June 30, 2009

New Ways to Land a Job

July and August are special months for eSight NetWork News (eNN) subscribers.

This week, we’re introducing a special interactive project for sharing ideas this summer about how you, as a job seeker with a visual impairment, can effectively use social media for networking so you can gain meaningful employment.

During the next two months, eSight will facilitate a LinkedIn group, "Using Social Media Networking as a Job Search Tool."

The purpose: to encourage HR professionals and hiring managers in the U.S. to share ideas about how job seekers with visual impairments can effectively use social media for their job searches so employers have access to the best available talent, regardless of disability.

Also, through Twitter, career counselors who coach visually impaired job seekers throughout the U.S. will share ideas about how these tips from employers can best be applied in the real world.

And, you, as an eNN reader, will be able to chime into this conversation, too. How?

All you have to do is follow the links below and add your thoughts to this week’s discussion on the eSight Network Forum.

By doing so, you’ll be able to hear what hiring managers are saying about how to find a job in today’s market using social media – and quickly add your own comments about what you think works and does not work in searching for a job online.

Here’s how you’ll benefit by joining your fellow eSight members in following this discussion:

  1. You’ll gain insight from employers throughout the U.S. about how social media is changing the process of landing a job.

  2. You’ll help develop a dialogue among your fellow eSight members about how to most effectively use social media in finding a job.

  3. You’ll be able to share your own ideas about what is most practical with your fellow eSight members.

One thing I can promise you. Stick with us over the next eight weeks, and you’ll look at job hunting in a whole new light.

eSight will highlight the key thoughts which come out of this Twitter conversation among eSight members in each week’s issue of eNN.

And, we’ll use the eSight Networking Forum to tie down some of the most important issues we may have with social media as a job hunting tool from a visual impairment standpoint.

We’ll also translate the insight generated by you, your fellow eSight members, career counselors and employers into a series of free articles, white papers and teleseminars about "Essential Job Search Tactics," which will become available on eSight over the next few months.

So, before you join Twitter or publish your profile on LinkedIn, please take this first step. Think about what you want an employer to know about you.

For background, read "Essential Career Marketing Tactic: Self-presentation"

Continue reading "New Ways to Land a Job"

Posted by Liz Seger at 05:09 PM | Comments (5)

June 23, 2009

Getting Past the Federal Government Gatekeepers

So far, this month, we've focused on the real-life situations of two individuals who have visual impairments.

First, we met Lee, who began his 36-year career with the Internal Revenue Service in July, 1973, and is now Chief Accessibility Coordinator for the Wage and Investment Division of IRS.

For more about Lee you can read his career narrative.

Second, we learned about George, who is now going totally blind after working as a math tutor and is not sure how to continue his career.

Thanks to Jeremiah, Abraham, Eileen, Jim, Jeffrey, Barney, Kathy and Jeff for all the very helpful tips you gave George.

Check and join the discussion.

Today, I'd like to introduce you to another eSight member, Michelle Clark, who writes:

"All around me there are e-mails, job fairs, and people/counselors telling me the Federal Government is hiring. I believe that is wonderful, but I'm having difficulty applying.
"I find it difficult to apply even when I do hear of jobs because (I'm having trouble) navigating www.usajobs.gov..
"How do I break through the gatekeepers in applying for Federal Government jobs I feel I can do?"

Michelle brings up an important issue. Some Federal agencies (such as Social Security Administration) are being flooded with job applicants now that they have announced their hiring targets.

When applying for a federal Government job, it may be much easier to work with your state's commission for visually impaired people or your area's Selective Placement Coordinator (SPC).

You'll then know whether it's possible to apply for the job under "Schedule A" hiring authority, bypassing the normal selection process.

For a directory of regional SPC contacts, go to
http://www.cessi.net/ttw/SSAHires/spc.html

For information about how to apply for a federal job under "Schedule A," go to http://www.cessi.net/ttw/SSAHires/docs/Schedule_A_Fast_Facts.pdf

Continue reading "Getting Past the Federal Government Gatekeepers"

Posted by Liz Seger at 06:05 PM | Comments (2)

June 16, 2009

How to Teach Math When You’re Blind

It's the third week in June, and, in keeping with our monthly eNN content schedule, we're asking for your feedback -- tips for helping George to effectively cope with his situation.

A fellow eSight member needs your feedback. She writes:

"My husband has had partial sight for years but is now going totally blind. He has worked as a math tutor for years, but this may no longer be possible.
"He has been pessimistic about developing computer skills that may offer him other opportunities because he says that he cannot be as quick as a sighted person.
"Do you know of any blind individuals that have developed necessary computer skills toward competitive employment?"

If you remember what it was like to have to start over and reinvent yourself, please share your experiences -- things you did to connect to the resources you needed so you could get computer training or how you identified organizations that offered the most meaningful help in finding employment or where to get the best advice in landing a job. All of this is very valuable.

Continue reading "How to Teach Math When You’re Blind"

Posted by Liz Seger at 05:01 PM | Comments (13)

June 02, 2009

IRS Jobs: Lee Giurlanda’s Career Narrative

It’s the first week in June, and, in keeping with our schedule, today we’re highlighting the career narrative of Lee Giurlanda and focus on careers in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Lee began his 36-year career with the Internal Revenue Service in July, 1973, after completing the Taxpayer Service Program at Lions World Services for the Blind in Little Rock, Arkansas.

He started as a Taxpayer Service Representative in San Diego, California. Although totally Blind, Lee quickly moved into positions of increasing technical expertise and responsibility in front and mid-level management culminating in the position of Operations Manager of IRS’ Accounts Management call-center in Richmond, Virginia in 1998.

In September 2004, Lee was named the National Accessibility Coordinator for the Accounts Management Operation of IRS. In April, 2007, the IRS expanded Lee’s role to that of Chief Accessibility Coordinator for the Wage and Investment Division of IRS.

Also notice that the IRS is currently recruiting individuals with disabilities for Revenue Agents, Revenue Officers, and Tax Compliance Officers nationwide. Jobs are available in: AL, AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, LA, MA, MN, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WI. They will continue their recruiting until January 25, 2010.

Learn more about IRS policies for people with disabilities and to search and apply for jobs.

Remember: The IRS is not just about accounting. You can work in the IRS in a variety of ways -- in a field office, independently, reviewing tax audits and more. And, you can enjoy a flexible work schedule in many IRS jobs.

You never have to pay a fee to apply for an IRS job. From time to time you may see ads advising readers to call for an application and job information. The ads claim that they will send you the information you need to apply for an IRS position. The truth is that anyone seeking information regarding employment at the IRS can have it, free for the asking. All of the open positions are posted at www.usajobs.opm.gov.

Continue reading "IRS Jobs: Lee Giurlanda’s Career Narrative"

Posted by Liz Seger at 04:51 PM | Comments (0)

May 27, 2009

Gaining Leverage as a Job Seeker

On the eSight Networking Forum last week, Jeff Smith posted these three tips for making meetings accessible.

He writes:

"It needs to be remembered that those with low vision take more time to read something. Graphics can be particularly hard to grasp, primarily because labeling tends to use small print or of low contrast.

"I've noticed, too, that people rush through materials, particularly PowerPoint, assuming those in the audience can easily absorb the information.

"It's also currently fashionable to use colored text, which can create problems for the vision-impaired.

"It is always best to use black or near-black text on a white or off-white background."
Jeff 's tips are particularly relevant in today's economy as baby boomers, who are finding it financially prudent to work a few more years beyond what once considered retirement age, discover they don't "see as well as they used to."

For more about visit our accessible meeting discussion.

Putting accessibility at the forefront is one of three strategies we discussed this month for job seekers who want to put themselves in a better position to make the most of today's tough market.

"Service," "green" and "accessibility" are key concepts which can give you leverage in a rough job market.

For a quick summary of what eSight members said about those three key concepts, go to "May 2009 Discussion Wrap."

Think about how you can include a "service," "green" or "accessibility" in your offering statement and job marketing plan.

Continue reading "Gaining Leverage as a Job Seeker"

Posted by Liz Seger at 12:56 PM | Comments (0)

May 20, 2009

Strengthen Your Online Presence

The Disability Rights Section, Civil Right Division, U.S. Department of Justice, recently published online guidelines for "Accessible Information Exchange: Meeting on a Level Playing Field."

The article's guidelines cover everything from meeting room setup to content accessibility. It even has suggestions for how to temporarily remove barriers to make a meeting's features more accessible.

I believe this article offers valuable information for both employers and employees.

Right now, I'm asking you, as an eSight member, to think about a recent meeting you have attended.

What made it particularly accessible or inaccessible? What advice can you offer a meeting planner who wants to understand your particular needs?

How will this help you in your job search?

As you craft your submission, remember that Google and other search engines treat your postings to forums and blogs as web sites. Recruiters and hiring managers often check the online presence of job candidates as part of their decision-making process.

So, potential employers, in doing research about you online, will likely see your online submissions and can get a feel for how you think, write and interact with others when they "google"your name.

It's all about personal branding.

Continue reading "Strengthen Your Online Presence"

Posted by Liz Seger at 12:10 PM | Comments (0)

May 11, 2009

Green Job Search Tips

Green is no longer just cool. It's actually hot - especially when it comes to careers.

A "green" job is "self-employment or any job which 'genuinely' contributes to a more sustainable world. Jobs can be in the green sector (such as) solar energy or wind power."

But, another way to look at "green" employment is this: Individuals working in such jobs are committed to and passionate about sustainability and living a greener lifestyle.

You can find jobs which work for sustainability in science and research, environmental studies, engineering, construction, architecture, law, education, public information and advocacy, transportation, health sciences and entrepreneurial activities.

"Green" is all based on how you want your world to be for your children, your grandchildren - and yourselves. It means our survival.

People are buying more locally grown, organic foods, for instance, because we have seen numerous food recalls and we are no longer sure of the origin of the food available through supermarket chains.

As a result, farming is becoming more organic and green, using fewer pesticides. And people are returning to visit local farmers' markets as well their local grocery stores to buy produce when it is in season.

So, now is the time, no matter where you live in the world, to perhaps consider going green in your job or in your job hunt. Maybe now is the time to start your own small business doing something green-related or looking for employers who are willing and committed to making their work place greener.

Keep this in mind: The public - and entire governments - now support "green" employment.

Read about President Obama's "green jobs" vision.

In the U.S., the Green Jobs Act has been developed to support on-the-ground apprenticeship and job training programs to meet the growing demand for green construction professionals skilled in energy efficiency and renewable energy installations.

The Act envisions sound and practical energy investments for three million new jobs by helping companies retool and retrain workers to produce clean energy and energy efficient components or end products that will result in residential and commercial energy savings, industry revenue, and new green jobs throughout the country.

To better serve the workforce system and its efforts to support green jobs and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has developed a "draft green jobs" framework.

That framework is designed to promote the development of new and existing green jobs and hasten widespread employment in green careers across several industry sectors.

And the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) received funding under President Obama's 2010 budget to produce quarterly tabulations of aggregate employment and wages for "green" businesses.

That means, starting in 2011, BLS will produce information about occupations involved in whole or in part in the "green" economy - and analyze those workforce trends.

How does this apply to those of us with disabilities? We also have the opportunity to create, design and produce assistive devices or new ways for doing things which may indeed save the environment and our planet.

You don't just need a science or engineering degree or research experience. Through their work, people with liberal arts degrees can make their own statement about sustainability. See "Green Jobs Take Root and Proliferate."

For a "green" jobs overview, check out these three resources.

First, the Windstar Foundation has a scholarship for high school and college students taking environmental studies. John Denver, late singer, environmentalist and humanitarian, founded Windstar.

Second, read "Green Jobs," U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration.

And, third, find out about green jobs in your state.

Continue reading "Green Job Search Tips"

Posted by Liz Seger at 05:20 PM | Comments (0)

May 06, 2009

Public Administration Jobs: James Elekes’ Career Narrative

Jim has nearly 30 years of progressively advancing senior management experience in public transit, human/social services and academia with a focus on all aspects of training, operational administration and regulatory compliance.

He’s principal and founder of Trans-Access Associates, LLC, in South Carolina, which he created in July 2005.

Jim's consultancy focuses on an unmet need he’s identified in the academic, non-profit and public/private sectors: a comprehensive, proactive approach to including persons with disabilities in mainstreamed activities of daily life.

Since its founding, Trans-Access Associates’ contracts have included a major amusement park, two- and four-year colleges and a variety of state entities, all with identified shortcomings in their practices and policies for serving persons with disabilities.

You can read Jim’s complete career narrative on eSight.

Note how Jim’s consultancy matches the needs he has identified with the solutions only he can uniquely recommend due to his long career in the public sector. That’s one of the marks of a successful small business.

Would you like to learn more about a career in public administration?

For information about what can you do with a degree in public administration you can explore, the "Guide to College Majors in Public Administration" and career pathways in the government and public administration career cluster.

Where do you find public administration jobs?

Here are five suggestions:

FederalJobs.net contains a wealth of information for a variety of public administration/government jobs at the local, state and Federal level.

USAjobs.gov is the official web site for the U.S. Government. It shows how persons with disabilities can apply for jobs via the traditional Civil Services Competitive process or via Schedule "A" non-competitive process.

Continue reading "Public Administration Jobs: James Elekes’ Career Narrative"

Posted by Liz Seger at 12:13 PM | Comments (0)

April 28, 2009

Be Ready for Happenstance

Four reasons made April 2009 a remarkable month for eNN readers.

First, we learned important details about the effort by Social Security Administration (SSA) to hire 6,000 new employees throughout the country during 2009.

To review the details of that initiative, go to the eSight article, "SSA Is Hiring Across the USA"

This hiring initiative offers a unique opportunity for individuals with disabilities (especially Ticket to Work holders, veterans and students) who may want to get a job or internship with SSA.

It may be your chance to take the next step in your career.

Second, in tracing the career path of Dr. T.V. Raman, a leading-edge expert in Web standards, auditory interfaces and scripting languages at Google Research, we learned more about the computer scientist and computer engineering job sector.

Dr. Raman, visually impaired, is intrigued by how something should work when the user is not looking at the screen, and, with that broad-based perspective, is helping introduce technological breakthroughs that benefit all people.

How he approaches his work is a good example of inclusiveness.

Third, we gained further knowledge about how to do well during a job interview. The two key points: Keep your interviewer's view of you in a positive light and keep your personal problems out of the interview.

Here's how two eSight members fleshed out those two concepts.

Barney Mayse:

"...You are not competing with anyone but yourself for the position. There is no one better than you for the position, and you have to SELL that idea..."

James J. Elekes, M.Ed, MPA, CPM:

"Whenever interviewing, the focus is, ‘It's not about me.' The most significant attribute brought to any interview is what additional value can the organization gain from hiring me..."

Fourth, Susan Boyle, a single, middle-aged woman from a small village in Scotland, defying expectations and blowing away seasoned cynical music judges such as Simon Cowell, became an over-night sensation on the TV show, "Britain's Got Talent."

On April 14, BBC News cited this quote from Susan: "I was slightly brain damaged at birth, and I want people like me to see that they shouldn't let a disability get in the way. I want to raise awareness. I want to turn my disability into ability."

Susan, the unlikely star, won the hearts of millions of people around the world. She kept going despite cat calls and jeers and eye rolling.

She's an example for those of us who may not seem like great prospects in the business world or in education or in whatever we want to do. Despite the odds stacked against her, she stayed focused and was humble but steadfast in her ability to sing. She then expressed gratitude and appreciation for the world's adoration of her ability. She was prepared for happenstance. As you prepare for your next job interview (perhaps with SSA or other governmental agency), think of the people we highlighted in eNN this month and what they're teaching us by example.

Here are some possibilities. Be confident about your ability and your personal strengths. Don't be fazed by people who may or may not want to hire you. Be open-minded and have a positive attitude. Be prepared to sell yourself and be appreciative for the chance you've been given. Express your thanks in a sincere, warm way. You'll probably have to go through many job interviews before you land the job that's right for you.

Dr. John Krumboltz, Professor of Education and Psychology at Stanford University, writes that "luck is no accident." According to his theory, happenstance plays a part in almost everyone's career. And, by being prepared, we can take advantage of that happenstance.

Continue reading "Be Ready for Happenstance"

Posted by Liz Seger at 05:12 PM | Comments (0)

April 21, 2009

SSA Is Hiring Across the USA

You maybe have heard that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is hiring more employees throughout the country during 2009.

You may have seen the announcement on eSight's Community News

And, you may be asking yourself: Specifically what do I need to do to be considered for one of these jobs?

We've done the research and put it together in an article which answers that question.

Go to that article, "SSA Is Hiring Across the USA"

This hiring initiative offers a unique opportunity for individuals with disabilities (especially Ticket to Work holders, veterans and students) who may want to get a job or internship with SSA.

The SSA's goal is to find the best qualified candidates and match their skills with the 6,000 jobs it has open across the country. Will you be one of them?

Continue reading "SSA Is Hiring Across the USA"

Posted by Liz Seger at 06:24 PM | Comments (1)

April 15, 2009

Three Job Interview Tips

Today I want to share with you "The Three H's of Interviewing."

They are: Be Happy. Be Hungry. Be Humble.

Be Happy. Have a positive upbeat attitude when you go into the interview.

Be Hungry. Not physically, of course, but be curious -- open to new ideas, questions put your way and the ones you will ask.

Be Humble. Don't come with the attitude that you’re “so great” and you know it. Be grateful you got the interview and for them taking the time to see you. Sell yourself but don't oversell. Remember your manners (please, thank you, yes sir, yes ma'am). Have a handshake that doesn't crush bones or feel like you're shaking hands with overcooked pasta.

Michele Techman, long-time eSight member, sent in two articles this week about interviewing which each reinforce these “Three H’s of Interviewing.” In the first, "Answering One of the Trickiest Interview Questions," Kip Parent writes, "Focus on positives. For example, if you're going to talk about why you are interested in this position, convey your enthusiasm for the new opportunities -- not that you are looking to get away from your current boss. Keep your interviewer's view of you in a positive light."

The second article is by Sarah E. Needleman of the Wall Street Journal. She tells us, "Recruiters and hiring managers say many unemployed candidates blow the opportunity by appearing desperate or bitter about their situations -- often without realizing it."

She says it’s important to keep your personal problems out of the interview and suggests that it is more productive to "always exude an upbeat attitude."

Read her full article, "The Interview That'll Bag a Job."

Continue reading "Three Job Interview Tips"

Posted by Liz Seger at 04:41 PM | Comments (3)

April 08, 2009

Computer Science Jobs: Dr. T.V. Raman’s Career Narrative

At Google Research, Dr. T.V. Raman is a leading-edge expert in Web standards, auditory interfaces and scripting languages.

As a computer scientist and engineer, he's intrigued by how something should work when the user is not looking at the screen. You can read Dr. Raman's career narrative, at http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=2007

Would you like to learn more about a career in Computer Science?

Where do you find Computer Science jobs? Here are a few suggestions:

    Use your Facebook or LinkedIn profile to mention that you are looking for a computer science job, mentioning specifics.

    Create an account on Twitter, subscribe to the computer science job channel on TweetMyJobs! and have any new computer science job openings automatically sent to your cell phone as a text message or to your TweetMyJobs! page.

    Search Twitter by key word, name, or employer for specific computer science job openings by industry, company etc.

    Check a more accessible version of Twitter (still in Alpha stage of development.

    For job openings in computer science, check Bender Consulting Services and Lift Inc.

    Explore student jobs at Google.

    Investigate internships at Adobe.

    Learn about Entry Point! It's a program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) which offers outstanding internship opportunities for students with disabilities in science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and some fields of business.

During the coming months, eSight will be highlighting other individuals who have created interesting careers for themselves. These career narratives may provide you with the resources you need to explore internships or employment in a similar field.

Continue reading "Computer Science Jobs: Dr. T.V. Raman’s Career Narrative"

Posted by Liz Seger at 03:02 PM | Comments (5)

March 31, 2009

How to Become More Confident

We can sabotage ourselves with negative thoughts.

Scientists have shown that for every positive thought we have in an hour we have 75 negative thoughts. And that's in normal times -- not under the rough economic conditions we're experiencing today.

Dr. Martin Seligman, Chairman of the University of Pennsylvania Positive Psychology Center, has created a program that studies the science of positive psychology.

On a recent Oprah, talk show host Montel Williams discussed his experiences with having MS for the last decade as well as other health problems. He stated that, when he changed the way he looked at his experience with MS, he realized it was an opportunity instead of something that was "out to get him."

Each of us has a challenge: to achieve a "confidence" balance -- a balance between possibility and reality, between hope and despair. Relying on unachievable hope and unrealistic possibility makes us just as ineffective as being barred from action through unrelenting despair and unrealistic pessimism.

Listen to a three minute presentation about achieving such a balance by Park J. Palmer, founder and senior partner of the Center for Courage & Renewal.

To find your confidence balance, start keeping a "gratitude journal." Write in it at the end of each day -- even if you can think of only one small grateful thing at that moment. After awhile, you'll begin to see how being grateful opens your thoughts to another way of looking at the world.

Read about how Dan TeVelde has addressed this balance issue in "What My Experiences as a Mainframe Computer Programmer Have Taught Me"

Continue reading "How to Become More Confident"

Posted by Liz Seger at 01:38 PM | Comments (4)

March 17, 2009

Getting the Right Fit

This week, we've heard another disappointing story from Wall Street.

It's just another example in a string of incidents that have us questioning the state of corporate leadership and values not on only in North America but world wide.

As job seeker you may want to reconfirm or rediscover the following values in today's current business environment:

  1. Honesty, Integrity, Morality.

  2. Adaptability and Flexibility.

  3. Dedication, Work Ethic, Tenacity.

You probably never thought of looking at an employer's values.

Seeking an employer who best matches your temperament and life style is like looking for a good marriage partner. You first need to know yourself and what is important to you before you start making some decisions.

I don't know if there are any short cuts in that process. Finding the right career for yourself is a personal journey no one can travel for you. And it takes time -- time that often takes years.

Read more about how you can find employers who best match your temperament and life style in "Match Your Temperament With the Corporate Culture of Prospective Employers." It could save you time and effort - and put your career on the right track.

Continue reading "Getting the Right Fit"

Posted by Liz Seger at 03:40 PM | Comments (3)

March 11, 2009

Challenges of a New Job

In this economy, unfortunately we hear all too often of job losses. Today, I'd like to share a success story with you.

Last week, Brenda told us about a job she wanted. She wrote:

"It is exactly what I have been looking for. It deals with working with clients (veterans) and assisting them in applying for veterans programs and services/benefits that they may be eligible for.
"It also deals with public relations in letting people what services the Veterans Affairs department offers."

Today Brenda tells us, "I start in two weeks. Thank you for the ideas and advice!"

Please join with me in congratulating Brenda Henige on the successful completion of her job search.

Brenda, we all wish you the best of luck! You have worked hard and we are all delighted to learn about your success.

If you have a success story of your own, we would like to hear about it. Please e-mail us about it at MemberServices@eSight.org and remember to include your phone number, so we can call you for further information, if needed.

I'd like to offer some advice from an old friend who has contributed significantly over the years to the success of eSight. Fernando Botelho has often said:

"Success and solutions to problems are often not simple. However, the attitude you need to succeed is simple. Just be positive and persistent and follow your dreams. Do what it is you want to do -- do what makes you happy."

Continue reading "Challenges of a New Job"

Posted by Liz Seger at 05:04 PM | Comments (6)