Job Hunting Strategies for Individuals with Vision Impairment
Strategies for Finding a Job if You Have
Vision Impairment
Searching for a job as a person with a vision
impairment may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. For those who are
visually impaired, the job hunt includes many of the same steps as it does for
someone who is sighted. Adding a few extra strategies to your toolbox can help
you land your dream job.
Network with Other Visually Impaired
Individuals
Utilize social networks like LinkedIn and
Facebook to connect with other local people with vision impairment. Talk to
them about what they do, how they handle things such as disclosing vision
impairment to an employer, and which companies often hire those with vision
impairments.
Visit
Job Boards Geared Toward the Visually Impaired
Organizations like National Federation of the Blind or American Foundation for
the Blind often have listings of jobs for individuals with disabilities, including companies
willing to work with those with vision impairments. They also have great
resources regarding the interview process.
Follow
Each Company’s Browser Requirements for Completing Applications
It may seem a little obvious, but using a
non-recommended browser could cause the application to be less cooperative with
your screen reader or magnification program. If you need help with the
application process in any way, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local blind
services agency, vocational rehabilitation counsellor, or even the recruiter or
HR department themselves. It’s always best to ask questions if needed.
Research the Company You’re Interested In
A good way to impress the interviewer on a
phone interview is to have done research about the company and the job itself.
Go to the company’s website and look at their “About Us” section. Note their
core values and which of them you feel you relate with most. It’s also a good
idea to go back over the job description, requirements, and duties. Make sure
you can touch on the skills you have that are in line with the qualifications
for the job.
Scout the Office Location Before Going
to the Interview
Make sure you know where the office is
located, how you will get there, and where the entrance you would go through is.
It’s also a good idea to take a test run to the location using the mode of
transportation you’re planning to take and going at the time your interview
will be so you have a good idea of how long it should take you, and also so you
can maintain a sense of calm regarding getting to the interview on time.
Whether you’re living with some form of visual
impairment or another disability, jobs for the disabled aren’t as difficult to find as you might
think. You’re likely to find something that suits your skill set in the job
listings at disABLEDperson, Inc. If you have any questions about applying for
the jobs on our site, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 760-420-1269.