Improving Your Employability

Just like an applicant without a disability, when it comes to getting promotions you’ll need to demonstrate that you’ve taken steps to improve your employability.

Often that promotion means going for another job with a rival company or facing an internal panel. Whatever the scenario though, you’ll be faced with that whole interview thing again. So make sure you’re prepared by boosting your resume prior to applying for that promotion.

How do you do that?

Well, trying some of the following certainly wouldn’t be a bad start:

Consider Doing A Course Or Some Training Probably the most important step in terms of getting promotion is to undertake some form of professional development. For instance, if you currently work as a PA (personal assistant) and you’ve always fancied marketing then it would be very much in your best interest to take a night class or day release certificate in Marketing Practice. Ask your current employer what courses would give you new skills and capabilities most desired in your current or future roles. Check out the following websites for information on training in your state:

• NSW: Smart and Skilled www.smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au
• ACT: ACT Education & Training Directorate www.det.act.gov.au/training
• VIC: Victorian Skills Gateway www.education.vic.gov.au/victorianskillsgateway
• TAS: Australian Govt Dep of Industry www.training.gov.au
• SA: Skills for All www.skills.sa.gov.au
• WA: Training WA www.dtwd.wa.gov.au/
• NT: Australian Govt Dep of Industry www.training.gov.au
• QLD: Queensland Government Training Skills Gateway www.skillsgateway.training.qld.gov.au/

Find a Free Work Placement

But what if you don’t already have a job and can’t afford to take up night classes? Another way to impress an employer would be to undertake some sort of work in the same field (i.e. as an intern). This shows your commitment as well as getting you brownie points for experience and no doubt, networking possibilities.

Click On To Charity Work

If that’s not possible, you could always boost your personable qualities by doing some charity work in your spare time – even if it’s not related to your future career or the current job post you fancy. The benefit of doing charity work is that it shows you can get on with people and aren’t the type to sit around at home doing nothing. It also indicates a caring, selfless nature.

Meanwhile, you’ll no doubt find it incredibly rewarding too. So, if you’re feeling a bit down in the dumps about not having a job, this could well cheer you up a bit and fill a gap in your resume. Meanwhile, as an applicant with a disability there are also several things you can do to improve your chances of getting an interview and subsequently the job you’ve applied for.

Consider the benefits of being upfront about your disability

Disclosure is a personal choice with many variables to consider – not least of which is relevance of the disability to the work. If your disability has no bearing on your capability to excel in the role, then you may decide not to mention it. On the other hand, disclosing the disability allows an employer to make reasonable adjustments and receive support available through government programs and funding without any sudden surprises some time down the line should support be required later.

Inform Your Employer About Government Subsidy Schemes

During the interview again, if it’s relevant, you can highlight the fact that the government operates programs such as the ‘Wage Subsidy Scheme’ and the ‘Employment Assistance Fund’. You might even want to take along copies of leaflets to leave after your interview or provide a link to the website where they can access further information.

Again, if relevant, explain how your disability didn’t get in the way of other jobs you’ve done – especially when reasonable adjustments were made.

Eg. If your disability involves hearing and you’ve been offered a phone interview, ask for a face to face one instead (disclosing your hearing difficulties with the employer). If you lip read then make sure the interviewer knows to face you when speaking.

Market yourself

And finally, remember to let the interviewer know what he or she will gain by employing you. That means listing all your key achievements in your previous posts and accentuating your positives. In other words, promoting yourself and your skillset to the best of your ability. We probably don’t need to say it, but it’s worth remembering - don’t let your disability define you.

Find more interview and employability advice via our website www.toozly.com.au