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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

September 3, 2015 Leave a Comment

Ask the Employment Specialist: How to win at the online application screening game

Happy male typing on a laptop

Dear Joanna,

I keep applying for teller/customer service positions at the banks. As recommended, I register on their website, post my resume and cover letter and apply for job opportunities as they come up. I have never received a phone call for an interview. What am I doing wrong?

Signed: Online


Dear Online,

Did you know that many of the larger companies like the banks use an online software that is automated for screening of online applications. It is known as the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). For your resume/cover letter to be flagged by the recruiter or hiring manager in the ATS, I recommend the following tips by Resume Help.

1. Category matching.

Did you notice how job descriptions have become more creative, and many job titles, departments and roles have never been seen before? Functions and roles contain fewer tasks and there is a bigger focus on outcomes. Companies are looking for specialists, not generalist. Create a separate section in the top 1/3 of your online resume that captures your relevant category expertise. For example, Client Relationship Management, Communications and Financial Analysis.

2. Resume keyword matching.

Focus on the priority keywords within the job description. Use the exact words and language in the posting. Do not use your own words. Avoid synonyms or acronyms. For example, if you are applying for a “Customer Service Representative”, and phrases such as “relationship management”, “analytical skills” and a “bachelors degree”, appear in the job description, these are mandatory qualifications. Keyword matching shows the system that you understand the job requirements and that you “speak their language”.

3. Include your accomplishments.

This is your strategy to market yourself in both the online application and interview. It is how you can stand out from the crowd. Your accomplishments should be unique, valuable and strategic. The phrases need to be personal and real. Using the keywords in the job description, prepare these statements. These statements are well-received by these outcome based job lists. Based on the STAR method (situation, task, action and result), you can prepare these statements for the resume as well as to respond to the behavioural questions in the interview.

4. Don’t rely only on online applications.

Build your professional network, meet as many people as possible in your field, engage in information interviews, use social media to research and network. Most people get jobs through people they know.

Joanna

By Donna Chabot Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog Tagged With: Applicant tracking systems, ATS, automated resume review, Internet job search, job search, key words, online applications, online job search, resume, resume keywords, resume writing

September 3, 2015 12 Comments

Ask the Employment Specialist: Formatting tips for your resume and cover letter — how to use Headers

Business woman hand typing on laptop keyboardDear Joanna,

I’m almost finished working on my resume and cover letter with my Employment Counsellor at JVS Toronto. I’m following the professional branding approach with my documents.What is the best way for me to write the headers so that it looks professional and can get noticed by the hiring managers?

Signed: Header to Header (H2)


[Read more…]

By Donna Chabot Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog Tagged With: branding, cover letter, find work, format, header, job search, letter head, resume, tips

August 27, 2015 Leave a Comment

Use Twitter to Find Work

Twitter welcome page displayed on a tabletJob seekers often tell me that they find Twitter to be the most intimidating of all the popular social media platforms. Maybe it is because of those awful career ending mistakes we hear about. Maybe it’s just difficult to figure out how to use, and being such a public tool, new users (especially job seekers) are nervous to make a mistake on it.

Twitter is, however, a very popular platform for employers, and as such is an important place for job seekers to be. It’s also a pretty good source of jobs — many employers choose to advertise their positions on Twitter. Employers will also look for you on Twitter, in hopes to learn more about you and figure out whether you are social media savvy enough to not potentially embarrass yourself or them online in the future.

Setting Up a Twitter Profile

When you sign up for Twitter, make sure that you consider the following elements:

  1. Have a User ID (name) that identifies you by your proper name, so that employers can identify you.
  2. Upload a decent photo — it should be of you, but does not have to be too business-like. Twitter is more casual and friendly than, say, LinkedIn. So you can look friendlier and more relaxed, as well.
  3. Write a few lines describing yourself — keep it short. Identify your profession and location. Add a simple one liner that sums you up. Make sure to provide a link to your LinkedIn profile.

Learning to Use Twitter

It’s actually really easy to start using Twitter — you can start by reading and following, rather than contributing anything. Twitter offers some good advice to new members, telling them that:

reading Tweets and discovering new information whenever you check in on your Twitter timeline is where you’ll find the most value on Twitter (…) the real magic of Twitter lies in absorbing real-time information that matters to you.

Other excellent advice on following, tweeting and developing a voice on Twitter is offered on their Help pages.

Conducting a Job Search with Twitter

Once your profile is set up, as a job seekers you should focus on:

  1. BRANDING — developing a personal reputation/image online that reveals you to be the type of person an employer might be interested in.
  2. NETWORKING — interact with people and organisations that can lead to the next job.
  3. JOB SEARCH — find relevant job leads.

Start off by searching for and following companies, professional associations and people who are relevant to your work. Read their tweets, and try to learn about how they use Twitter and what opportunities you might have to engage with them.

Slowly begin to engage with potential employers by retweeting, responding to their questions and tweeting them appropriately. Challenge yourself to not just retweet — try to develop an authentic personal voice which is thoughtful and pleasant. You can allow yourself to engage and comment on non-work related topics (such as sports events, arts or culture), but make sure to keep it polite and light.

To find relevant job leads, use Twitter’s search bar. Use a search that combines the word “job”, a job title, and location: e.g. “job+marketing+Toronto”. Do that search regularly. Identify target companies and follow them for future postings. Some companies actually have a Twitter account that is dedicated to employment, such as the City of Toronto’s @CityTOjobs.

Engage with individuals on Twitter and try to find ways to meet in person to network, by messaging them directly (called DM) for information interviews or other in person opportunities. Your goal is to develop the kind of rapport which can lead to people recommending/referring you for jobs or information interviews.

Twitter can be a very effective tool for branding, networking and getting job leads. Use it daily (for 30 minutes or so); gather information, share information and offer your expertise to others. Also, keep in mind that employers are likely to check out your profile to assess your personal style, social media skill level and your professional network, when considering your for jobs.

By Karin Lewis Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog Tagged With: branding, find jobs online, find work, job search, networking, social media, social media job search, twitter

August 27, 2015 Leave a Comment

Ask the Employment Specialist: Safe social media practices

Drawing of a typewriter with the words "Dear Employment Specialist"Dear Joanna,

I am actively looking for work on countless social media sites. It’s also helping me build my professional network and keep current in my field. I have not posted my photo and I am worried about my privacy and confidentiality. How do I handle my fear of this important job search and career tool?

Signed: Social media phobic (SMP)


Dear SMP

Practising safe social media networking is the way around your concerns. Here are some suggestions from University of Chicago’s IT Services page in order to avoid unwanted attention as well as protect yourself from the “danger of having a false sense of anonymity and security.”

Do not post inappropriate material.

Be aware of who can see your pictures and comments. Think about the possible reactions of your potential employers, parents and relatives before posting. Always remember to look at the background of a picture too. Everything you write or post is permanent. Even if you can delete your account, anyone on the Internet can easily download or print the information or save it to a computer. Think carefully before posting your personal information (phone number, email address, home address, name and age). The web can make a strong first impression. Untag unwanted material from others, such as on Facebook. Use Google to search your name on a regular basis. Make sure there is nothing online that you don’t want others to see.

Always use the strongest privacy account settings.

All sites have this option to help you with confidentiality issues. Secure your personal information. Make your personal content on your Facebook profile viewable to friends only, and not to everyone in your network.

Be selective about who you accept as a friend on a social network.

Identity thieves might create fake profiles in order to get information from you. This is known as social engineering.

Be careful about installing extras on your site and delete unused widgets.

Many social networking sites allow you to download third-party applications that let you do more with your personal page. Criminals sometimes use these applications in order to steal your personal information. To download and use third-party applications safely, take the same safety precautions that you take with any other program or file you download from the Web.

Choose your social network carefully and only use sites with clearly stated terms of use.

Evaluate the site that you plan to use and make sure you understand the privacy policy. Find out if the site monitors content that people post. Read the terms of use, and make sure they can protect the actual blogs, not just the user accounts, with password protection. (Even so, it’s better to assume anyone can see it.)

As for your including a photo on your personal social networking pages, it is your choice. I would, however, recommend that you consider including a well-groomed, appropriate image of yourself on your LinkedIn page, as employers will expect to find it there.

Best of luck with your networking,

Joanna

By Donna Chabot Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog Tagged With: facebook, fear of social media, find work, job search, linkedin, LinkedIn photo, Privacy, social media, twitter

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