Applying for a Job

This page contains resources for students who are ready to apply for job openings as well as for educators and family members who are supporting them. Be sure to visit the Accommodations and Considerations section of this website which provides information and resources about assisting students to overcome the impact of their disabilities. The Career Development section of the website is also relevant because it provides information and resources about charting out a career path based on student abilities and interests which is an essential step before applying for a job.

There are three important steps to accomplish during the phase of applying for a job. These steps are listed below.

1. Identify existing services that can assist in finding available jobs. Examples of such services include the following:

CareerOneStop Centers - Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this comprehensive career resource provides assistance in resume building, networking, applying for jobs and interviewing
Vocational Rehabilitation - A federal-state program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. VR is committed to helping people with disabilities find meaningful careers.
Monster.com - An online job bank that supplies lists of job openings and other valuable information relevant to applying for jobs
CareerBuilder - An online job bank that supplies lists of job openings and other valuable information relevant to applying for jobs
Indeed - An online job bank that supplies lists of job openings and other valuable information relevant to applying for jobs
abilityJOBS - An online job bank specifically to enable a person with a disability to enhance their professional lives by providing a dedicated system for finding employment
Florida Abilities - The Florida Abilities Work portal in Employ Florida was created to meet the needs of Florida employers who wish to hire qualified job seekers with disabilities and the job seekers who are trying to find that next great job.
ZipRecruiter - An online job bank that is specifically for college students

2. Prepare a resume - The Job Accommodation Network has tools that can assist resume building. ZipRecruiter also has a blog with some featured resume templates and training for job seekers. See the resources below for links to these tools.

3. Prepare for the interview - include, a non-profit organization that supports young people with disabilities in New York City emphasizes the importance of preparation for the interview. It is important to have a good understanding of the job for which one is applying. Be ready to talk about the job and about how the job relates to the purpose of the organization in which it is located. The following interview preparation steps are adapted from their website:

Bring a copy of your resume and letters of reference - Be prepared to talk about your experiences and qualifications
Wear professional clothing - Avoid clothing that is too casual and makes sure you feel confident in the clothing you choose
Make a good first impression - Arrive early, make good eye contact, use a firm, friendly handshake and remember to turn off your cell phone
Be a careful listener - Answer questions with a positive attitude and find ways to tell about your strengths and abilities
Make a good closing impression - Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to interview for the job and express your sincere interest in securing the job
Follow up on the interview - Send a written thank you note or an email on the day after the interview

Check out the Interview Tips for Young Adults with Disabilities here.

Visit this Interview Checklist from the Job Accommodation Network.

Resources

The Balance
This website provides extensive information on career planning and job searching.

CareerBuilder.com
Job search site for job seekers and employers with tools such as resume critiques, career advice and "Bright Fuse," an online site for creating a personal profile, networking and promoting your profile to recruiters and employers.

CareerOneStop
Find career, training and job search resources.

Employ Florida Marketplace
Florida's official online employment portal with Resume and Letter Builder resources

Finding a Job that is Right for You: A Practical Approach to Looking for a Job as a Person with Disability
Online guide with an "Are You Prepared for the Interview" section that discusses resumes, applications, interviews, questions about disabilities and more. This section of the Job Accommodation Network site also provides inventories, checklists and questionnaires that will assist with applying for job openings.

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
JAN provides guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Sponsored by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), it provides a comprehensive collection of workplace-related resources for individuals with disabilities.

MyCareerShines
This online planning tool is a comprehensive career planning system. With MyCareerShines, Floridians will be able to explore careers, identify personal preferences for future employment and learn about the educational requirements for specific professions.

National Business & Disability Council Job Seeker
National job search page for people with disabilities. Also includes webcasts on resume writing and "elevator pitches".

QuintessentialCareers.com
Contains information on the cover and thank you letters, resumes, portfolios, interviews, dress for success, references and more. Also has a "Jobs and Career Resources for Teenagers" page.

RecruitAbility
A national recruiting site for job seekers, employers and agencies. Also includes information and tips on resumes and interviews.