6.31 Job Search

Job Placement Summary

Selective Placement

• Matching a person’s abilities with the job’s requirements and work environment.

• Requires job analysis to ensure the right fit and necessary modifications.

Hidden Job Market

• Jobs not publicly advertised (about 60% of all job openings).

• Found through networking, referrals, and direct employer contact.

Cold Calls

• Contacting employers directly to find job openings or build a job bank.

Employer Negotiations

• Educating employers about hiring people with disabilities.

• Common myths debunked:

  • Reliable employees with high retention.

  • Less likely to have workplace injuries.

  • May qualify for wage subsidies.

  • Less absenteeism and increased workplace diversity.

Job Analysis & Matching

• Systematic study of a job’s requirements.

• Assesses:

  • Tasks, tools, and skills required.

  • Physical demands and working conditions.

  • Vocational and educational requirements.

• Compares job data with the client's abilities and needs.

Monitoring Job Placement

• Ensures job success and prevents issues.

• Key considerations:

  • Who monitors? (Vocational rehabilitation professional, supervisor, etc.)

  • How often? (Daily, weekly, etc.)

  • What method? (Reports, check-ins, site visits)

• Helps in early problem resolution and job retention.

Documentation

• Records all employer and client interactions for accountability.

Resume Construction

Types of resumes:

1. Chronological – Lists work history in order; best for those with consistent work experience.

2. Functional – Focuses on skills rather than job history; best for those with employment gaps.

3. Combination – Highlights skills first, then work history; useful for career changers.

Common Resume Issues:

• Employment gaps – Briefly explain in a cover letter.

• Job-hopping – Clarify if jobs were short-term contracts.

• Being fired – Focus on lessons learned.

• Lack of experience – Highlight volunteer work and a strong cover letter.

Cover Letter

• Customizes a job application.

• Key points to include:

  • How experience matches job requirements.

  • Relevant skills.

  • Interest in the company.

Interview Skills

• Prepare: Practice common questions.

• Research: Learn about the company and role.

• Be on time: Arrive 10 minutes early.

• Stay calm: Preparation reduces nerves.

• Follow-up: Send a thank-you note within 24 hours.

Job Search Techniques

• Walk-ins – Suitable for hourly jobs.

• Cold calling – Directly calling employers.

• Direct mail – Sending resumes unsolicited (low success rate).

• Job applications – Mainly for government and entry-level jobs.

• Online job postings – Can be useful; about 1 interview per 50 applications.

• Networking – The most effective way to find a job.

Job Club (Azrin)

• Group-based job search training.

• Uses a buddy system, family support, and role models.

• Results: 95% of job club members found employment vs. 28% in traditional job-seeking programs.

Quiz: Job Placement & Search

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the primary goal of selective placement?
   a) Helping employers fill positions quickly
   b) Matching a person’s abilities with job requirements
   c) Encouraging clients to take any available job
   d) Training clients to work in multiple industries

2. What percentage of jobs are estimated to be in the hidden job market?
   a) 30%
   b) 50%
   c) 60%
   d) 75%

3. Why might an employer not post job openings publicly?
   a) They already have enough applicants
   b) They prefer hiring through referrals
   c) They want to avoid paperwork
   d) They don’t want to train new employees

4. What is the best resume type for someone with gaps in employment?
   a) Chronological
   b) Functional
   c) Combination
   d) Infographic

5. What is a key benefit of hiring workers with disabilities?
   a) They require extensive training
   b) They have a higher turnover rate
   c) They tend to have fewer sick days
   d) They need constant supervision

6. What is the most effective job search method?
   a) Walk-ins
   b) Cold calling
   c) Networking
   d) Job fairs

7. How should a candidate explain employment gaps in their resume?
   a) Leave them blank and hope employers don’t notice
   b) Provide a brief explanation in a cover letter
   c) Add fake jobs to fill the gaps
   d) Use a chronological resume to hide the gaps

8. What is a key characteristic of the Job Club approach?
   a) Individual self-study
   b) Focus on networking events
   c) Group motivation and practice
   d) Avoiding job applications

9. Which interview preparation strategy is most important?
   a) Dressing formally
   b) Researching the company
   c) Arriving exactly on time
   d) Avoiding direct eye contact

10. Why is job monitoring important in vocational rehabilitation?
    a) It allows professionals to control the workplace
    b) It ensures job retention and prevents issues
    c) It provides employers with free assessments
    d) It helps workers change jobs frequently

Answer Key

1. b) Matching a person’s abilities with job requirements

2. c) 60%

3. b) They prefer hiring through referrals

4. b) Functional

5. c) They tend to have fewer sick days

6. c) Networking

7. b) Provide a brief explanation in a cover letter

8. c) Group motivation and practice

9. b) Researching the company

10. b) It ensures job retention and prevents issues