Help with finding a job

Question

I’ve been stuck in my two retail jobs for four years now. I’ve been wanting out but cannot find anything in my city full time that I’m qualified for, or can do. I have a hearing disability so it limits the jobs I can apply to, such as being on the phone all day. I have a bachelors degree in Illustration but wasn’t able to find anything to take away with it. So I’m looking for office work. Unfortunately anything I find in job listings are that they require years of experience. I want out of retail and where I live it’s 75% retail and the rest are things like the hospital and other random jobs I cannot do because I’m not certified or such. I’ve been looking for work from home jobs but still can’t get a call from anyone, no interviews or anything. I have no idea what to do anymore. I’ve been looking very heavily for over a year with only two interviews. I’m getting response emails from some saying they’re not moving forward with my application but no one ever says why. I need a full time job that pays well, I have college loans I need to pay off on top of my regular bills. My current jobs cannot give me many hours anymore because the mall is not getting enough customers. I’m feeling trapped and do not know where to go from here. I’ve been working with my city job placement too and they’re no help. I need something.

Sandra Diaz · Answer

Hi Taylor,
One observation is to consider how you present yourself online. Your profile here doesn't tell someone who might want to help you what results you can create for an organization. For example, you can provide a link to a website where you showcase your illustration skills so people here and on LinkedIn can see it and get inspired on what you can do for them.

Here's also a website where you can find job postings at employers who can appreciate your talent and would accommodate any special needs: https://abilityjobs.com/

With a strong online presence, you can work on connecting with peers and possible hiring managers for companies you find on LinkedIn to build relationships with them, and show them what you can do.

For templates to do the types of things I recommend, download my free ebook at www.landdreamcorporatejobs.com and take advantage of the free 30-minute consultation once you've had a chance to work the steps of my proven job search system.

Taylor Shuler · Answer

My first question would be are you open to moving? Can you sell your illustrations on Etsy? Call the companies that didn’t move forward with your application and ask them why. Start a side hustle that you love and cultivate the experience these jobs say you need. Check out your local Small Business Association. If you need an accommodation for your hearing, ask the local job office if they can put you in touch with an organization that advocates for people who having different types of challenges entering the workforce. Don’t limit yourself. Let the company tel you what they need. There are lots of accommodations that can help you meet the essential business needs of the job that a company is obligated to provide you after you disclose your protected class. If there is a local college or university, or even the hospital you mentioned, try to get in where you can and see if they have a rotational program. Big places usually have these programs in which after 6 months of employment, you can spend some of your time in another department developing skills by working on a project. In your current job if you’re not the manager, see if you can help with special projects that will help you learn the skills you need. If they’ve been transparent with you about shutting their doors, ask them to help you gain the skills you need after you leave there. You’re not going to leave them in a lurch and you’ll give them your best when they continue to invest in your growth and development.  Resumes that have “results-oriented statements” (you can google this) are more likely to be called back. Try to get some experience at your current job or by starting a side hustle that would help you get some of these statements on your resume. And make sure it’s the kind of thing you really want to do. Don’t say you saved the company $10,000 by making cold calls if you don’t want to be involved with money or cold calls unless there’s another story you’re trying to tell about your grit, hard work, identifying and meeting the business goals and doing whatever needed to be done to achieve them. Set your mind to what it is you want.  Focus on the positive and the world will open up to you. You got this.

LEANNE TOBIAS · Answer

Great responses for Taylor!

Taylor, a couple of additional thoughts:

1. The U.S. government makes it easier for federal agencies to hire people with disabilities.  Some state and local governments might do the same. 
    Your hearing loss may qualify as one such disability.  If so, your physician will need to certify your hearing loss, and you will need to complete the government paperwork that permits them to hire you under the special disability category.
    This is worth investigating with the “ability jobs” organization identified by Coach Sandra.

2. Wondering if you have hearing aids and if they are up to par? Good hearing aids, if you need them, could be extremely helpful to you.
   There is financial assistance available  for getting hearing aids. See the Financial Assistance page of the Hearing Loss Association, http://www.hearingloss.org.

Alyssa Prentice · Answer

Yes I have had hearing aids since I was 3, as I was born with hearing loss. They don’t however, cure, treat or help my hearing in ways that are due to the permanent loss, such as but not limited to tone deafness, volume, distance and so on. I have looked for jobs that are good for the hearing impaired but there’s not much I’m qualified for. I think my city is limited on types of jobs that’s are not favorited by the other generations or those with plenty of experience. I’m already in jobs for younger kids just trying to get that first job in. But I’m almost 30, I don’t need to be making minimum wage with a family to support and bills. With my bachelors degree you’d think places would care. However, can’t even get ahold of anyone to check in, and don’t ever hear back from anything either. I’ve applied over 15 times to my public library, as I worked for one in another city a handful of years ago. They don’t ever call me for an interview and I call to check in every time I apply. They never do anything. Same with the hospital, post office and other places I’ve tried.

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