Finding a Job that is Right for You: A Practical Approach to Looking for a Job as a Person with a Disability

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor. JAN has two main focuses, identifying job accommodations and providing technical assistance on the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While not a job placement service, JAN receives questions from people with disabilities looking for work. To address the needs of JAN callers looking for employment, this Employment Guide was developed and provides a four-step process with information, tools, and resources that can be used to find the right job.

"Planning will create the best opportunity for your successful job search. As you begin the planning process, there are a couple of publications you may want to read. One publication is the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy's Essential Elements of an Effective Job Search. Also, JAN has developed Dos and Don'ts of Looking for a Job and Strategies to Consider in Seeking Employment providing job seekers helpful hints to improve the chance of success."

Below are brief section descriptions of JAN's Employment Guide, which are designed to assist with a step-by-step process for finding a job.

Step 1: What kind of job is right for you?

This section is designed to help you assess your knowledge, skills, and abilities while helping you understand where jobs are, how much specific jobs pay, and what jobs are expected to be in demand. In addition, this section contains information about who may train you for these jobs, inform you about working from home, and guide you in developing a small business.

Step 2: Who can help you to find the right job?

This section lists federal and state programs that can help you get a job. These include:

• state vocational rehabilitation agency,
• the Social Security Administration's Ticket-to-Work program,
• the Federal government selective placement program, and
• your local One-Stop Disability Navigator.

This section also lists on-line resources, such as general and disability-related job banks.

Step 3: Are you prepared for a job interview?

This section includes information about applying for a job, preparing for an interview, and completing an interview. It provides general information on building a resume, following-up after an interview, and addressing disability-specific questions during a job search.

Step 4: You got the job. Now what?

The final section includes strategies for success at your new job. Information is also provided on how to request a job accommodation and links to publications explaining accommodations for specific disabilities. In addition, this section includes information on career advancement and growth.