Tips and Strategies for Applying for Employment

By Karen, 4th November 2019
  

• Cover Letter
• Job description
• On Line Application

 
I had used a previous template for a cover letter which I use and readapt for any new jobs I am applying for. The main tool I use for this was in the job description from the company of the position I have or am applying for. I stated my current position and overview of my qualifications or experience that will show my ability or skills that they are looking for in a prospective employee.
 
Next is the online application. Well this is a challenge for me in itself. I try and keep it very simple taking small steps at a time, simplifying it, trying to break it down into small chunks although I invariably have always had difficulty attaching the Cover letter and CV for some unknown reason. My solution for this was to ring HR (Human Resources) send it as a separate attachment and get them to attach it.
 
On this occasion I was successful in scoring an interview.  My next step was to prepare for the interview. I needed some help and and guidance with finding my strengths who else better to ask than a successful  person with Dyslexia who knows her own strengths. Thank you Sally 😊. Here are some Links Sally gave me which I found helpful.

The True Gifts of a Dyslexic Mind | Dean Bragonier   
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dPyzFFcG7A&feature=youtu.be 

9 Strengths of Dyslexia  
https://www.nessy.com/us/parents/dyslexia-information/9-strengths-dyslexia/ 

Value Dyslexia Thinking
https://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/value-dyslexic-thinking
 
What is dyslexia
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/dyslexics/learn-about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia
 
 
The Interview:

• Be prepared, do some home work and research in readiness for questions.
• Smile, appear really enthusiastic. How much do you want the job? Tell them! and why you want it.
• Know your strengths
• Know your weaknesses ( I prefer to call them areas to be developed)
• Link in their values with your values.
• Ask them questions too. This is your opportunity to interview them.
• Remember they are interested in what you have to offer or you wouldn’t have been selected for the interview.

 
Summary from Chris and further discussion at the meeting
 
Key points:

• Focus on your strengths in the cover letter
• Talking the process through with someone can help
• Online application-
  • do small chunks at a time
  • how can you make it easier to look at? Eg. coloured background, make the print larger
• prior knowledge of the job helps – do your research to help develop a big picture of what eh job includes
• have a positive attitude – you can do this!
• Smile 

 
Strategies Karen has developed to help at work

• using her phone to take photos of notes and write the info down later
• seeing dyslexia as a difference not a disability
• seeing herself more positively helps
• understand some tasks do take longer but can still do it