Top tips for dyslexic jobseekers

Top tips for dyslexic jobseekers by Michael Cheary It is thought that one in ten of us experiences some degree of dyslexia.And while the difficulties of dealing with dyslexia are often thought about in relation to full-time education, when it comes to jobseeking they can be easily overlooked.We’ve spoken with Dyslexia Action UK, a national charity with over 40 years’ experience in supporting people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties.We’ve also spoken to Claudette Jacobs, an experienced dyslexia employment coach and current jobseeker, to find out about her experiences and advice when it comes to the issue.Here are some of their top tips for jobseekers with dyslexia:Make the most of your mindsetFirstly, and perhaps most importantly, start with a positive mindset.There are plenty of examples of incredibly successful people affected by dyslexia who were once in your position. Richard Branson, IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad, CEO of Goldman Sachs Gary Cohn and John Chambers, CEO of CISCO, are all great exa mples.An innovative mindset is key for any jobseeker moving forward, so always endeavour to maintain yours at every stage of the process.Focus on your abilitiesIdentify your strengths, and place precedence on them throughout your application.Claudette Jacobs is a dyslexia awareness advocate and coach for dyslexic employees, and has had severe dyslexia for around 17 years. She has worked with companies such as Bloomberg and KMPG, and as a current jobseeker, knows the difficulties faced first-hand. However, she believes that being aware of your own abilities is a great starting point:As Claudette says ‘Rather than dwelling on what you can’t do in the job market, focus on the things you do well. People with dyslexia have an advantage because they are often more acutely aware of their strengths and weaknesses.’Check out each individual job description, and see how your strengths fit in. Is a job that requires a lot of admin, for example, appropriate to your skills? And would you b e comfortable in this position?Strengths, rather than weaknesses, should always be front of mind.Be aware of your resourcesIn a logistical sense, there are a number of tools which may make the jobseeking process a little less time-consuming.There are a number of speech readers, reading and text resizing apps, and other resources available to try to make webpages and online applications more easily accessible.What’s more, as many of these are free, and can be accessed by a wide range of different platforms, there’s really no excuse not to try and find one that works well for you.Ask a friendAlthough it might seem like added effort, it’s absolutely essential for any jobseeker to ask someone to proofread their application whether they have dyslexia or not.By asking a family member or close friend to read through your CV and cover letter, you’ll be much more confident when submitting your application, as they should help to pick up any errors which may have occurred through the writing process.Contact the recruiter directlyOne of the biggest tips to remember is: if in doubt, ask.Claudette’s advice is: ‘if you have set questions or wish to apply in a format other than an online CV, contact the company’s HR department directly.’ If you are more familiar with this approach, some recruiters may be open to accepting applications this way.Not only will this help you feel more comfortable with your application, it is also a great way to break the ice and introduce yourself to a potential interviewer.Be open to and aware of any available supportCheck the help available to you, some of which you may not currently be aware of.The Department for Work and Pensions ‘Access to Work’ scheme, for example, is designed to help a wide range of individuals, including those with dyslexia, start a new job or remain in employment by offering practical support which goes beyond the ‘reasonable adjustments’ which employers are required to make by law.There is no s et amount for an Access to Work grant. How much you get depends on your circumstances. Access to Work grants can cover, or go towards, a range of practical solutions to problems faced within the workplace for example:adaptations to the equipment you usea support worker or job coach to help you in your workplacea support service if  you’re absent from,  or are finding it difficult to workawareness training for your colleaguesthe cost of moving your equipment if you change location or jobWith the support of the people you trust, a good amount of available resources and assistance from professional organisations there to help, there’s no reason why jobseeking needs to be a hindrance for those with dyslexia.To learn more about your options if you think you may be experiencing symptoms of dyslexia, Dyslexia Action Centres can offer free half-hour consultations to discuss possible assessments, screenings, tuition and consultancy. Services available may include support with literacy, numeracy, study skills or job seeking help such as CV writing. To contact your local centre, visit Dyslexia Action’s website and click find us.If you’d like more information on access to work, what’s available and how to claim, visit the  gov.uk’s access to work page.If you are a dyslexic jobseeker or recruiter and have any insights which may help inform this article, we’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below with your views, or feel free to get in touch with us directly.To find out more about dyslexia and Dyslexia Action visit www.dyslexiaaction.org.ukFind a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Career Developme nt Features

Tips On How To Write A Resume

Tips On How To Write A ResumeWhen considering how to write a resume it is important to make sure that you give yourself time to complete the task correctly. There are many ways in which you can shorten the amount of time it takes to accomplish this task, which will therefore result in you receiving the highest amount of job applications you can. It is also worth noting that the longer it takes you to complete your resume the less likely you are to receive an interview and therefore your chances of success.It is worth making sure that you consider the following tips when considering how to write a resume. The first thing you should do is put in writing exactly what you have to offer, but also what you are looking for in the position that you are applying for. The more information you include in your application the better chance you have of receiving an interview.You can also make use of the internet to help you with your task. The internet is a very effective means of communication, as long as you can communicate your application effectively. This can help you avoid the common mistakes of other applicants and even allow you to make changes to your resume if you need to.When choosing the format you are going to use you can either choose one that is already widely used or write one from scratch. It is important to make sure that you look at a variety of styles so that you are familiar with all of them. This is so that you can use one for each application you send out.If you do not have a lot of time then you should consider the option of using templates. You should look online and find out which are available, as they are generally free to download. You should then make sure that you select the one that best suits your needs.Remember that you should only use one template and it should be somethingthat you use consistently. If you change them you could risk creating a false impression about who you are. It is also very important that you use the formatting correct ly so that you can easily tell what each one means.You should also avoid using abbreviations or numbers when writing your resume, as this can be distracting and will cause you to make mistakes. Always follow the format that is given to you, which may have been outlined by the job vacancy itself. It is also very important that you keep your resume organized, as this will make it easier for you to know what is on it.Many people find it helpful to use programs that allow them to create resumes on the spot, allowing them to finish writing them in a fraction of the time. When you use this method, you should always follow the guidelines that were given to you and not create a resume that was poorly done. You should also note that you do not have to make any money to write a resume, as this method can be used by anyone who has the time and the skills.

References from Beyond Your Reference List - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

References from Beyond Your Reference List - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career References are a key component in getting a job. Who can verify that you know your stuff? Traditionally, references are supplied when an employer is getting ready to make an offer. Recently, I have had two clients who had very different experiences as it relates to references. Asking for References after a Phone Interview I have a client who is a very experienced technology professional. He had a phone interview with a technology hiring manager with a regional retail firm. The interview went very well! Afterwards, the recruiter asked for a list of references. My client became a bit incensed that he was being asked for references so early in the process. He did not want his references to be bothered until he knew he wanted the job. The recruiter told him that they would instead contact the people who recommended him on LinkedIn. What! My client was still incensed, but relented and supplied a list of references. He asked me if they could do that? My response was YES! Do you have LinkedIn recommendations from people you would prefer prospective hiring managers to not contact? You do not have to display all of your recommendations. You can hide recommendations! Behind the Scene References Behind the scene references have occurred for a long time. This starts with an employee referral. When someone passes your resume to the hiring manager, he or she becomes a reference. I recently had a client who got a job because of a behind the scene reference. I wrote about Susan in my post, Moment of Clarity Fending off a Layoff. Susans marketing position was eliminated, so she was facing a layoff. She interviewed for a position in the Learning and Development function. Susan has extensive experience in Learning and Development, but she had been in the marketing function for an extended period of time. After the interview, the hiring manager talked to a few people who Susan had worked with in the past. These people were Susans behind the scene references. The hiring manager did not ask for a list of references. The hiring manager therefore, did not need to ask for permission. Susan later found out one of those references was absolutely key in landing the position. If she had not done some detective work, she may have never known who had helped her land the position. Usually, behind the scene references come from employees at your target company. However, recently, I had a client get a positive reference from the neighbor of the hiring manager. The hiring managers neighbor was a colleague of my client at a company five years ago. How did the hiring know this? He did his homework on LinkedIn. This is why it is critical that, when you leave a job, you never burn bridges. Make sure you leave on a positive note. Have you receive references from beyond your reference list? Marc Miller â€" Career Pivot Check out my book Repurpose Your Career â€" A Practical Guide for Baby Boomers Do not forget to follow me on Twitter or FaceBook

Finding Paid Volunteer Jobs Abroad

Finding Paid Volunteer Jobs Abroad Are you on the lookout for new adventures and opportunities in your life? Does the idea of taking a job at the mall or being stuck in an office all day while you intern at that summer job make you cringe? A lot of young people go through the same exact feelings as each summer rolls around and they wonder just what it is that they can do that would not only be different, but educational and exciting. An even better alternative is if the position they can find does all of this and offers them some pay as well. There are jobs like this available to you if you are willing to put the time and effort into finding paid volunteer jobs abroad. Knowing Where to Look You want to make sure that you take the time to really look into opportunities like this when you see them. You will come across a number of programs if you do a basic Internet search regarding the best volunteer abroad programs, but you may want to do a little bit more of background work before you decide to simply sign up for the first one that comes along. You want to be sure that the program you choose has a high-quality reputation as one that you can really trust. You also want to know that the company has done their homework and only associates with reputable and trustworthy companies and organizations so you can be sure that you are being placed somewhere that is safe and relates to your chosen area of interest or work. That is why when you have decided to look for volunteer work abroad programs; you should give close consideration to what is available through GeoVisions.org All Kinds of Possibilities GeoVisions has relationships with companies and organizations all around the world so that you not only get the opportunity to be involved in a particular field of interest you really want to follow but that you will get it in an atmosphere where you can learn, grow and thrive. There are volunteer and paid volunteer positions and internships available in all kinds of areas and in places all over the world, such as Ireland, China, Cuba, Thailand, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and many other locations. You can get the chance to tutor in English, volunteer with medical aid, be a volunteer teacher or camp counselor in places you have only dreamed of before. There are also paid internships at major international companies available to you so you can gain practical experience in your chosen field. To really find the best opportunities for paid volunteer jobs abroad  you want to look over all of the listings and positions from GeoVisions. You will find that you can have the chance to spend your summer months or other times of the year gaining the type of experience that will not only help propel you in your future professional career but will give you the real-world experience of living in and immersing yourself in another culture.

Bold Resume Writing Techniques

Bold Resume Writing TechniquesWhen you're trying to land a job with your own resume, one of the most important skills you can develop is the ability to use bold resume writing. The important thing to remember when creating your own resume is that there are no shortcuts or magic bullets to writing the perfect resume. Instead, you have to put the work in and be very careful about what you put on your resume.You don't want to create a resume filled with keywords such as 'administrative assistant'actuary'. Instead, think of the words you're going to use as much more than just keywords. For example, if you're looking for a job as an accounting manager, make sure you include a few things that describe your experience as an accountant. For example, you could talk about when you first started accounting or how you got into accounting in the first place.Once you've figured out what your keywords are, it's a great idea to use them in your titles and in your body. Make sure you use the word 'ac countant' as many times as possible in your title. In your first paragraph, be sure to include a few details about your qualifications for the position and why you're the best candidate for the job. Also, be sure to include a link to your resume and a link to your cover letter.The next thing you need to consider when writing your resume is to have bullet points. Be sure to include at least three or four bullet points for each section of your resume. This will make it much easier for the hiring manager to quickly go through your resume to find information they need to decide whether or not you're the right person for the job.As you're writing your resume, remember to include every detail you can. Don't forget to talk about your experience, your qualifications, and your skills. Don't forget to add your contact information in the field, in the 'About Me' section, and in the first paragraph. Also, be sure to tell your potential employer why you're the best candidate for the job.Your res ume is a part of your branding as a professional. It will be the first thing the hiring manager sees and is looking for. If you use bold resume writing to make your resume stand out from all the others, you will impress the hiring manager even before they start reading it. It also will tell them why you are the right person for the job and whether or not you can do the job for them.If you have to take a test, and the person who needs to take the test isn't available to take it, don't delay sending your resume to the agency. If you're not sure if your resume will impress them, send it a day or two before you're supposed to take the test. Remember, your success or failure could depend on how quick you sent your resume. Most people aren't going to wait around long enough to see what they'll find.One thing you can do to get the resume you need when you need it is to create your own. Use bold resume writing techniques to make your resume stand out. Don't let yourself fall off the search engine rankings!

6 Job Search Trends 2014 Style

6 Job Search Trends 2014 Style Are you up on the latest job search trends? In order to win at this game, you have to know how to play. How To Score Your Next Job Weve welcomed a few new players to the job search field. Today’s job seekers have more resources to help draw out the Xs and Os than ever before. The wealth of online resources and social platforms can help you break free from getting caught up in zone defense and look out on all sides. Social networking, employee referrals, and even mobile devices are now helping job seekers bolt past the competition and score their dream jobs. The infographic below compiled by  CareerShift, a comprehensive job hunting and career management solution shares six new trends impacting job seekers. It’s time to ante up and use these game-changing trends to help you score big on the job field. Some stats to note: 94% of recruiters use or plan to use social media in recruiting efforts 78% of recruiters hire through social media 72% of active job seekers use mobile devices in their job search Employee referrals account for 40% of all hires Check out the full infographic below and develop your playbook with these game-changing trends in mind. Key Take-Aways: Be a Boomerang References are Your Best Defense Send Your Stats- Have an online portfolio Develop a Social Media Playbook Mobilize Your  Job Search Network like a Champ- online and in-person Infographic compiled by  CareerShift. Thank you to my friends at Come Recommended. Heather R. Huhman  is a career expert, experienced hiring manager, and founder president of  Come Recommended, a content marketing and digital PR consultancy for job search and human resources technologies. She is also the instructor of  Find Me A Job: How To Score A Job Before Your Friends, author of  Lies, Damned Lies Internships  (2011) and  #ENTRYLEVELtweet: Taking Your Career from Classroom to Cubicle  (2010), and writes career and recruiting advice for  numerous outlets.

On blog swapping - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

On blog swapping - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog I just discovered a bit of a poem, that makes the perfect conclusion to the blog swap experiment: We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time. T.S. Elliot, Four Quarters Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related