This week, eSight NetWork News, as part of our new
schedule, will summarize the discussions for April.
Four reasons made April 2009 a remarkable month for
eNN readers.
First, we learned important details about the effort
by Social Security Administration (SSA) to hire 6,000
new employees throughout the country during 2009.
To review the details of that initiative, go to the
eSight article, "SSA Is Hiring Across the USA" at
http://webletter.lighthouse.org/cgi-bin5/DM/y/eqpb0N4Xjl0PpS0CZho0An
This hiring initiative offers a unique opportunity for
individuals with disabilities (especially Ticket to
Work holders, veterans and students) who may want to
get a job or internship with SSA.
It may be your chance to take the next step in your
career.
Second, in tracing the career path of Dr. T.V. Raman,
a leading-edge expert in Web standards, auditory
interfaces and scripting languages at Google Research,
we learned more about the computer scientist and
computer engineering job sector.
Dr. Raman, visually impaired, is intrigued by how
something should work when the user is not looking at
the screen, and, with that broad-based perspective, is
helping introduce technological breakthroughs that
benefit all people.
How he approaches his work is a good example of
inclusiveness. Read more about him at
http://webletter.lighthouse.org/cgi-bin5/DM/y/eqpb0N4Xjl0PpS0CZCc0Ay
Third, we gained further knowledge about how to do
well during a job interview. The two key points: Keep
your interviewer's view of you in a positive light and
keep your personal problems out of the interview.
Here's how two eSight members fleshed out those two
concepts.
Barney Mayse:
"...You are not competing with anyone but yourself
for the position. There is no one better than you
for the position, and you have to SELL that idea..."
James J. Elekes, M.Ed, MPA, CPM:
"Whenever interviewing, the focus is, 'It's not
about me.' The most significant attribute brought to
any interview is what additional value can the
organization gain from hiring me..."
Fourth, Susan Boyle, a single, middle-aged woman from
a small village in Scotland, defying expectations and
blowing away seasoned cynical music judges such as
Simon Cowell, became an over-night sensation on the TV
show, "Britain's Got Talent."
On April 14, BBC News cited this quote from Susan: "I
was slightly brain damaged at birth, and I want people
like me to see that they shouldn't let a disability
get in the way. I want to raise awareness. I want to
turn my disability into ability."
Susan, the unlikely star, won the hearts of millions
of people around the world. She kept going despite cat
calls and jeers and eye rolling.
She's an example for those of us who may not seem like
great prospects in the business world or in education
or in whatever we want to do. Despite the odds stacked
against her, she stayed focused and was humble but
steadfast in her ability to sing. She then expressed
gratitude and appreciation for the world's adoration
of her ability. She was prepared for happenstance. As
you prepare for your next job interview (perhaps with
SSA or other governmental agency), think of the people
we highlighted in eNN this month and what they're
teaching us by example.
Here are some possibilities. Be confident about your
ability and your personal strengths. Don't be fazed by
people who may or may not want to hire you. Be
open-minded and have a positive attitude. Be prepared
to sell yourself and be appreciative for the chance
you've been given. Express your thanks in a sincere,
warm way. You'll probably have to go through many job
interviews before you land the job that's right for
you.
Dr. John Krumboltz, Professor of Education and
Psychology at Stanford University, writes that "luck
is no accident." According to his theory, happenstance
plays a part in almost everyone's career. And, by
being prepared, we can take advantage of that
happenstance.
How has happenstance or serendipity played a part in
your career?
Share your experience on the Sight Networking Forum at
http://webletter.lighthouse.org/cgi-bin5/DM/y/eqpb0N4Xjl0PpS0CZrf0Ao
Read the views of your fellow eSight members at
http://webletter.lighthouse.org/cgi-bin5/DM/y/eqpb0N4Xjl0PpS0CZrg0Ap
By following the examples we've highlighted in
eNN this month, you could have a much improved
chance of getting that job. And when you do land it,
share your experiences and what you learned with us!
Please forward this newsletter to a friend or
colleague you think would find it useful.
Did someone forward you this newsletter? If so,
welcome. I invite you to subscribe and join the
eSight community at
http://webletter.lighthouse.org/cgi-bin5/DM/y/eqpb0N4Xjl0PpS0CZhr0Aq
Here's what you can look forward during the Month of
May. During the week of May 6, we will showcase our
second in a series of career narratives. Then, during
the week of May 13, you will receive tips to help you
with your job search.
The following week of May 20 is when we will be asking
for your feedback to help support eSight members who
are seeking employment. So, if you have a question
about your job search, please reply to this e-mail and
we will consider featuring it in an upcoming issue.
Then, during the week of May 27, we will recap all of
the discussions from the month.
Liz Seger
Facilitator
eSight Careers Network(tm)
http://webletter.lighthouse.org/cgi-bin5/DM/y/eqpb0N4Xjl0PpS0CWPF0Af
PS: Congratulations to Michele Sue Techman who was
profiled on April 23, 2009 in the City NewsHound.
eSight Resources
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Job Postings
http://webletter.lighthouse.org/cgi-bin5/DM/y/eqpb0N4Xjl0PpS0CWPJ0Aj
Resources for Job Hunters
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Networking Forum
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Archives for eSight NetWork News
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