On the eSight Networking Forum last week, eSight
member Jeff Smith gave us his approach for disclosing
his visual impairment to a potential employer.
He writes:
"Thus far in my job search, I've not mentioned my
visual impairment in my resume or other written
documentation. I figure that 'first contact'
information needs to focus on where I add value to
the company -- experience, skills, and training
which can help them do what they do ...
"When I do meet with (employers), somewhere in the
conversation, (I) refer to my visual impairment in
some way. I then let them know I already own most of
the adaptive equipment I'd need to do the job …
"I also carry a tool with me that gives
normally-sighted people an idea as to what I see,
(letting) them know that I can see, even if it's
different than they do …
"I usually end by telling them the vision issue has
had a positive effect on my attention to detail …"
Notice how Jeff proactively manages to reveal, explain
and position his visual impairment in terms that
relate back to how he can help a prospective employer
continue to be successful.
Read about what Disability World's Rob McInnes says
about disclosing your disability to employers at
http://www.diversityworld.com/Disability/jobseek.htm#Disclosure
Check the eSight article, "Develop a Good Answer to
Questions About Your Disability" at
http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=1960
For other specific strategies eSight members Amenah
and Cecila recommend for disclosing your disability to
potential employers, check today's new eSight
Networking Forum entry at
http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1652
Then, share your thoughts about how you can best
manage the perception prospective employers have about
your visual impairment.
Please post your comments at
http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1650
Read all the postings from eSight members at
http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1651
Invite your friends and acquaintances to
submit their comments at
http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1646
Did someone forward you this newsletter?
If so, welcome. I invite you to subscribe and
join the eSight community at
http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=416
Jim Hasse
Senior Content Developer
eSight Careers Network
http://www.esight.org/
This week's quote:
"There are no good jobs for people with disabilities
in your company; but there is a good person with a
disability for every job in your company."
- Richard Pimentel, as quoted by Diversity World's Rob McInnes
P.S.: Check the helpful video, "How to Find a New Job
Using LinkedIn" at http://www.hirepatriots.com/?p=546
eSight Resources:
Community News
http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1541
Resource Sharing
http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=1982
Search all eSight Job Postings at
http://www.esight.org/search_jobs.cfm
Resources for Job Hunters
http://www.esight.org/job_resources.cfm
Archives for eSight NetWork News
http://www.esight.lighthouse.org/cgi-bin/enn.cgi
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