EMPLOYMENT TIPS

Cleveland Sight Center Employment Services assists adults who are blind and visually impaired seeking career opportunities. Visit us online each month to learn the "Dos" and "Don'ts" when job seeking including helpful tips on resume writing, interviewing, and much more.

Writing Cover Letters

"When writing a cover letter, ALWAYS ... "

April 2008

Write simply and clearly. Get to the point and write a focus letter. A letter should be one page or less. Each paragraph should contain three to four sentences. First paragraph – why you are writing. Second paragraph – what you have to offer. Third and concluding paragraph – how you will follow up. Send a cover letter with every resume.
Spell check and carefully proofread. Ask another reader to review your correspondence before sending it.
Review other letter samples. This will help you to develop a format and ideas on how you will construct your cover letter.
Sign your cover letters.
Keep copies of all your employment letters.

"When writing a cover letter, DON'T ... "

Use a form letter and send it to every potential employer.
Have any grammatical or spelling errors.
Use a sample letter – you must personalize your letter and tailor it to the job and company.
A utomatically send your letter to the human resource department. Address it to the person who can hire you. Be sure the name and title are correct.

"When making calls to prospective employers, DO ... "

March 2008

Be courteous to everyone you speak to.
Identify yourself. State your first and last name and speak clearly. Be clear about the purpose of your call. Example of purpose of the call is to reference any previous contact, conversation, or meeting. You want to remind the person why you are calling. Even if the person does not remember you, a brief introduction of yourself is a business or social courtesy.
Pay attention to the timing of the call. In other words ask if this is a convenient time to talk. If the person says they have a few minutes only, do not go on for very long. If the conversation cannot be completed in a few minutes, ask if there is another time to talk. If you are seeking an informational interview, be concise and schedule a time for the meeting. Stay within the timeframe set for your conversation.
Leave phone messages stating your first and last name and phone number. Speak slowly and clearly.

Telephone interviews:

Pay attention to the tone of your voice. Your voice will make an impression with the employer.
Smile when you speak. Of course the employer cannot see you, but you will project a positive impression.
Practice how you speak.
Ask friends and/or family how you sound. Do you sound cordial, do you articulate, do you project a favorable tone of voice?

"When employers do not return calls ... "

Don’t assume the employer will call you back, particularly if you are initiating the call. You may need to leave a phone message and call back a week later.
When you leave a message be very clear.
If your calls are never returned, try another means of contact, a letter or email. You can try to connect with someone else in the company. If you get no responses from the attempts you have made over an extended period, this is not a reflection on you, but it is telling you something about the company.

Should you list your cell phone number in a job search?

Yes – if your cell phone is reliable in receiving calls. Do not answer the cell phone if you are not an area or environment appropriate to receive a business call.
Never interrupt a conversation with an employer if you are receiving another call. That will be the last conversation you have with that employer should you break that etiquette rule.

"When preparing a search, DO ... "

February 2008

NETWORK – Most jobs are found through work of mouth. Talk to people you know; relatives, friends, teachers, neighbors and former co-workers. Let the world know you are seeking opportunities and ask for advice, conduct informational interview and seek out introductions of people in your field.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR RESUME – Be sure it highlights your skills, and that it reflects the qualifications a perspective employer is asking for. You may need to have several resumes prepared.
ORGANIZE AND PRIORTIZE – Prepare a list of prospective employers that you would like to learn more about and keep track of all job search encounters. Don’t rely on your memory, but have detail notes of people you have talked on the phone with and have met.
HOMEWORK – Keep current with the industry you are pursuing. Reading newspapers and trade journals will update you on industry changes. When an interview has been arranged, research that company thoroughly and learn as much as you can – mission of the organization, history, services provided, how large the company is, products sold, etc….
PRACTICE – When interviewing or talking with others, know your script well. What impression do you want to leave with any potential employer or contact? Be prepared to discuss your skills.

"When Preparing a job search, DON'T ... "

February 2008

Use only one source of contacts - in other words don’t rely on newspaper advertisements exclusively – use all methods.
Assume others will do the work for you – it is your job search, so you need to be an active participant and take the lead.
Expect employers will be knocking on your door even if you have many years of experience. You will need to follow all the steps listed above.
Believe first impressions do not count. You only have one time to make a good first impression.
Wait for something to happen. It never will unless you take the initiative.

"Disclosing a Disability - When, How and Why to Disclose ... "

January 2008

WHEN disclosing a disability it can be done in an interview, or should a disability occur while working or a disability worsens while employed, it is best to be well prepared on what the employer needs to know. If accommodations are required, disclosing becomes critical. Depending on individual circumstances, it is a personal choice to disclose.
HOW to disclose a disability is not easy, but preparation and practice will allow the conversation with the employer to go well. Do not expect the employer to understand the disability, so if accommodations are needed, be specific on what is required.
WHY to disclose becomes very important if accommodations are needed. By sharing the information, the job seeker and employee are protected legally under ADA (American with Disabilities Act).
One more tip……………….
The more one practices, the easier the disclosing a disability will be. Keep in mind employers want staff to be well matched for the positions. Having employees who are reliable, honest, and flexible and get along with others is most important to the organization.

"When Interviewing for a job, DO ... "

December 2007

Do speak clearly when answering questions
Do demonstrate good body language – sit up straight and make eye contact
Do stay on the subject
Do project an air of self-confidence and positive image
Do your homework – know what the position is, what the company does and background information on the organization

"When Interviewing for a job, DON'T ... "