Job Hunting for the Physically Challenged or Handicapped

Searching for a job can be a stressful, time consuming, and depressing task to take on. However, when you are physically disabled there is a whole new degree of difficulty that's added. You run into employers that are concerned with the increase of health care costs, potential workers compensation claims, possible discrimination lawsuits. You name it, and they think of it.

Despite the overwhelming desire to bury your head in the sand, there are a few things that you can do to help yourself standout among a sea of other potential candidates. This is not to say that some employers will ultimately see your disability, but it may help them realize that you would be a great employee regardless.

First and foremost, tailor your job search and be honest with yourself. Your job search needs to be refined to only the jobs that you are qualified for and you can see yourself actually doing for the required amount of time per day. It's very easy to get caught up in applying for jobs just for the sake of applying. Be sure that you are not applying for as a cashier, if you can not comfortably stand on your feet for at least 8 hours a day. It is important that you judge the physical requirements of a job description by what you can do easily. This will prevent the early burn out and fatigue that will come from pushing your body to the limit everyday.

Research the company. Try to find companies that have great reputations for diversity and accommodating disabled employees. This type of information is easily found on the internet or magazine lists. See if there website has information about their healthcare benefits. You need to know if the type of things you may need during your tenure there would be covered under than plans; and if so, how much are they willing to pay out? The need for prosthetics, wheelchairs, canes, etc can become costly and if you plan to work for a company it's better know upfront that type of assistance available to you.

Understand the use of transferable skills. These are skills that you will use on just about any job that you have and usually go unnoticed by job seekers. Skills like the ability to multi-task, customer service skills, time management, and public speaking. There are many more transferable skills and if you have little work experience you may want to use this as a resume section.

Be positive about your disability and sell it. Generally, it's pretty hard to hide a disability, especially if you are asked in for an interview. So, don't try to. Instead be upbeat about your situation. Let the employer see that being disabled does define who you are or your capabilities. If you walk in with cement bricks on your shoulders, you can be sure that you didn't get that job. No one wants to hire a person who is going to bring down the rest of the staff. Be able to talk about the things that you have been able to accomplish despite your circumstances. These life experience stories are often pretty impressive. Also, use this time to shine a light on your analytical or creative side. People with a physical disability often have to other ways to do basic things. This gift will allow you to see problems differently than your counterparts and will be an asset that only you can bring to the table.

Get your degree. The best advice anyone can give is to get your degree. There are a lot of jobs out there if you have a bachelor's degree. The most obvious reason is that it is much easier to convince an interviewer that you can master sedentary work, than it is to prove to that you can do physically labor. You can also find grants to help you pay for school or organizations like vocational rehabilitation that will assist you. Your ability to persist through a curriculum as well as navigate your way through campus life shows how tough you are and the type of spirit you have.

Lack of computer skills can be a killer. In this day an age, if you cannot learn the common computer software, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, etc, you will find job searching a practically impossible feat. Today, most 1st graders have competencies in the basic software. Not to say that you cannot learn, but you need to start teaching yourself these programs as soon as possible, if you don't already know them.

Always be open-minded. For anyone searching for a job, allow yourself the opportunity to try something new. Thanks to the internet age, there is a new breed of flex time, telecommuting, non traditional work schedule positions that are popping up everyday. Don't be afraid to look at these opportunities. However, don't get scammed. Despite what any offer says if you have to pay a company to work for them, it's probably a scam.

Navigating your way through job searches can be difficult regardless of who you are or what your circumstances may be. However, when you are at the wheel with one hand, things can get a tad bit trickier.