Abled Workers Unite
"Interview Tip"
Mock interviews are a must before the real one.
You know that saying "Practice, practice, practice."
The same goes for nailing a great job interview. It can take some practice and at least one or two run-throughs with your camera at your desk (or kitchen table) to ensure you portray the most professional version of yourself. After all, a good first impression is vital.
You can practice with a friend by setting up a Zoom session and sitting exactly where you will for the real interview. When you are on the call, scan the background to ensure everything looks neat and tidy.
Yes, you can use one of those blurred backgrounds as a last resort, but it might be distracting to the person who is interviewing you.
While you are practicing for the real interview, have your friend ask some common interview questions to help make the interview process go even smoother. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips
"Interview Tip"
Ace Your Job Interview: The STAR Method
• Preparing for job interviews is crucial for transitioning into the civilian workforce, with the interview being a critical step in the hiring process.
• Behavioral interviews, which focus on past actions, are common and use questions like "tell me about a time when…" to assess a candidate's skills.
• The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a proven technique for answering behavioral interview questions effectively.
• Candidates should prepare examples highlighting relevant skills and tailor them to the specific role, focusing on the valuable aspects of their stories.
• The interview should be a conversation, with an introduction, discussion, and closing, and candidates should reinforce their value and interest while understanding the next steps.
"Interview Tip"
The Hidden Interview Question That Can Cost You the Job
• Job interviews often involve hidden assessments that begin the moment you enter the room, with first impressions formed in seconds.
• Interviewers may use seemingly casual questions like 'Did you find us okay?' to gauge your composure, preparation, and self-awareness.
• A positive and composed response, such as 'All fine, thanks. I always leave a bit early just in case,' can signal reliability and self-awareness, potentially influencing the hiring decision.
- Conversely, if you say something like "I barely made it but I'm here on time", could adversely impact your chances.
https://www.unilad.com/community/life/job-interview-hidden-question-how-to-answer-117533-20250612
"Resume Tip"
Don't write your Resume in the third person!
Writing in the third person may seem like a creative way to make your resume stand out, but it's not a good idea. Your resume is your opportunity to communicate with potential employers, so writing it in the third person makes it hard to really connect with them. It can also give them the wrong impression of who you are as a person, as it can often come across as rather egotistical, and arrogant. #AWU #disability #jobs #resumetips
Alternatives to College for Stable Careers:
College is not always the answer. Blue Collar trade jobs may not be a choice for many people in the disability community. However, there are people in our community whose disability doesn't preclude this kind of work. To those individuals, these alternative pathways may be something to think about.
Trade Schools and Vocational Training: These programs focus on specific, hands-on skills for in-demand trades like plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, automotive repair, and healthcare support. They offer:
Faster Entry into the Workforce: Programs are typically shorter (6 months to 2 years) compared to a four-year degree.
Lower Cost and Less Debt: Tuition is generally much lower, leading to less student loan debt.
High Demand: Many skilled trades face labor shortages, ensuring job opportunities.
Good Earning Potential: Many trade jobs offer competitive wages, and experienced tradespeople can earn excellent salaries.
Apprenticeships: These programs combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to earn a wage while learning a skilled trade. They often lead directly to a job offer upon completion.
Certifications and Bootcamps: For fields like IT, coding, and specialized technical roles, intensive bootcamps and certification programs can provide the necessary skills quickly and efficiently. #AWU #disability #jobs
Cybersecurity Job Market on the Rise Amidst Economic Uncertainty in the US
• Cybersecurity jobs in the United States are experiencing a surge, with a 12% increase in demand over the past year, as reported by CyberSeek.
• This growth in cybersecurity talent acquisition is occurring despite ongoing economic uncertainty, highlighting the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures.
• The report indicates that over 514,000 cybersecurity jobs were sought by both public and private sector employers in the last 12 months.
• A significant skills gap persists, with only 14% of organizations possessing the necessary skilled talent to meet their cybersecurity objectives, according to the World Economic Forum.
• Public-private partnerships are crucial for addressing the talent gap by facilitating skills development, expanding career opportunities, and building sustainable cybersecurity talent pipelines.
"Interview Tip"
How to Avoid Appearing Narcissistic in Job Interviews
• Job interviews often favor confident individuals, but this can inadvertently highlight narcissistic traits, making it crucial to differentiate oneself.
• Instead of self-praise, provide specific examples with measurable outcomes to build trust and demonstrate competence.
• Showing humility by acknowledging limitations and demonstrating a willingness to learn is more attractive than pretending to know everything.
• Emphasize empathy by considering others' perspectives and including them in your narrative when describing past experiences.
• Focus on the interviewer, listen actively, and ask clarifying questions to show genuine interest and differentiate yourself from those who monologue.
https://www.fastcompany.com/91317119/how-to-not-sound-like-a-narcissist-in-an-interview
"Interview Tip"
The Unspoken Interview Test: Mastering Initial Impressions
• Veteran recruiter Sharon Armstrong emphasizes that initial impressions, formed within the first two minutes, heavily influence hiring decisions.
• Simple pleasantries like answering "how was your journey?" reveal much about a candidate's composure, thought process, and ability to handle pressure.
• A calm, positive response demonstrates self-awareness and reliability, while a flustered reaction might suggest stress or disorganization.
• Recruiters often gather additional feedback from receptionists and observe candidates' behavior throughout the interview process, including informal conversations and even how they handle their coffee cup.
• Mastering these seemingly insignificant moments can significantly improve a candidate's chances of success by showcasing their personality and professionalism.
https://www.yourtango.com/self/make-break-job-interview-question-most-workers-miss
Michigan Jobcasers Alert!
disabledperson Inc. is working with Michigan Rehabilitation Services to create a video library of interviews of professionals with disabilities in STEM and Medical fields.
We are looking for 15 professionals in the state of Michigan. We are interested to hear about your journey and how it impacts your career
We will come to you to conduct the video interview. It shouldn't take more than an hour of your time
There is a $50 stipend.
Interviews will be hosted on the state's Rehabilitation ste as well as the Talent Acquisition Portal.
Are you interested? If so, please contact me through Direct Message or info@disabledperson.com and put "Video Library in the subject line. #AWU #disability #jobs #interview
Thank you!
"Resume Tip"
Leveraging AI for Résumé Writing
• While AI is increasingly used in job applications (62% of candidates use it for résumé writing), human oversight remains crucial for creating effective résumés.
• AI can help with common errors like formatting and proofreading, and adapting the tone to match specific company requirements.
• However, AI struggles with conveying nuanced experiences and authentically representing a candidate's skills and achievements; human input is essential for adding a personal touch.
• To avoid generic résumés, job seekers should use AI to answer questions from a recruiter's perspective and quantify their accomplishments.
• Ultimately, AI should be a tool to enhance, not replace, the human element in résumé writing; authenticity and a personal voice are key to standing out.
https://www.fastcompany.com/91350585/how-to-use-ai-to-write-your-resume