocational Rehabilitation is to facilitate employment options at a level most suitable for the person’s interests, abilities and skill levels RIC Provides these services, along with Job Placement and Development to help people with disabilities reach their goals

Identified Needs - Resumes Resumes  A resume is a “snapshot” of your work history that lists in some detail your educational and vocational background  Resumes should always include contact information and significant work-related accomplishments  Be persuasive. You are using this information to “sell” your skills and abilities.

Identified Needs - Resumes Make sure to use lots of action words in the resume, and use third person language: “exceeded company standards 3 years in a row” Do not include pictures, religious affiliation (unless relevant), and other personal information It is NOT a tool to discuss disability, personal history/information and potential limitations

Identified Needs – Cover Letter Research the company and know what they do before sending. Be sure to indicate where you saw the posting for which you are applying Talk about your skills in depth and make reference to your resume Talk about why you are the perfect person for this position

Looking for the Job! Use every possible avenue should be explored! Start by telling everyone you know that you are looking for work Use local newspapers, job boards, employment services, Job Fairs, and the Internet Make your resume something “you never leave home without” RIC Vocational Rehabilitation

Internet Job Seeking Avoid scams – if it sounds “too good to be true”, it probably is NEVER give out personal information such as social security or account numbers for the purposes of a job search Use reputable sites such as Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, and HotJobs.com Each of these sites is well maintained and managed.

Internet Job Seeking Get an address. There are a ton of free Internet services that you can check from any location Some examples are Yahoo! and Hotmail, which provide free services and can be checked anywhere in the world Use broad keywords to start your search and then narrow down

Interviews An interview is a 2-way street. You are interviewing an employer, and vice versa Your answering machines/voic message should be professional – this may be your first impression! Make sure to take detailed information about the location, contact person and time of the meeting If you are unsure of the location, practice getting there the day before, and plan to arrive at least minutes before the interview

Interviews Make sure that you are mentally prepared as well. Get plenty of rest, do not drink too much caffeine, and always decline food/drink even if offered to you at the interview. Be prepared to answer tough questions Practice makes perfect  Mock interviews, interview packet, sample questions  Make plenty of eye contact and smile

Should I disclose my disability? If you believe that your disability will interfere with your ability to perform some part of the job, you must disclose to receive a reasonable accommodation Are there safety concerns? Otherwise, it is not mandatory that you disclose However, if it would make you more comfortable to have your employer know, go for it! Use your best judgment and the advice of others around you

Americans with Disabilities Act Passed in 1990 The ADA is a civil rights law, NOT an affirmative action law Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability Employment is Title 1 of the Act, and provides for reasonable accommodations in the workplace to “level the playing field” Also provides for public and private services, including transportation and telecommunications

What is a reasonable accommodation? Reasonable accommodation is any modification or adjustment to a job or the work environment that will enable a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions

When is a reasonable accommodation appropriate? If there is a substantial reason to believe that it would enable you to perform a job by having this accommodation If it is work related. Employers do not need to consider modifications to your home or vehicle If the cost is not so much that it would cause a financial problem for the company

Following up with an Employer On the SAME DAY as the interview, if you are interested in proceeding with the process, mail or e- mail a thank you note to the employer, reaffirming your interest in the position If you have not heard from the employer after about 1 week (unless they specified it would be longer), follow up with a phone call or Do NOT call the employer repetitively or show up unannounced

Organizations that can help Illinois Department of Human Services – Department of Rehabilitation Services Job Accommodation Network RIC Vocational Rehabilitation Services RIC LIFE Center

THANK YOU! For more information on Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Job Placement, please contact: RIC Vocational Rehabilitation 326 W. Illinois Street Chicago, IL