When it comes to looking for work, each person faces their own specific challenges towards finding meaningful employment.
If you’re living with an intellectual disability, you could feel overlooked for roles that you have applied for.
Being unable to secure a role that suits your interests and helps you make the most of your skills, would wear you down over time.
If you’re wondering how to get a job with an intellectual disability, it takes dedication and patience to find the right fit for you. There is support available to help you succeed.
To help you successfully find the right fit for you remember these three things when you’re looking for work:
1. You are unique, with valuable skills and abilities
Every person has something different to bring to their work and you are no exception. Your personality, love of learning, and your eagerness to contribute great things are all strengths. Remember you have valuable skills and abilities to offer.
Focus on applying for roles that will help you do what you do best. While it can feel discouraging to look for employment, especially if it’s your first time in the workforce or you’re applying for jobs after a long period of time - it’s important to focus on your strengths.
Remember, you deserve to experience the benefits of employment and you will be able to find the right role for you.
2. Know how to market yourself and upskill
A huge part of job-hunting is writing resumes and cover letters. Employers use these to gauge whether or not an applicant will be a good fit for their business, and whether they’ll be a good candidate for an interview.
It’s important to know how to put forward your skills, and your experience if you have any. This is so employers can easily identify what skills and knowledge you can bring to the role.
Taking on resume-writing classes, as well as industry-relevant classes for roles you’re interested in can go a long way in not only showing a potential employer that you are trained and ready for work, but also that you are willing to learn and develop throughout your career.
3. You can ask for help
Job-hunting can be a long process. At times, if you’re not successful, it can also be tough, but you must be persistent. It’s important to know that you can reach out and ask for help.
Friends and family can provide much needed support to help you become more resilient - they can also read through your resume and help you find possible job opportunities. They provide important moral support as you go through your quest for employment.
Relying on a good support system keeps you motivated, and gives you the enthusiasm and energy that you need to keep seeking the perfect role for you.
If you’re after expert help, APM’s Employment Services can provide comprehensive services to help you on your journey to employment.
As Australia’s most trusted Disability Employment Services provider, our team will work with you to make sure that you are job ready, help you find secure employment, and offer comprehensive support as you start your new role.