Abled Workers Unite
Hard skills may get you the interview—but soft skills get you the job.
For job seekers with disabilities, it’s important to show not just what you can do, but how you do it: Communicating clearly Adapting with resilience Collaborating with empathy Solving problems creatively
Employers are recognizing that soft skills are essential to building inclusive, high-performing teams.
Your lived experience builds strength. Your skills—both hard and soft—bring value.
Let’s open doors and change perceptions. #AWU #DisabilityEmployment #InclusionMatters #SoftS kills #WorkplaceDiversity #TogetherWeCan
"Resume Tip"
Are you making your Resume too technical?
Bear in mind that the person who gives your resume its initial read through may not necessarily have knowledge in your specific job area, or be familiar with complicated industry terms. Therefore, you should try to make sure that you avoid using too much technical jargon. When listing your previous work experience it may also be helpful to explain who each company is. They may be well known to your contemporaries, but a recruiter might not know why working for them is impressive. #AWU #disability #jobs #resumetips
U.S. Jobs Report – July 2025
Employers added just 73,000 jobs in July—significantly below economist estimates.
The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2%, matching forecasts.
May & June gains were slashed by a combined 258K jobs, signaling notable downward revisions.
Healthcare, social assistance, and education bucked the trend with modest gains, while manufacturing lost 11K jobs.
Private-sector hiring slowed, adding just 83K jobs, and federal payrolls fell by 12K, contributing to a 10K total drop in government jobs.
The labor market shows signs of cooling just as trade and inflation uncertainties weigh on employers.
Large revisions suggest the slowdown may run deeper than headline numbers reveal.
Stay strong in your job search. Be persistent and don't give up. #AWU #disability #jobsearch
How long does it take to find a full-time job when you have a disability?
The truth: It can take 3 to 6 months or more—sometimes longer—depending on your industry, accessibility of employers, and available support systems.
But here’s what the journey really involves in today’s job market:
Crafting a resume that gets past applicant tracking systems (ATS)
Navigating ableism in hiring and advocating for accommodations
Leveraging disability-inclusive job boards and workforce programs
Building your network—because connections matter more than ever
Preparing for both AI and live interviews, including how (or if) to disclose your disability
Staying motivated through rejections, delays, and setbacks
Yes, the job search is tough—but you are tougher. There are employers out there committed to inclusion and accessibility. The key is consistency, self-advocacy, and knowing your worth.
Tip: Use resources like vocational rehab, nonprofit career support, and platforms like Jobcase.com/organizations/disabledperson to boost your momentum.
You belong in the workforce. Together, we can change the narrative.
#DisabilityEmployment #InclusionWorks #JobSearchWithDisability #TogetherWeCan #CareerAccessibility #AWU
"Resume Tip"
Not tailoring for each position
If you're applying for several jobs it might be tempting to just fire off the same resume to all of them. However, it'll give you a much better chance of securing an interview if you customize it each time.
Indeed, 63% of recruiters said this is something they definitely want from job candidates in a recent survey. Today, many companies perform an initial electronic resume review, so it's important to go through the job description and ensure you've included any keywords mentioned.
"Interview Question"
How best to answer: " If money isn't an issue, what job would you be doing?"
This interview question is designed to uncover your passions, values, and long-term motivations. A strong answer should strike a balance between honesty and alignment with the role you're applying for. Here's how to craft a compelling response:
- Align Passion with Purpose
Even if the job you’d do for free is different, highlight transferable skills or values.
Example:
"If money weren’t an issue, I’d still be doing something that helps people overcome barriers—especially in employment or education. I get real satisfaction from seeing someone reach their potential, and that’s why I’m drawn to roles like this one."
- Show Intrinsic Motivation
Demonstrate that you're driven by more than just a paycheck.
Example:
I'd probably spend my time mentoring others or creating programs that improve accessibility and inclusion in the workplace. Helping others thrive gives me a deep sense of purpose." #AWU #disability #jobs
Georgia's Medicaid Work Requirements: Challenges and Concerns
This could be a preview!
• Georgia is the only state currently using work requirements to establish Medicaid eligibility, requiring recipients to report their activities monthly.
• The implementation of these requirements has led to significant bureaucratic hurdles, including excessive paperwork and technical difficulties with the online portal, causing issues for many applicants.
• Health advocates are concerned that these systems can lead to improper denials and loss of health coverage, as seen in Georgia's experience.
• The program, called Pathways to Coverage, requires adults with income below the federal poverty level to work, attend school, or volunteer at least 80 hours a month.
• Despite the intention to ensure those who can work, do work, the system has been criticized for its complexity and the challenges it poses to low-income individuals, potentially leading to coverage loss.
Disability Rights Groups Face Funding Cuts Under Trump Administration
• Disability rights groups are facing potential funding cuts under the Trump administration, threatening their ability to advocate for people with disabilities.
• The proposed cuts would eliminate funds for several grants and reduce funding for others, potentially impacting services like helping individuals navigate government programs and pursuing legal action.
• These cuts come as demand for assistance is expected to increase due to changes in Medicaid health coverage and coincide with the 50th anniversary of a federal law protecting people with disabilities.
• Advocates fear the cuts will hinder their ability to investigate abuse, ensure access to community services, and hold states accountable for providing adequate support.
• The groups rely heavily on federal funding, which is crucial for their work in areas such as investigating allegations of abuse, pushing states for better community services, and helping people with disabilities navigate Medicaid.
#AWU ##disability
Best Practices for Writing an Impactful Cover Letter
- Customize for Every Role
- Address the specific job and company.
- Use the hiring manager’s name if available—avoid “To Whom It May Concern.”
- Mirror keywords from the job posting to show alignment.
- Hook Them in the First Paragraph
- Start with a compelling reason why you’re excited about the role.
- Mention how you found the position and what draws you to this company.
- Show What You Bring to the Table
- Highlight 2–3 achievements or experiences that directly relate to the role.
- Quantify results if possible: "increased efficiency by 25%" or "streamlined a 5-step process."
- Tie your background to the company’s mission or industry challenges.
- Keep It Focused and Sharp
- One page max, usually 250–400 words.
- Avoid jargon—be clear, professional, and conversational.
- End with Momentum
- Express enthusiasm for an interview or follow-up.
- Reaffirm your value: “I’d love to bring my expertise in X to support your goals in Y.”
- Thank them for their time and consideration.
#AWU #disability #jobs ##coverletter
July 2025 Labor Market Insights
• The July 2025 Labor Market Insights report indicates the economy added 147,000 jobs in June, with private sector employment showing a smaller gain.
• Employment growth was driven by state and local government, particularly education, and healthcare and leisure and hospitality services in the private sector.
• Despite slower payroll growth, the labor market remains resilient with job openings increasing and layoffs remaining low.
https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/Insights-Labor-Market.aspx#