X

As of March 7, in-person services will be available at all JVS Toronto locations. Services will also continue to be available virtually. For more information about our services and safety procedures, click here.

JVS Toronto

DONATE
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Leadership
    • Our Funders & Donors
    • Annual Reports & Financials
    • FAQs
  • Find a Job
    • Employment Source
    • Workshop Calendar
    • Career Exploration
    • Disability Services
    • Jewish Community Services
    • Newcomer Services
    • Youth Services
    • Job Search Resources
  • Pre-Arrival
  • Employers
  • Assessments
    • Educational & Learning
    • ASD Assessments
    • Psychology Services
    • Vocational & Skills
  • Refugee Resources
  • Give Back
    • Donate
    • Send an E-Card
    • Volunteer
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Donate

September 7, 2015 Leave a Comment

Job Searching with Disabilities — Why networking isn’t always beneficial

Closeup of Female Applicant Completing FormBy far, one of the most common pieces of advice given to job seekers is: NETWORK. When employment professionals suggest that job seekers network, we mean that one should reach out anyone and everyone who may have any connection to an employer that may be looking to hire. Spreading your name, experience and connections around by word of mouth, LinkedIn, or other forms of social media can often provide valuable leads, even if they don’t land a job immediately. LinkedIn, the most famous business professionals’ site, with over 350 million users, is the pure definition of Networking.

However, while networking can work wonders for many, it isn’t necessarily the case for everyone.

In my experience working as a Workforce Specialist and Job Coach, often with individuals with various disabilities, I have seen cases where networking came in very handy, and cases where it was not helpful in the least bit.

An example where networking has been useful is one where a young woman with Asperger’s Syndrome was able to find employment at the law firm where her mother was employed. This was ideal for her, as she had her mother around as a support if she needed. She was given tasks to complete that she enjoyed and excelled at. Often, those tasks were ones which other employees did not enjoy, or do well at, such as paying attention to details when filling or recovering lost documents.

However, there are many individuals who, due to a variety of reasons, will not benefit from networking to find employment.

An example of such a case is another young man with Asperger’s, who came to an employment program looking for work. He had certification in his field along with recent work experience. The individual handed into his Workforce Specialist a long list of his circle of friends, acquaintances and names of companies where he was interested to work. The staff who were assisting the client contacted the relevant companies, however, none of them were interested in meeting with the client to discuss the possibility of employment.

The problem was that the contacts that our client presented only knew him in a social setting, and did not know of his tremendous skills and talents that were truly valuable in the workforce. They simply were not open to the idea of giving him a chance to show what he was capable of.

Using the services of a professional agency though, was a wonderful way for the client to get introduced to an employer who did not know him. The employer that he was sent to was from a very different social and religious background, and the client was simply introduced to the employer for an interview based on his knowledge, skills and motivation to do a great job.

The employer was impressed by the client’s sincerity and professionalism and hired him, and this turned into a successful working relationship. This is not to say that problems did not arise; they did, but job coaching was implemented and then slowly phased out. Frequent contact has been maintained between the job coach and the employer, just to check in with one another and prevent miscommunications wherever possible.

The point is, that in this case, and many others, it is simply best to look for work where others do not have pre-conceived notions about an individual. Each individual has a myriad of talents that should not be overlooked. Sometimes even the individuals themselves might not realize what they are capable of. They might require an employer or agency which is willing to take a chance, and provide them with the opportunities they need to grow, learn and make mistakes when needed, just like any employee in the workforce.

Making use of community agencies who provide support such as helping to gain experience through volunteer work, providing workshops dealing with common pre-employment and employment issues, and offering job coaching is a really great way for individuals to boost their chances of reaching their employment goals. Sometimes, letting an agency do the networking just makes more sense.


Written by Galya Ouanounou. Galya is member of VRA and CVRP with extensive experience working with youth and adults with a variety of special needs. At JVS, Galya has worked in many different programs, especially with the Disability Services Department, including Ability Works, the Asperger’s Job Readiness program, Path To Work, two high school programs (with focus on co-op programming and pre-employment workshops), as well as with the joint JVS/JF&CS program.

By Karin Lewis Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog Tagged With: Asperger's Syndrome, disabilities, disability services, Galya Ouanounou, job search, networking

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Jump-start Your Job Search

Jump-start Your Job Search - Sidebar

Upcoming Events

May 23
All day Recurring

Office Closed

May 24
10:00 am - 12:30 pm Recurring

Resumes & Cover Letters

May 25
10:00 am - 1:30 pm Recurring

Interview Skills

View Calendar

Sign up for our Career Advice Newsletter

Career Advice Newsletter - Sidebar

JVS Toronto Head Office

74 Tycos Drive
Toronto, ON
M6B 1V9

T: 416-787-1151
E: services@jvstoronto.org

More Information

  • Careers at JVS Toronto
  • Customer Service Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • JVS Insider Login

Follow Us

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • linkedin
  • youtube

Copyright © 2022 · JVS Toronto

IPLAN PRACTICE Eligibility Requirements
  • Open to Permanent Residents, Canadian Citizens, or Convention Refugees
  • High level of English-language proficiency (CLB 7/8). Enhanced language training is available to applicants, if needed, prior to starting the program
  • Degree in architecture from a university outside Canada
  • OAA Intern Architects eligible to write the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC)**

 

*Note:

  • The practice of architecture in Ontario is governed by the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA). All individuals who are internationally trained in the field of architecture, or who have held the status of architect in another jurisdiction must contact the OAA or visit the OAA website at www.oaa.on.ca for current information about licensing requirements and the licensing process in Ontario.
  • JVS Toronto is not a licensing body in Ontario.
  • The Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) is the sole organization recognized by the architectural profession in Canada to:
    • Assess the educational qualifications of architecture graduates;
    • Accredit professional degree Programs in architecture offered by Canadian Universities; and
    • Certify the professional qualifications of Broadly Experienced Foreign Architects.
  • Architectural services may only be offered through a Certificate of Practice issued by the OAA.

**The content of this program has not been reviewed or endorsed by the Committee for the Examination for Architects in Canada (CExAC). The ExAC is an experience based exam. It is the practical application of knowledge acquired through education and readings that will support examination success. Taking this program without applying the knowledge gained through practice may not result in examination success.

TRIEC Mentoring Partnership Eligibility Requirements

You should sign up for the program if you:

  • Have 2+ years of international experience in your professional field
  • Have lived in Canada for less than five years
  • Are unemployed or underemployed and looking to use your professional skills in Canada