[humanser] Job Interviews

Fri Jan 13 16:06:23 UTC 2017

What is the profession?
 The NFB may have it as a list.
 Justin

-----Original Message-----
From: HumanSer [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Miranda via
HumanSer
Sent: Friday, January 13, 2017 8:47 AM
To: Human Services Division Mailing List <humanser at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Miranda <knownoflove at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [humanser] Job Interviews

Hi Lisa and everyone,
I believe this is great advice. I usually do not inform prospective
employers of my visual impairment prior to an interview, so as to allow
myself the opportunity for a fair interview process. As others have
suggested, I also make a plan for transportation. Yes, this plan may include
public transit, paratransit, Uber, etc. Also, if you ever consider
relocation, consider transportation as a large part of your relocation
decision.
Here is a quick question that might seem a bit off topic, but how does one
receive such coaching not specifically related to the human services
profession? I am asking on behalf of my husband, as he is in a different
profession but struggles with the same interview questions. However, it
seems as though he is unable to get assistance from those who are blind or
visually impaired in his profession.
Thanks, and have a wonderful weekend!

Best wishes, Miranda

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 13, 2017, at 5:35 AM, Lisa Irving via HumanSer
<humanser at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Sherry,
> 
> First, thumbs up for asking the questions that can be difficult to ask.
Also, this is a safe space to ask these questions. I guarantee based on my
own experiences you will receive caring and candid feedback from your peers
both students experienced human service workers.
> 
> I would like to offer you the following food for thought. First, be sure
to ground your self and a positive attitude toward blindness. When you can
reduce it to a characteristic and or a new since then, I believe, it will be
easier to see the value and not bringing up this characteristic. While I see
my blindness as a characteristic there are some perspective employers who
see it as a tragic deficiency. Periodically interviewers may ask or try to
imply a question such as, how will you do XY and Z? At my last interview I
was asked this very question. Fortunately I received some good coaching from
someone in the NFB. First, I took the question at face value second I ask
the interview panel list if this is a question that is asked of everyone.
Talk about feeling like I was walking on eggshells and I even felt a little
bit like I was doing something wrong. I did not go to the interview with the
intention of proving myself as a blind person. I went to the interview under
the auspice is of I know how to do this job I am really good at these skills
and that's why you should hire me.
> 
> I have been employed for about 10 months. I wish I could say I love my
job. I can't. Today I saw a doctor and I am out on general leave for at
least a week. Well I am out I will be looking for another job. This is my
experience and definitely not the experience of everyone on this list.
> 
> 
> I am really looking forward to reading your posts about your adventures
with job hunting going to interviews and landing that just right job for
you!
> 
> From,
> Lisa Irving
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Jan 13, 2017, at 2:16 AM, Justin Williams via HumanSer
<humanser at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Do not mention that you are blind in your cover letter or resume 
>> unless you are applying for a position where doing such will help 
>> you.  Other than that, do not.
>> As far as the transportation issue, if you feel you can do the job, 
>> than apply.
>> That's going to depend upon area, context, reasonable accommodations, 
>> and your own abilities to create way of getting from point a to  point b.
>> I'm not a proponent of just apply, then just figure out the 
>> transportation, you should have somewhat of an idea of how you are 
>> going to get around in your head before applying, but not knowing 
>> everything about the job means you will probably have to adapt it 
>> some.  Certain accommodations can be having consumers come to you, 
>> only working with people within a certain radius, over the phone, skype,
chat, or anything else you can think of.  I'm
>> going to take paratransit, or uber to some of my own appointments.   If
you
>> have SSDI, you can use Impairef related work expenses (IRWEs) to pay 
>> for transportation.  If you have SSI, you can use blind work expenses 
>> to pay for transportation.  You can also find your own drivers, or 
>> another accommodation is that your work can pay for drivers, though 
>> be careful trying that one unless you work for a voc rehab agency, or 
>> one use to persons who don't drive as employees.
>> Justin
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: HumanSer [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of 
>> Sharri Anderson via HumanSer
>> Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2017 11:03 PM
>> To: Human Services Mailing List <humanser at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Sharri Anderson <mzanderson27 at gmail.com>
>> Subject: [humanser] Job Interviews
>> 
>> Hello everyone!
>> I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday! I have a few issues 
>> concerning job interviews, and I am hoping that you all can help me 
>> with some suggestions. My first question is, when sending your resume 
>> in and cover letter should you mention in the cover letter that you 
>> are visually impaired/blind? Secondly, what are your suggestions on 
>> how to address the issue of having a valid drivers license and were 
>> having and available source of transportation. Since I have become 
>> visually impaired I have not been on any job interviews, so I am a little
apprehensive.
>> I appreciate any advice that you could give me because I am very 
>> anxious about the situation.
>> Thank you!
>> 
>> Sharri Anderson, MSW
>> 
>> Cell: 502-797-6734
>> Email: Sharri.anderson27 at gmail.com
>> 
>> 
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> 
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