Conquering Your Disability in the Job Search

Finding a job in today’s economy can be difficult, but it’s even tougher to manage if you have a disability. However, there is no reason to let your disability hold you back from landing the job of your dreams. Here are some methods to find opportunities and shine in interviews as you search through the job market.
 
How to find jobs
 
One of the biggest challenges you may experience is finding a position that will work around your disability. Before applying for a position, it’s always a good idea to research the company’s history of hiring people with disabilities. There are also several websites, such as Ability Jobs and Getting Hired, that are geared specifically toward job seekers with disabilities.
 
Preparing for interviews
 
Whether this is your first interview or your 50th, the key to all interviews is to project confidence.  No matter how uncertain or insecure you are about your disability, the interviewer will look past your physical capabilities if you present yourself as capable and confident. The best way to be confident is to be come prepared. That way, you can ask educated questions that show interest and initiative.
 
You may be wondering whether or not you should disclose your disability in the interview; it’s really up to your discretion. If your disability would make it more difficult to complete some of the position’s basic tasks without special accommodation, then you should probably disclose it to the employer.  However, unless your disability affects your ability to sit for an interview, it is generally best to leave it off of your resume. Instead, use your resume to demonstrate your capabilities and strengths. 
 
Another thing to consider is the company’s history of employing people with disabilities. Are they accommodating? Carefully weigh the options before bringing it up in the interview. If you do decide to talk about your disability, it is important that you frame it in terms of possible solutions, rather than as a problem you expect the interviewer to solve. This will further demonstrate your strengths and show that you are much more than your disability. Be prepared to answer potentially difficult questions, keeping in mind that the interviewer may not fully grasp how your disability will affect your capacity to fulfill the job’s requirements. Answer as you would any other interview question - politely and calmly, explaining your answer without oversharing.
 
Become an entrepreneur
 
You can also bypass the job search and interview process entirely by starting a business yourself.  The Internet has made it easier than ever to find gigs that fit your interests. You can choose from dozens of different service platform sites to get your business up and running. For example, if you enjoy spending time with dogs and would like to turn that into a full-time dog sitting or walking career, you can use Rover’s turnkey platform to locate clients, set rates and schedules and get paid for your services. 
 
If you enjoy cleaning or other handyman-style services, sites such as TaskRabbit are a great way to connect with clients. Finally, people who love driving might as well get paid for the miles they spend on the road through services like Lyft.
 
There is no reason to let your disability get in the way of becoming successful in your chosen field. Whether you choose to go your own way as an entrepreneur or ace your next job interview, you can maximize your odds of success with proper preparation and confidence.

By Jenny Wise. For more articles by Jenny, check out her blog at http://specialhomeeducator.com/welcome-to-my-blog/
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Photo Credit: pixabay.com