Job search guide: Students and alumni with disabilities

The key to a successful job search is to start the process early. It does not need to be difficult if you have a disability.

View the helpful tips below to conduct a successful job search:

1. Book an appointment with an Employment Advisor to receive personalized assistance with creating a resumé or cover letter, strategizing for the job search, practicing interviewing skills, and more. Current students and alumni have access to these services at no charge. 
   
   
2. You can choose to request an appointment with a Career Development Specialist to discuss your career values, aspirations and skills to help guide your job search and figure out which path is right for you. 
   
   
3. Look for ways to gain experience through campus involvement, volunteering, completing projects, participating in extracurriculars and working in different roles.
   
   
4. Search for job opportunities that match your skills, qualifications, interests and needs (e.g. co-op, internship, practicum or a company that welcomes diversity).
   
   
5. Research companies in your field to find out where you can apply for jobs, and review the information on their website. A helpful resource is Canada’s Best Diversity Employer guide. 
   
   
6. Look for opportunities to network. Attend employer information or recruitment sessions, events, conferences, or use LinkedIn to make connections with professionals in your field.
   
   
7. Review tips for applying online and customize your resumé and cover letter to address the skills requested in the job description. 
   
   
8. Keep track of the jobs you apply for (save the job posting with the cover letter and resumé you submitted). If you do not receive a response within two weeks, you may follow up with the employer regarding the status of your application. 

Accommodations are reasonable adjustments made in the workplace that allow a person with a disability to apply for jobs and fully perform the duties of a position. When it comes to obtaining accommodations, it’s important to understand that it’s your responsibility to communicate your need for an accommodation by disclosing your disability.

Examples of common workplace accommodations include:

• Providing applicants with the interview questions ahead of time.
  
  
• Flexible work schedules.
  
  
• Adding computer software such as text to speech or screen magnifiers.
  
  
• Providing written materials in large print and alternative formats.
  
  
• Alternative communication methods.
  
  
• Moving the workspace to an environment that is quiet or with better lighting.
  
  
• Physical renovations such as making changes to the building (e.g. installing ramps, handrails, automatic door openers, wider doorways).
  
  
• Modifying workstations (e.g. making ergonomic changes, supplying a specialized chair, back support).
  
  
• Providing specialized adaptation or assistive devices for computers, accessible technology.
  
  
• Modifying job duties.
  
  
• Providing alternative ways of communicating with the employee.
  
  
• Additional training.
  
  
• Alternative work (where a person with a disability cannot perform their pre-disability job, even with accommodation).

Requesting workplace accommodations

Employees also have a duty to participate in the accommodation process. This duty includes providing enough information to allow their employers to assess the possible accommodations available.

Many companies have a workplace accommodation policy specifying the person or department handling the accommodation requests. If this information is available, the employee should submit their request to the appropriate person(s) noted. Otherwise, the employee may submit the accommodation request to their manager or supervisor.

Employee’s responsibilities

Just as employers are responsible for accommodating their workers, you as the worker also have responsibilities.

You must:

1. Request appropriate accommodation(s), preferably in writing.
   
   
2. Provide sufficient information to the employer, which may include information or documentation from a healthcare provider.
   • Documentation should confirm that a disability is present, the functional limitations associated with the disability, and the type of accommodation(s) that is needed to allow the individual to perform the essential requirements and/or duties of the job.
     
     
3. Collaborate with the employer to find appropriate accommodation options, including maintaining regular communication on an ongoing basis.
   
   
4. Meet performance standards and job requirements once accommodations are put in place.

Employer’s responsibilities

• Attempt to provide needed accommodations without requesting information that is not necessary.
  
  
• Obtain the opinion of an expert or further advice, if needed.
  
  
• Examine alternative approaches and possible accommodation solutions.
  
  
• Keep a record of accommodation requests and document what actions were taken.
  
  
• Maintain confidentiality and respect the dignity of the person requesting accommodation.
  
  
• Request only information related to the nature of the limitation mentioned.
  
  
• Process and implement accommodation requests in a timely manner.
  
  
• Cover the cost of any medical information or documentation being requested.
  
  
• Bear the cost of the required accommodation(s).

Accommodations during the application process

Ontario’s Accessible Employment Standards requires employers to consider and account for accessibility requirements during the recruitment process and when making an offer to a successful candidate. Employers therefore must accommodate disability-related needs for applicants during the interview and recruitment process. 

If you require accommodations during the interview or recruitment process (e.g. written materials in accessible or alternate formats, extra time for written assessments, an accessible interview location), you are encouraged to inform the employer as soon as possible, as employers require advanced notice to prepare many accommodations. 

In most cases, the bottom of each job description will provide instructions to applicants regarding who to contact about any accommodation requirements. This information may also be available on the organization’s website. Additionally, if you are offered an interview, most employers will provide instructions to candidates at this stage of the recruitment process regarding how to request accommodations for the interview.

The employer may need to discuss your request more fully in order to understand your disability and accommodation needs. You should respond to the employer's questions as quickly as possible and be sure to explain how a proposed accommodation would enable you to participate fully in all aspects of the application/interviewing process. The employer may ask you for reasonable documentation regarding your disability and accommodation requirements.

A job interview can be a stressful event for any individual, but may be particularly so for those with a disability. If you have a disability, there may be some additional considerations when preparing for and attending a job interview. It is important to know your rights when it comes to what employers can and cannot ask. 

To help keep on top of everything, follow the 4 P’s for success: Prepare, Practice, Present, Participate!

Prepare yourself

1. • Review your resumé and cover letter to reflect upon how your skills, interests, and values match those of the organization.
     
     
   • Research the company website to familiarize yourself with their mission, values, products and services.
     
     
   • Choose which of your strengths and abilities match what’s needed for the job so you can highlight them during the interview.
     
     
   • Contact your references, and prepare them by providing information about your skills, recent experiences, and the job you are interviewing for. Bring a reference list to the interview in case you are asked to provide one.
     
     
   • Bring a minimum of 2 printed copies of your resume to the interview if meeting in person. 
     
     
   • If meeting virtually, ensure your device is charged, connected to the internet, and that the camera and audio/volume are functioning properly. Ensure the space you are in has adequate lighting, and no potential distractions. 
     
     
   • If meeting in person, consider the time it will take to commute to the meeting location. Also, take into account other details such as the walking distance from the bus stop, or where you can find parking if arriving by car.

 Practice what you’ll say and how you’ll say it.

• • Giving advance thought to the types of questions that may be asked during an interview, and practicing how you will respond will help to increase your confidence and make a strong first impression.
    
    
  • Review the job description, and brainstorm past situations that you can explain during your interview to help the employer understand why you are a good candidate for the job.
    
    
  • Use  The STAR technique to outline the situations, and your accomplishments in a way that tells a story.
    
    
  •  Take some time to review some common interview questions, write down potential answers, and practice sharing them out loud. You are not required to memorize your responses!
    
    
  • Consider practicing in front of a mirror to check your body language, such as your posture and facial expression to understand how you are presenting yourself.
    
    
  • Book a mock interview appointment with an Employment Advisor.

Present yourself well

1. 1. • Dressing and grooming yourself in a professional manner will help you make a good first impression. Business casual or business professional attire is appropriate. You may also research whether the company has a dress code.
        
        
      • Be friendly and respectful with everyone you come into contact with.
        
        
      • Make eye contact, smile, and greet the interview with a firm handshake, wave, or slight bow. 
        
        
      • Avoid strong perfume, cologne, or after-shave as some companies have scent-free policies.
        
        
      • Arrive at your interview 10-15 minutes early before the start time.
        
        
      • Turn your cellphone off, or silence the volume during the interview.

Participate fully in the conversation

1. • In the interview, listen closely to the questions so you can answer them accurately. If you don’t understand a question, politely ask the interviewer to rephrase it. 
     
   • Take a moment to think before you answer a question. You can also ask to come back to the question later in the interview if you need more time to think about your answer.
     
     
   • Avoid answering with only “yes” or “no.” Try to figure out what the interviewer wants to know and answer with that in mind. 
     
     
   • At the end of the interview, ask 3 to 5 thoughtful questions about the position or the company. 

For more information, visit the interview module or book an appointment to receive one-on-one support to help you prepare. 

Do you have career-related questions or concerns with your career development process? 

You can book an appointment online to meet with an Employment Advisor or request an appointment with a Career Development Specialist at 905.721.8668 ext. 3392 or careercentre@ontariotechu.ca. 

Do you want to develop employment readiness skills?

We offer the Employment Readiness Program. It is a series of workshops designed to teach you practical skills for navigating the workplace with success.By attending, you'll have access to additional one-on-one peer support with a Peer Employment Coach who can help you  address career-related concerns. 

Do you have questions relating to disabilities, accommodations or how to request accommodations in the workplace?

Connect with Student Accessibility Services at studentaccessibility@ontariotechu.ca or at 905.721.3266. 

Are you looking for support to connect with employers and find job opportunities?

View the resources below:

• Specialisterne Canada - An internationally recognized leader in harnessing the talents of people on the autism spectrum, or with similar neurodiversities, by providing them with opportunities to sustain meaningful employment. 

• Ready Willing Able Canada - Ready, Willing and Able works directly with employers who are looking to build inclusive workplaces. View the list of employment services. 

• Discover Ability Network - A free portal that helps job seekers with disabilities match with meaningful employment opportunities and offers employers resources to help them hire and retain persons with disabilities and foster inclusive workplaces.

• National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) -Supports access employment for post-secondary students and graduates with disabilities across Canada, and features employment and internship opportunities.

• Canada’s Best Diversity Employers - Examines a range of diversity initiatives by each employer in categories not exclusively to those with disabilities, but also encompasses women and individuals who identify as visible minorities, Indigenous, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and more.

• Accessible Media Inc - Offers full or part time employment, paid internships, apprenticeships and work placements for those with disabilities.

• INNOVA - An accessible and inclusive consulting firm, grounded in leading edge research that is developing solutions to enhance Canadian workplaces by cultivating barrier-free and individualized employee experiences. INNOVA runs a Disability Mentoring Day annually.  

• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) - Find information about income support, benefits for health costs and other disability supports from the ODSP.

• Searchable Online Accommodation Resource - Designed to let users explore various accommodation options for people with disabilities in work and educational settings.