1. By Kerri Holferty & D. Monique Stefens
And disclosing your disability to an employer
Marketing Your Skills

2. Welcome and reflection
Congratulations, you are nearing completion of your academic program
What did you learn academically?
What did you learn about yourself?

3. Job search tools, skills and resources
Tools: resume, reference list, LinkedIn profile
Skills: cover letter, job application and interview skills
Resources: WCC Career Center, WorkSource, DVR, Job Accommodation
Network, university career centers. job search websites, temp agencies,
Opportunity Council Voc Lab

4. Why do I need all that?
Employers seeking qualified candidates
Your job is to market your skills

5. Example: customer service profile
Applicant #1
Profile: Dedicated administrative
assistant with a focus on continuous
quality improvement and excellent
customer service. Associate degree
with additional certifications in
billing and coding. Experience in
non-profit, private enterprise and
health sectors. Available for full- or
part-time employment.
Applicant #2
Profile: Interested in a business that
will help me grow. Available for full-
or part-time employment.

6. Example: customer service interview
Applicant #1
I am excited to offer my education and
training with a Business Administration
degree to serve XYZ company. My
coursework in QuickBooks, technical
writing and psychology, among others,
provide an excellent foundation for
serving your customers with
thoughtfulness and details.
Applicant #2
I’d really like to work for XYZ company
but I don’t have much experience. I did
some work before going to school but
I’m not sure if it applies to customer
service. I am applying because I saw your
job posting and it looks like a good
place to work.

7. Good news!
Remember those resources and support?
Remember those things you learned, academically, personally and
professionally?
You can get hired. 

8. But what about disclosing my
disability?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people with disabilities are
not obligated to disclose their disability unless it is likely to directly affect
their job performance.

9. Marketing … again
Applicant #1
As you can see I am well qualified for
the job, and I would like to share
another quality. To provide those
skills optimally, I’ll likely need [………].
I am interested in exploring concerns
you may have, and also which skills I
offer that you see as beneficial for
your company.
Applicant #2
I will need [………] to be able to work
here.

10. Timing … when to disclose
Typically not in a cover letter or resume
Request accommodations if needed for a successful interview
During the interview, briefly, if you determine it may be a significant accommodation
After the job offer to keep the interview focused on your skills, if you know you’ll need
accommodations to start successfully
During employment before your performance is affected

11. How to prepare
Practice… for the interview and for the disclosure
What is your philosophy and motivation about disclosure?
Educate yourself about your disability and how to disclose it
Research the employer (website, LinkedIn, informational interviews)
Leverage Co-Op 190 to intern with potential employer(s)
Prepare for skilled and ignorant interviewers
Seek advice from other persons employed with disabilities
Review the worksheet provided for more details

12. Employer vs educational accommodations
Flexibility with assignment deadlines case-by-case
Flexibility with attendance on a case-by-case basis

13. Key things to remember
“Corporate fit” is a two-way street
Knowing your value helps you share it with others
Review letters of recommendation and spend time with friends to recharge
Tell people you are job searching – networking is a great way to offer your skills through
your community

14. Questions?