Working disabilities workshop in Long Beach(2)

Kerschner said statistical research shows that about 70% of employed workers with disabilities perform at 70% or higher capacity compared to non-disabled employees. However, many work at higher levels of productivity, because in many cases their disabilities are not directly linked to their duties, or abilities required at work. He said he looks forward to continue working with new and current companies who support these kind of rules, laws and programs.

Cassandra Folan, a human resources specialist at Nordstrom, said that after five years of being a recruiter there, she noticed that applicants with disabilities sometimes forget, or fail to provide resumes and cover letters when applying for job positions. She stressed the importance to submit these documents when someone applies for a job.

Folan, who lives with cerebral palsy, indicated sometimes interviews are conducted on the phone, particularly when the job environment is tech-oriented. She suggested all applicants must research the company, find out what market the company conducts business, public deals the company may have clinched, the type of customers, or clientele the company may have, and other items, before setting a job interview.

Folan said “it’s always important to proofread everything, all paperwork before it’s submitted to human resources.”

She advised to look for specific job positions, particularly those where the applicants have experience at other jobs, or have been trained for. Some companies have set up e-profiles, where prospective employees file, and store applications. It’s good to periodically update, and change those profiles, to keep them fresh, Folan said.

In addition, Folan advised to doublecheck the workplace’s correct address, and ensure reliable transportation to get there on time. This is true mainly when an appointment date is set for a job interview. Folan, who works at a Northern California recruitment facility, said it’s smart to check traffic and weather conditions before going to the interview.

“Have a plan B. Being on time to these appointments matter,” she said. Folan added job seekers must check with the interviewer about the dress code for the interview. And ask for a business card. Afterwards, it’s good to send a thank you note via e-mail.

Aside from skills needed to hold a job, the interviews, she said, may focus on how the prospective employee may be able to endure the company’s philosophy, and values. Applicants must make sure they answer these questions as precise as possible.

Given these tough economic times, Folan said, jobs are often scarce, or may not be suited to the job seekers’ skills. Folan said in case applicants are not offered the positions, they must regroup, and continue searching for jobs, until they clinch one.

The self-Determination Conference was sponsored by the Asian and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities of California.