Applying For A Job

You’ve worked diligently to find the perfect job opportunity. Now you need to apply for the job. This begins with the application and continues with the interview.

Before You Begin

You need to get prepared. Write down all your possible application information in print, Braille or on a notetaker. When you go to fill out an application all your information will be at hand. No worries about forgetting a phone number, important date or the correct spelling of your last supervisors name!

Things you want to include:

Work experience including dates, job title, company name, phone number and address, supervisor’s name, wages, work responsibilities

References including names, phone numbers, addresses, job title, relationship to you

Education, names of schools, addresses, phone numbers, program title or degree acquired, years attended

Military history including rank held, branch of military, dates, supervisor’s name

Certificates or licenses held including when acquired, date of expiration

And any other relevant information to your situation

How To Apply

You will need to fill out an application for most jobs. Some will also require a resume’, letters of reference, copies of transcripts or proof of certification. Usually this information will be in the original advertisement. If you found the job by networking, be sure to ask what paperwork is required, when you speak with the potential employer for the first time.

Be sure to include everything that is required. If you don’t include everything it is most likely that you will not get the job. There will be plenty to choose from without expending extra time and energy doing your work for you. Employers aren’t impressed with incomplete work on the job or in the application process.

Filling Out The Application

There are essentially two ways that applications are available, on-line and on paper. Many companies are turning to on-line applications as a convenient and inexpensive way to gather applications. This is good news as long as the application software works with your screen reader or enlargement program. In my experience most do.

The more traditional way of applying for a job involves pen and paper. You will have to go in person to pick up an application. You will need to either stay and fill it out or take it home to complete it. Many companies will be fine with either, but be prepared for those companies that require you to stay and fill out the application in their office.

Readers

Evaluate your visual ability honestly. If you have difficulty reading print under any sort of conditions, use a reader. Filling out a job application is an important task. You want to have a neat and accurate application. Using a reader shows that you are organized, prepared, know how to manage your affairs and that you are capable. Writing something on the wrong line, not seeing part of a question and other errors in seeing can really decrease your chances of getting hired, not to mention cause you embarrassment!

Now to the question of whether to bring your own reader or to ask for someone there to read for you. There is no easy answer. My personal preference is to take my own reader. This way I will already have had the opportunity to train this person in exactly what I want and don’t want. I don’t have to explain what help is needed and not needed. I think taking your own reader gives you a greater opportunity to take charge of the situation. It gives the potential employer the security of knowing that you are capable of managing your own affairs.

If you use someone already employed with the company be considerate. It is a good idea to go during a slow time. For example if you are applying for a job washing dishes in a restaurant, don’t go at noon and expect someone to be immediately available to read an application to you.

You might consider calling ahead and scheduling a time to meet with someone. This has disadvantages since they will have time to think about their ideas of blind people without you there to show them that you are confident and capable. Using an employee to read for you is probably less of an issue if they already know you. This would probably be the case if you found the job through networking.

Making The First Impression

This will occur at different stages of the process for different people. It will depend on how you found the job, how you applied, and other factors. It will have to happen eventually!

Dress professionally; neat and clean anytime you might cross paths with a potential employer. When you are actively looking for a job this means every day. You will definitely need to be conscious of how you look when you go into the place of business to apply.

The general rule of thumb is to dress slightly nicer than you would if you actually had the job. If you are applying to be a trash collector this might mean a new pair of jeans and a knit shirt with a collar. If you are applying to be a teacher a suit or dress are probably in order. Use your judgment.

More important than what you wear is how you wear it. Smile! Relax, present an image of quiet calm confidence. You need to put the employer at ease with your body language, attitude and demeanor.

If this doesn’t come easily to you, practice with friends, vocational counselor or some other person that will be honest and helpful. Now while you are meeting potential employers is a good time to practice these skills. Later when you get the interview these interpersonal skills will be absolutely essential.

Here's more ideas for dressing for success What to wear

When To Disclose Your Blindness

Sometimes this will be a conscious decision on your part and other times it will just flow naturally in the process. Don’t make a big deal about it, but don’t hide it either.

The key is to introduce it naturally into the process wherever it seems most appropriate. Some people write it at the bottom of the application. I do not think this is a good time. Others wait until the interview. I think whenever you bring up the subject, be confident and approachable. Pick a time where you will be able to personally answer questions and alleviate fears. My preference is to do this in person. My second choice would be over the phone. I avoid writing it on the application or in a letter.

The employer is going to have all sorts of questions. They will also be hesitant to ask you any of them. This may be for fear of doing something illegal, upsetting you or personal embarrassment. It is your responsibility to take the lead in putting the employer at ease.

Remain confident, enthusiastic and approachable. A simple smile will help both you and the employer feel at ease. Explain how you use your cane or guide dog, how you intend to get to work on time, what personal skills and equipment you will bring to the job you have like reading Braille or a portable notetaker.

Use your judgment. Keep it positive. Invite the employer to ask questions. Keep the conversation on track. For example if the employer is concerned about how you will get to work, you could talk about how being on time is very important to you also. Give an example of how you would accomplish getting to work using the bus, subway or carpooling with a neighbor. You don’t need to give specific details about which bus, you do need to convey the message that the job is important to you and that you are a capable person.

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