Making the Right Impression: Interview Etiquette Tips for People with Disabilities

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Making the Right Impression: Interview Etiquette Tips for PWDs

Congratulations, you landed the interview! The unemployment rate of People with Disabilities is higher than the national average. You’ve beaten the first obstacle and by getting your foot in the door.

But, what now? How can you prepare for the interview?

Interview etiquette is a very important skill for any applicant. The way you look, speak, and act matters. If you can master a professional and friendly interview persona, you’re golden.

Luckily, it’s a lot easier than you think. Keep reading for the most important interview etiquette tips.

1. Come Prepared

The first step to interview etiquette is being prepared. Bringing everything you’ll need shows you’re organized and on the ball.

Bring a copy of your resume. Even if you sent one online, bring another copy. You should also have a list of your references.

Consider bringing a notepad and pen to take notes. Not only does this help you remember key information, but it also looks professional. Taking notes shows you’re interested and organized.

Always turn your phone to silent before the interview. Don’t wait until you’re sitting down with the interviewer to do this. Be prepared and do it before you walk in.

2. Dress the Part

The position you’re applying for might have a dress code or a uniform. Either way, come to the interview looking clean and put-together.

Pick out a clean and ironed pair of pants and a collared shirt. Or, a simple pencil skirt and blazer. The key is to make your outfit professional, but not show-stealing.

Your clothes shouldn’t distract from your personality. They should complement it by showing you have good hygiene and know how to present yourself.

Even if the role you’re applying for is in the trades or a factory, look professional. Not necessarily formal and definitely not casual. A happy middle ground usually makes the best interview outfit.

3. The Right Introduction

When you’re waiting in the lobby for your interview, review your introduction. You want to present yourself with confidence and approachability.

One way of doing this is to stand up whenever a new person approaches, like the interviewer, and shake their hand. There’s a lot of information on what makes a good handshake. In summary, you want to be firm yet comfortable.

Perhaps more important than the handshake is eye contact. Many of us hesitate to make eye contact with new people. But, doing so shows you’re confident, approachable, and friendly.

If you’re sitting down when the interviewer comes in, stand up. Make eye contact, shake their hand, and introduce yourself.

4. Interview Body Language

Did you know that communication is 55 percent body language? The way you sit, fidget, and your facial expression says a lot. Even if your words are perfect, your body language could be screaming unsure and anxious.

Practice sitting comfortably in your chair. Feet flat down, posture straight. Relax your hands on your lap or the table.

Don’t be afraid to smile. Interviewers are looking for people that will do the job, but also be a pleasure to work with. Smiles denote confidence and warmth.

One of the worst things you can do during an interview is slouch down in your seat. Looking unengaged tells the interviewer that you’re not serious about the job. 

5. Patience in Silence

Many of us have the habit of running the conversation. When awkward silences happen, we feel the pressure to fill it. In your interview, don’t.

Practice patience for your interview. Silences happen, they might be writing down a note or thinking. You can even take a few moments to think about how you want to answer a question.

Avoid filling the silence with babbling and rants. Let the interviewer lead the conversation.

Another habit many of us are guilty of is interrupting. Sometimes, you get so excited by the topic that you want to jump in before your turn. Practice allowing whoever you’re speaking with to finish, and then respond.

6. Ask Questions

There comes a time in every interview when they ask if you have questions. If you want this job, you should prepare a couple of questions.

This is a chance to display your interest in the position and learn more. Consider asking what a typical day for someone in this role is like. What’s the company culture like?

What is the career path the person in this role usually takes?

Consider reading up on the recent news of the company. If they’ve achieved something great lately, ask about it. Keep your questions positive, engaged, and genuine.

7. Follow Up

Interview etiquette doesn’t end when the interview does. It continues the next day when you follow-up.

This company could potentially have hundreds of applicants for the role you want. You need to stand out among the others. One way to do that is to follow up with your gratitude and a reminder of who you are.

You can do this in a few different ways. You could send a note through the mail, call them, or send an email. Whichever you choose, start with gratitude.

Express how you appreciate the opportunity to interview for this position. Remind them of how this job aligns with your experience and/or interests.

Restate anything the interviewer said that resonated with you. Perhaps it made you realize how perfect you are for the position. Or you feel you align with the values of the company.

Sign off with your contact information. Keep it concise, polite, and professional.

Interested in Learning More Interview Etiquette Tips?

Interviews can be a nerve-racking event, but they’re necessary to gain employment. Simply getting an interview is a huge feat to celebrate.

Make sure you practice your interview etiquette before the big day. Rehearse what you want to say and choose what you’ll wear.

People with Disabilities represent a large part of unemployment statistics. If you’re struggling to find a job, check out The Premier National Job Board for People with Disabilities. Your new career is only an application and an interview away.  

FutureProof: What are The Top 10 Skills In Demand In the Workforce Right Now?

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FutureProof: What are The Top 10 Skills In Demand In the Workforce Right Now?

1)    Leadership

2)    Communication Skills

3)    Time Management Skills

4)    AI Skills

5)    Cloud/Distributed Computing Skills

6)    Customer Service Skills

7)    Project Management Skills

8)    Microsoft Office Skills

9)      Sales Skills

10)   Administrative/Office Skills

"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity," said Albert Einstein. 

And it may seem difficult to get a new job or start a career. But if we want to be smart like Einstein, we have to know where to spot the opportunities. We have to know and develop the skills in demand in today's job market.

What are the most wanted skills hiring managers are looking for?

That's the subject of today's blog post as we detail 10 skills that will help you land the perfect job.

Soft Leadership Skills

The majority of skills on this list are very specific hard skills valued by employers. But the consensus among job experts is that soft skills, such as leadership and time management, are more valued simply because they manifest themselves in innumerable situations.

When you interview for a position, make sure you mention these soft skills front and center. Here are some additional tips to help you prepare for interviews.

1. Leadership Skills

Every company values employees who possess leadership skills. Many people lead by example and by exhibiting a can-do attitude. Other's lead by helping, supporting, encouraging, and teaching their peers.

Strong leaders also know how to take complex jobs and projects and break them down into simple tasks that can be delegated to the right people.

Typically, leaders are self-starters and managers know they don't have to oversee them continuously.

Many people take college or supplemental classes on leadership to help them develop this skill.  Military veterans are already trained and experienced in leadership, a fact recognized by many hiring managers. 

2. Communication Skills

It may seem ironic in the age of AI for employers to seek individuals with exceptional interpersonal skills. But when you look at the "required skills" section of any job listing, you are very likely to see the words, "strong communications skills." 

What are employers really looking for in communications skills? They want to know if you're able to build positive relationships with co-workers and clients alike. Do you listen well? Can you adjust your style of communication to fit different situations?

3. Time Management Skills

Time management is another area where military veterans excel. You're accustomed to multitasking, so you can be where you're supposed to be when you're supposed to be there.

Time management skills can be acquired in many ways, not just on the job. Parents, for example, must balance their children's schedule in addition to their own.

Put your time management skills at the top of your resume. Mention instances where time management was essential during your interviews.

Hard Skills in Demand

The rest of our list is comprised of specific hard skills highly desired in the job market today.

We're going through another tech boom and, as such, you'll notice many of these jobs are tech-based. That's good news if you have strong technical experience. If you don't have a technical background, you'll still find plenty of employment opportunities. Still, take caution to stay abreast of technology as it now pervades all industries.

4. AI Skills

A recent survey reveals 61% of businesses consider artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to be their top business priority in 2019. And yet this burgeoning industry is still extremely understaffed.

Clearly, AI opportunities abound but they come with a caveat. As a newer industry, many of the jobs in AI haven't been created yet. 

So how do you prepare for jobs that do not yet exist?

You need to possess valuable soft skills for starters. Hiring managers are also looking for those with strong tech and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) backgrounds.

"Get your foot in the door" is the mantra for this industry. Take any job, even if it's below your skill set. Then dedicate yourself to learning on the job and take advantage of new job openings as they are created.

5. Cloud/Distributed Computing Skills

Distributed computing is a system where multiple computer systems work on a single problem. Cloud computing is an emerging trend in distributed computing utilizing cloud platforms from Google, Amazon, and others.  

The primary benefit of these networked computing systems is speed. You need speed to be able to process large amounts of data quickly and to solve complex tasks more efficiently.

These computing systems typically work with large databases, so knowledge of SQL and MySQL are musts. Ruby, Ruby on Rails, Perl, JavaScript, and Java are popular coding languages to build applications and services. These languages can be learned in a variety of places, from colleges to coding camps.

6. Customer Service Skills

As we've seen, the emerging job market reflects the age of technology we live in. But that doesn't mean other skills aren't needed, even in tech companies. The most vibrant and successful companies understand their success is dependent on their customer's success with their products and services. 

For one, customer service builds trust, and people tend to do more business with companies they trust. Also, many consumers consider customer service to be more important than price. It's comforting for them to know the company will take care of them if there's a problem.

7. Project Management Skills

Most companies have at least one major project they're focusing on in addition to their daily core functions. These endeavors feature large teams working together to complete the project. However, with such big projects and large teams, it can be difficult to gauge how well the project is going. 

Enter the project manager, whose job it is to lead the team in initiating, planning, and executing projects. The project manager must be skilled at multitasking and able to wear different hats.

This job is another job perfect for military vets with leadership experience executing a mission or objective.

8. Microsoft Office Skills

Even in today's high tech world, the old stand-bys in the Microsoft Office Suite are still in demand.

In fact, Novel Aspect, a Cloud hosting firm, analyzed Indeed job listings and found the most wanted skill is Excel. The rest of the top five includes Outlook, PowerPoint, iLife, and Access.

Admittedly, you won't find many job listings for "Spreadsheet Creators."  But every company can utilize someone to make company documents in Excel and other Office programs.

9. Sales Skills

Those who are successful in sales will always be in high demand. Sales are arguably the most important factor to drive and sustain a business. 

If you enjoy meeting and helping people, sales can be a very rewarding career. Sales can also be very lucrative depending on the field you go into. The highest paying sales jobs are found in financial services, advertising, insurance, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and real estate.

10. Administrative and Office Skills

Businesses of all sizes require administrative and office support staff. In particular, the healthcare and customer service industries are experiencing rapid growth and looking for professionals to help in these areas.

Those with experience can move into high-level executive and administrative assistant positions with an excellent salary.

The Bottom Line

The age of technology is now, and it's not going away anytime soon. As such, many of the skills in demand the most are tech-related. Even non-technical positions include a few duties and tasks which require technical know-how.

You can find old school positions such as sales and customer service or new school jobs such as AI development or cloud computing. Find something you would enjoy doing, work hard, and continue to learn for the best chance of success.

If you enjoyed this article, please check out more helpful articles about today's job market on our blog.

When You Can't Decide: How To Pick A Career In 10 Simple Steps

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When You Can't Decide: How To Pick A Career In 10 Steps

To Train Or Not?: 7 Questions to Ask Yourself To Find Out If Vocational Training School Is Right For You

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7 Questions to Ask to Know If Vocational Training Is For You

It's a great time to consider going to a vocational training school to learn a new skill and pursue a new career. American companies and small businesses are in desperate need of trained tradespeople across all industries.

There's a lot of advantages to attending a vocational school. For starters, it's much more affordable than a college degree. It will also set you up for job security and growth.

For many people, there's also a deep satisfaction that comes with using their hands and skills they've learned that is much more fulfilling than an office job.

But perhaps you're unsure if learning a trade is the right career direction. Here are seven questions to ask yourself to determine if vocational training is a good move for you.

1. Do I Like to Learn by Doing?

Much of the instruction done at vocational schools involves hands-on engagement. Let's face it, you cannot learn how to repair a car or fix a leaky pipe by just reading about it in the classroom. At a vocational school, you'll receive real hands-on instruction in addition to reading material.

This can be much more exciting for the kinesthetic learner, which is a student who absorbs more by hands-on teaching versus reading a book. By practicing your skill, you'll also be able to retain what you're learning and enable your instructor to make sure you're doing it correctly.

2. Do I Know What Kind of Job I Want?

When you attend a vocational school, you're focused on one particular trade of study. There's no such thing as general studies or liberal arts like there is at a college or university.

If you know specifically what you want to pursue for a trade career, such as plumbing, hair styling, or welding, then a vocational school is a perfect fit. Of course, there's no rule that says you cannot study more than one trade and then determine which one you like best.

Don't have any idea what kind of trade work you may want to pursue? Think about what hobbies and passions you have around the house.

For example, are you good at fixing or making things? Then perhaps carpentry or construction may be your passion.

You can also take a career assessment test to help point you in the right direction.

3. Do I Want to Save Money on a New Career?

It's no secret that college can be expensive. The average cost of tuition and fees in the U.S. is nearly $35,000 per year for private colleges without scholarships or any financial help. Factor in room and board, meals, books, and other expenses, it's no wonder many college students find themselves deep in debt.

Multiply that $35,000 by four years and you're looking at over $120,000 for an education. By contrast, the average trade school degree costs $33,000, which is slightly less than one year of college.

Veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill and who are Purple Heart recipients are also covered for 100% of their tuition at a public school such as a trade school.

4. Do I Want to Find a Job Right Away?

With such a demand for skilled tradespeople, finding a job after receiving your license or certification may happen really quickly. College grads, on the other hand, often find themselves struggling to launch their careers when jobs are in short supply.

Your vocational school may also be able to help you obtain an apprenticeship in your chosen trade that can lead to permanent employment. Many schools offer resources that can help students apply for and land jobs in their chosen field.

And because vocational trades require less time to learn compared to four-year college programs, you'll be starting a new career and earning money in a relatively short amount of time.

5. Do I Want a Flexible Course Schedule?

Vocational training programs tend to offer more flexible schedules than college programs, making them convenient for people juggling a job, family, and other responsibilities. Many vocational schools offer nighttime, weekend, and online classes to make it easier to pursue a trade in a timely manner.

6. Do I Want to Attend a School Close to Home?

With so many vocational schools across the country, chances are there's one within driving distance of where you live. This can be another good reason to choose trade training over a college degree. Vocational schools are usually designed to be commuter schools, which means you drive to them for your class instead of living on campus.

7. Do I Want to Make a Good Salary and Break the Stigma of Trade Work?

Despite an increased interest in trade jobs for career choices, there's still a stigma in the U.S. that trade workers are not as smart as college grads or those working office jobs. There's also a belief that trade school graduates do not earn as much as college grads do.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Most skilled trade jobs earn between $60,000 and $89,000 per year, depending upon the industry and position.

In Germany, trade jobs are a popular career choice. High school students are tested on their interests and are then given recommendations for trades to pursue.

By pursuing a trade career, you'll definitely be helping to change the stereotypes of trade employees and setting an example that it can be a fulfilling and financially viable career direction.

Is Vocational Training Right For You?

Vocational training can certainly several benefits over obtaining a college education. Trade careers are just one of the many job options available to disabled veterans.

If you'd like to get an idea of the types of trade positions and other jobs available to people with disabilities, check out our job search board for the latest openings.

Is It Hard to Get a Job if You're Disabled?

Is Finding a Job More Difficult for People Living with Disabilities?

Having a disability presents many new challenges in life, and you’ve likely heard from others that one of the top challenges involves job searching. People with disabilities aren’t the only ones who have difficulty finding work, though, and your success comes down to how you look at your situation. Now that you’re ready to embark on a job hunt, you can use these strategies to make the process of finding the perfect position easier. 

Get into the Right Mindset 

Your mindset shapes how you feel as you set out to find a job, and you can bet potential employers will pick up on your attitude during interviews. Start right now by thinking about the wonderful skills and abilities you can bring to a company. Getting into the right mindset helps you drop the defeated attitude and present yourself with confidence. 

Identify Your Challenges 

The obstacles you come up against while searching for a job depend on several factors, such as your type of disability and the support system you have in place. For instance, you may have logistical challenges with trying to find work, such as being unable to drive or needing help when speaking to an interviewer. Alternatively, your biggest challenge may be your mindset. If you’re new to having a disability, you may also be living with low self-esteem or depression. 

Plan to Address Each Potential Issue 

Once you make a list of the challenges you can identify right now, you can create an action plan to address each one. Talking to a counselor may build your confidence if you’re still finding it difficult to accept your disability, and—if you have a physical disability that prevents you from driving—arranging for transportation services can help you prove to employers that you can get to work on time. While it takes effort to overcome each challenge, you’ll be in a better position to accept an amazing job offer when it comes along. 

Learn How to Highlight Your Abilities 

At some point, you’ll probably need to disclose your disability to employers. If your disability is immediately visible or requires major accommodations, consider disclosing it before or during the interview. While you may need to explain a few tasks you cannot perform, it’s important to keep the conversation positive. For instance, you can explain how your hearing loss makes it challenging to communicate with customers, but that you’ve also found it helped you develop excellent nonverbal communication that puts people at ease. 

Be Willing to Seek Help with Finding Employment 

Many people have difficulty finding a job, and it’s important to know there are resources available that can make the process easier. Organizations providing job seeking services can help you practice for an interview, create a resume, and connect with employers who want to hire people with disabilities. Often, just reaching out puts you in touch with people who can show you new strategies to refine your job search that lead to success.

If you’re looking for suitable jobs for disabled people, you can begin your search with the listings provided by disABLEDperson, Inc. We are a charitable organization focused on reducing the unemployment rate of people living with disabilities, and the employers listed on our site are seeking individuals just like you for their open positions. Give us a call today at 760-420-1269 if you have any questions.