Finding Work |
|
The following includes some specific components of the work search process for students with disabilities.
Identify your strengths and limitations
First, the most important thing to identify is your skills and what you want to do. Getting a job you want is different than getting just any job. Aim for a job that will meet your personal interests and goals and fit in with your values. Also, consider your limitations to allow you to search for jobs that maximize your strengths.
Searching for the Right Job
Read our Job Search Guidebook for more information regarding the job search process.
Research Potential Employers
Recruiting individuals with disabilities is on the agenda of many organizations to diversify their workforce. When you are researching employers:
1) Network. Talking to people is essential in all job searches. By speaking with others, you can find out what organizations have a proven record of supporting a diverse environment.
2) Websites and Publications. Organizations who indicate they ‘are committed to diversity’ online and in their written publications and policies can often indicate that an employer is at least aware of diversity issues.
3) Federally Regulated Companies. Federally regulated organizations abide by Employment Equity laws which open up doors to persons with disabilities, women, Aboriginals and minorities. Click here for information about your rights and responsibilities.
4) Information Interviews. Meeting with people in the field will give you information about an organization and assist with your networking.
5) Employer Recruiting Sessions on campus. Attend employer events and discuss the organization, your interests and access issues with the representative.
(adapted from: Employment Series for Persons with Disabilities: Tips for Job Seekers, Alberta Human Resources and Employment)
Employment Resources
The following resources are online job banks that will help you to identify progressive employers seeking to diversify their workforce. Remember that 85% of jobs are not advertised. Always use a variety of job search strategies to access the ‘hidden job market’. For more information on effective job searching, click here.
- Ability Edge – www.abilityedge.ca
Geared for recent graduates with disabilities, Ability Edge offers 6 to 12 month internships in a variety of fields.
- Business Takes Action – www.ten20action.ca
This initiative connects university graduates looking for full or part-time employment or internships with organizations interested in diversifying their workforce.
- Entry Point - http://entrypointtoronto.ca/iphom.asp
Employment opportunities for post-secondary students
- Federal Student Work Experience Program - http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/menu/home_e.htm
A federal program that recruits students following Employment Equity guidelines.
- Link Up – www.linkup.ca
The Link Up organization provides employment services to individuals with disabilities as well as job postings.
- NOWS NEADS Online Work System – www.nows.ca
Operated by the National Educational Association of Disabled Students, (NEADS), this job database offers job opportunities with progressive employers.
- Workink – www.workink.com
Canada’s largest virtual employment resource centre for job seekers with disabilities.
Look at the Employment Series: Tips for Job Seekers http://ab.workink.com/display.asp?Page_ID=11233
- Diversity Canada - http://diversitycanada.com/
Job posting service dedicated to workplace diversity