Networking Forum

I've done hiring and I've been on the interview side looking to be hired. Now many job interviews are done by a panel they often fire scenarios at you of what would you do or how would you handle something if this happened....I use common sense and try to equate it with something that I've encountered in my work experience , because I've held a variety of jobs, not necessarily always in the area where my degrees are from.

I find people with practical synergistic ideas on what to do in scenarios usually are able to think on their feet, analyse issues quickly and able to come up with remedies that aren't too off the wall but are still creative.

Both disabled people and those who are not ,need to utilize their creative problem skills more often. However, many haven't been taught how to problem solve in their educations or through their experience. Trying to the same old ways to solve problems probably exact the same result where nothing innovative gets done. Harness the nay sayers or those who don't want to rock the boat and let those with creative but practical ideas come to the forefront.

Some days I feel that all I do is adapt to new situations i.e. solve problems to accomplish what I set out to accomplish. Just getting to an interview may present its own challenges. The bus is on detour and won't be stopping where you thought it would. The building where the interview is taking place is not exactly where you were told it was. You did a dry run but the driveway is being re-surfaced and you're not sure how to find the entrance. But you're early for the interview and you have problem-solved and you have those experiences to present. Maybe one of your job functions is to read about events that occurred on the night shift that may impact your workday. They are handwritten. Solve the problem by asking the person to leave you a voicemail message about the events. Then volunteer to post an email on the company network using your screen reading software to those who will be affected by the night's events. You've made the workplace more efficient because of your own resolve to adapt.

As a job candidate, how can you best highlight your disability-honed skills in problem-solving to a hiring manager during a job interview?

In more than one case I have had to navigate less than accessible terrain in order to be present which should speak for itself but I need to remember not to assume anything. Highlighting my disability honed problem skills along with my other business skills is a weaving a story about how I can be the next asset in the company's portfolio. It is about how I can meld with the existing team and create additional synergy in moving the organization forward. An interview is a two way conversation and my role in that conversation is to present a clear picture of what I can do. My skills are a combination of my life experience (with a disability and without), my business experience and my education plus any specialized training I might have acquired. Since it is difficult to encompass all of that in a resume, it is my task to present this picture in an articulate manner that helps the interviewer realize that I am the candidate for the position. I am competing only with myself and my unique set of qualifications will set me apart from the other candidates. Part of this process is insuring that I do not leave the interview without asking for the position. I need to clearly address any concerns regarding my capability to perform the essential duties and functions of the job. By creating a "memorable presence" with the interviewer I leave a footprint that will take me to the opportunity of my dreams.