Job Search Basics
Whether your disability is visible or not, temporary or long term, your participation in the workforce is in demand.
- CareerOneStop is a comprehensive website for all types of job seekers – people with disabilities, veterans, career changers, older workers, ex-felons and more. The site has many tools for planning your job search, as well as on networking, writing resumes and cover letters, interviewing and finding job openings.
- Willing and Able: A Job Hunting Guide for Idahoans with Disabilities – download for advice on skills, networking, applications, resumes, cover letters, interviews – plus many resources, all focused on for job seekers with disabilities in Idaho. Includes specific information about disclosure and accommodation. Visit your local Labor office for a free printed copy.
Job Search Preparation
- Get My Future helps youth put together a successful job search with resources on resumes, interviewing, networking and finding job openings.
- Job Search: What it Takes Find tips to make your job search successful.
- JobScape is an easy-to-use career search tool to help job seekers make informed decisions.
- My Next Move provides information to help you learn more about an industry or career of your choice.
- MyMoney.gov provides tips on how to plan and budget so you’ll have enough money when you need it.
- Pre-Employment Transition Services provides opportunities for students with disabilities to learn through work and education.
- Skills Matcher provides helps you match your skills to specific career options.
- Skills to Pay the Bills website provides information on what soft skills young adults need to get a job and advance their career.
- Skills to Pay the Bills (English PDF)
- Habilidades sociales para salir adelante (Español PDF)
- Skills to Pay the Bills (Video Series)
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services – VR is a state-federal program whose goal is to assist people with disabilities prepare for, secure, retain or regain employment.
- Youth Rules! is a youth-friendly resource that helps clarify rules and regulations for youth workers.
Job Search Tools
The basic tools of a job search are much the same for every job seeker – networking, creating resumes, filling out applications, handling interviews – and there is help for each step. From setting goals to having a successful interview, the following videos highlight the importance of each step in your job search.
- Setting a Plan
- Analyzing Your Values and Interests
- Assessing Your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Career Exploration
- Creating an Effective Resume
- Online Job Search
- Job Applications
- Tapping Your Network
- Online Professional Networking
- Employment Agencies and Recruiters
- Informational Interview
- Acing the Job Interview
Workplace Accommodations
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations. Contact JAN via phone at (800) 526-7234 or (By 877) 781-9403 (TTY) or at its website.
Social Security
This easy to understand SSI, SSDI & Employment video series provides information on work incentive programs for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries.
Social Security’s website About Ticket to Work provides information on work incentive programs for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries.
Job Posting Sites
Register online with the Idaho Department of Labor and create a free IdahoWorks account. Each local Idaho Labor office has an ADA compliant workstation with screen reading software, and career planners can help you register.
There are a number of job posting sites to explore. The job boards listed below are tailored to people with disabilities:
- abilityJOBS.com – The largest job site for people with disabilities.
- AbilityLinks.org – The leading web-based community for job seekers with disabilities.
- Disabilityjobs.net – All jobs for Disability job seekers with one search.
- disABLEDperson.com – An accessible job search website.
- GettingHired.com – Jobs for people with disabilities.
- RecruitDisability.org – Job board; resources for job seekers and employers.
- USA JOBS – If you’re an individual with a disability, you can apply and compete for any job for which you are eligible and meet the qualifications, but you also may be eligible for a special hiring authority.
Employment Laws, Discrimination & Advocacy
- Disability Rights Idaho
- Idaho Human Rights Commission
- Idaho Centers for Independent Living:
- Idaho Assistive Technology Project
- Idaho Parents Unlimited
Job Search Toolkits Targeted by Disability/Barrier
These online toolkits provide helpful job search resources filtered by disability type to support job seekers: