Job seeking for people with injury, illness or disability

Job seeking for people with an injury, illness or disability can be daunting. With a clear understanding of your strengths, limitations, and a job-seeking plan, you can significantly increase your chances of securing suitable work.

Choosing the right job

Prepare carefully before commencing job seeking:

• know your restrictions and their impact on you
• be clear on any special requirements your employer needs to know
• gain a full understanding of your skills, interests and abilities
• make a list of potential jobs, using resources such as the 2012 Job Guide. Search for current roles via the Jobshop website, Seek and CareerOne.
• ensure that you can safely perform all of the tasks involved a job. You can do this by finding out what is actually required on the job, both mentally and physically
• when you have decided on a suitable job or goal, ensure that you have a current resume
• Brush up on your interview skills.

Talking to employers

It can be challenging to talk to employers positively about your disability or condition. Planning and discussion will go a long way.

Here are some general hints on talking with a potential employer about your condition or disability:

• face to face discussion provides a better opportunity to explain your skills and circumstances
• keep it brief
• state clearly what your restrictions are
• state clearly what special considerations you may need
• remember to highlight your skills and abilities
• remember to not dwell on your disability or injury and think positively!

Useful resources

Willing and Able Mentoring Program matches job seekers or tertiary students who have a disability with mentors in leading organisations

Stepping into.. work experience series. A paid internship programme for tertiary students with a disability

WISE Employment is a not-for-profit organisation with a professional, integrated approach to finding the right job for jobseekers

JobAccess - help and workplace solutions for the employment of people with a disability

Choosing Your Path - Disclosure: It’s a personal decision

Careers for graduates with a disability written by Graduate Careers Australia