4 of the Best Ways to Leverage Technology When Job Hunting With a Disability.

The job market can be a challenge to navigate, doubly so when you’re differently-abled. However, this is not to say being disabled will get in the way of your success. This just means that you may need to work a little bit harder to compete, as well as make better use of the resources available to you.

No doubt, the internet is particularly useful, in more ways than one, and you can certainly take advantage of it to start a new career or even get ahead in the one you already have, disability notwithstanding. It has long been recognized that the internet can, in fact, open up opportunities for people with disabilities. It would serve you well, indeed, to leverage the technology that’s right at your fingertips to move forward in the workforce.Here’s how.

Expand your network.

Networking is among the most essential tools in one’s professional life. Making use of the internet to expand your professional network will undoubtedly serve your job search and career development efforts in spades. By connecting with individuals in your field, you can get first-hand information on job vacancies and growth opportunities, as well as stay on top of industry trends and news to put you on top of your game.

Professional networks like LinkedIn are the obvious places to start. However, social networks like Facebook and Twitter come in handy, as well, and may even offer you a wider reach. You can also participate in industry-specific forums and groups, which abound over the web.

Improve your chances.

With the fierce competition today in the job market, the need to get noticed becomes even more crucial. Once again, the internet proves to be invaluable with the wealth of resources it offers, running the gamut from personal and career development to job-hunting strategies and tools.

More often than not, a quick search will already uncover tips to help you maximize your strengths, craft a great resume, and even ace your interview. Not only that, but you can also develop new skills and upgrade existing ones through earning an online degree. There are many affordable online programs in relevant industries, including business, health, education, and information technology.

Find opportunities.

However, perhaps the most tangible way the internet can help in your job search is by giving you access to countless job listings. There are numerous job sites that cater specifically to persons with disabilities, which can be a godsend, as it allows you to devote your time to listings that are welcoming of your situation. Additionally, job boards make the hunt easier by letting you access specific parameters, including job categories and sub-categories. These sites can help you easily join the remote workforce.

Work remotely.

Technology now gives everyone the opportunity to work remotely, even right in the comfort of home. In fact, it’s interesting to note that since 2005, the number of employees working remotely has increased by a whopping 115 percent, with 3.2 percent of the working population in the U.S. alone working at home at least half the time.

No doubt, a good fraction of this are people with disabilities — and for good reason, as working remotely provides you with the opportunity to earn a stable income and enjoy a great measure of flexibility without having to leave the safety and comfort of your home. There’s no dearth of work that you can do from home so you won’t have to settle for less than what you deserve.

Indeed, disability is rife with challenges, and the job market isn’t the least of it. But by taking advantage of the internet and its technologies to make you a more viable candidate and to get to first dibs on the right opportunities, you have a fighting chance at landing your dream job.

Photo via Unsplash

Written by Patrick Young