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      in Career Hacks

      What Makes Lockton Such an Uncommon Insurance Agency?

      by

      When you think of insurance, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s broken windows and flooded basements. Or maybe you think of Jake from State Farm and their auto and car offerings. But what a lot of people don’t think of when it comes to insurance are all the unique businesses that require coverage and the exciting ways in which brokers and agents can offer it.

      Lockton Insurance, the world’s largest privately held brokerage firm, is constantly redefining the role that insurance companies play in the world of business. Simultaneously, they are also turning preconceptions regarding insurance companies on their head.

      Recently, we spoke with two executives at Lockton about what makes their firm such a unicorn in the industry. What we learned was that their approach to insurance, their clientele, the impact they have on businesses, and the opportunities they provide for employees are all factors that set them apart from every other insurance company in the game.

      Approach – Consulting Not Selling

      One of the most unique characteristics of Lockton is its approach to selling insurance. First of all, they don’t sell insurance. Rather, Lockton is filled with brokers and agents who act as consultants that play an active role in the facilitation of a business. This differs from what people normally consider brokers and agents – salesmen who are simply selling a product.

      The takeaway here is that working at Lockton as a broker isn’t a sales role and it’s nowhere near a typical insurance agent position. At Lockton, the consultant approach is what makes the job exciting and keeps it fresh.

      This consultant-forward and creative-minded approach is why Lockton stands out in the insurance industry and makes it such a popular place to work.

      Clients from Every Industry

      From cannabis farms to deep-sea drilling operations, the clients that Lockton works with aren’t who you’d expect. The diversity and range of the companies that Lockton works with are part of the reason why working at the one-of-a-kind firm is so enjoyable.

      As mentioned previously, Lockton’s consulting-led approach really allows them to be embedded within a company and understand the nuances of its particular business operations. 

      During Josh Luther’s time at Lockton, he worked with a chocolate candy manufacturer and got to see how chocolate-covered almonds are made. He worked with a bakery and got to see all the different bread being made. Josh even had a client that was a packaging company that did the Capri Sun juice boxes all the way to garbage bags and medical supplies. He exclaimed how fascinating it was to watch something start from raw material and get built into a final product that people everywhere will use. 

      At Lockton, you’re not just working in the insurance industry. You’re working in all the different industries that your clients are a part of.

      Real-life Insurance Impacts

      While it can be exciting to work with unique companies and be immersed in their operations, what really lights the fire of Lockton employees is making an actual impact on a business. Not only does it mean you’re doing your job right, but it’s incredibly gratifying and provides a massive feeling of self-worth.

      When we asked Lauren Carson about what her favorite project was during her 14 years at Lockton she spoke about a time when she saved a company $1,000,000. After offering the company a full evaluation of their program, engaging in a deep conversation about their business, and understanding where they wanted to take things, Lauren and her team came back with a bunch of creative ideas that projected to save the company a massive amount of money.

      On the flip side of that, not providing a company with the right support as an insurance firm can spell disaster for businesses. Josh Luther mentioned that without the services Lockton provides, “businesses could slow down, it could mean a company doesn’t earn revenue. It means a construction team couldn’t get on site do their work and they might shut the job down or slow it down,” for example.

      The bottom line is that brokers at Lockton play a larger role in the success or failure of a business than you think, something that makes the job particularly rewarding.

      A Wealth of Opportunities

      In addition to Lockton’s approach, clientele, and impact, we felt that one of the most important features of their firm, especially as it pertains to students and young professionals looking for a job in insurance, is the opportunities they bestow on their employees.

      When we were speaking with Josh Luther he celebrated the fact that the firm grows by double digits every year and how that creates opportunities for their people – both vertically and horizontally.  

      Josh explained that if you can become a subject matter expert in a particular field, your opportunities to explore other areas within the firm open up. Not only that, Josh mentioned that they even provide employees with training and education to help them make that move.

      Whether it’s the skills you learn or the experiences you have, Lockton has incredible opportunities that are just waiting for you to explore. So if you’re looking to join a revolutionary organization that is changing the way the world sees insurance and the manner in which businesses use it, take a look at some of Lockton’s open roles. More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Common FAQs from Jobseekers: Answers to Help You Craft a Professional Resume (VIDEO)

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      Have questions about building your resume as you navigate the job search? We shared the answers in our AMA-style discussion (now on-demand!) to address FAQs about resume optimization for the job search. Keep reading for an inside look into what the experts had to say. 

      You’ll hear from these Hired team members:

      Sophia Koehl, PartnershipsJules Grondin, RecruitingNate Becker, Candidate Experience

      Read the beginning of the conversation here and scroll down to access the full webinar. 

      Do recruiters look at resumes?

      Jules

      Simple answer for me – we absolutely look at resumes. A resume is what’s going to get you to an interview and you really want it to pop. We’ll definitely talk more about that in the next few slides but overall keeping your resume concise and straight to the point. Recruiters don’t want to read through something lengthy, but a resume really is what’s going to make you stand out and move on to the interview process. We see what your job background is in your career and if you’re going to be qualified for a role.

      Nate

      I would say absolutely as well. When you create a Hired profile we encourage you to upload your resume the moment you sign up so companies have a full picture of your professional background. The employers on our platform want to see your resume in addition to your profile. They love to go check out that resume and corroborate your experience. We find that candidates who do upload a resume get more attention on the platform and see more interview requests. It’s really great to note that recruiters and employers are looking at the resume. This leads me to wonder how long they look at it. I’d be curious about what our attendees think about that. 

      Sophia

      Nate, I think you are right on par. Let’s go ahead and start a poll. How long is it that the average recruiter spends looking at a resume? Is it less than 10 seconds, 30 seconds, one minute, or two minutes?

      Looks like the winner of the poll is 30 seconds. Well, we’ve got an answer for you on how long it really is. On average, employers and recruiters look at resumes for just 6 to 7 seconds. However, the amount of time varies from company to company. A lot of times, these are humans looking at resumes but there is a consistency to call out. The study, done by Ladders, points out resumes with a simple layout and clear sections and titles performed better mostly every time. That’s an important takeaway.

      Other key topics from the conversation include: 

      Explaining resume gapsMaking a resume stand out for a remote jobHighlighting transferable and technical skillsHow to know if an ATS can read your resumeAnd more!  More

    • 125 Shares189 Views

      in Career Hacks

      5 Ways Tutoring Will Amplify Your Financial & Professional Future

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      As you make your way through college, a common question you might ask yourself is what money-earning opportunity you can find to fill your time, your mind, and your wallet while also finishing your education. Luckily, as the world embraces flexible or remote working arrangements, there are several avenues that are now available for students looking to earn money while in school. One great example is Varsity Tutors – their innovative virtual tutoring platform has been helping students for years by making it easy for them to earn money while pursuing an education. 

      Recently, we chatted with a pair of current students who are tutors at Varsity Tutors about how the company is giving them everything they need to pursue an education, gain experience, and supplement their livelihood all while choosing their own hours and making extra cash throughout the week! 

      1. Flexibility 

      One of the very real aspects of most jobs is your lack of control over your schedule, either getting too few hours or too many while having little say in the end result. 

      The desire for flexibility is part of the reason the job market has seen such a shift towards more freelance, gig, and contract opportunities like tutoring. At Varsity Tutors (VT), you have the ability to take on as many or as few students as you want, while working with them to make a schedule that suits both of you. 

      2. Work-Life Balance 

      Gone are the days when people lock themselves into jobs that consume their entire lives, especially while they’re enrolled in college. While it may be important to make extra money in school it is also important to enjoy and embrace everything that the university experience has to offer.

      The allure of having a good work-life balance makes tutoring with Varsity Tutors an opportunity that college students across the country have sought out. Much like the flexibility of scheduling, the ability to balance making money with everything else you have going on is why VT is perfect for someone who is busy. 

      Do you have drama club every Tuesday? Have a test you need to study for? No problem, talk to your student and find out a different time that works. 

      3. Remote Opportunities 

      As the world has come to find out over the last couple of years, remote work is here to stay. A study1 conducted by video-conferencing provider Owl Labs surveyed 3,000 employees in 23 countries over 6 continents and found that people who have the opportunity to work remotely at least monthly are 24% more likely to feel happy and productive in their roles. 

      Since Varsity Tutors offers fully-remote opportunities, these benefits are felt in their entirety. It doesn’t matter if you’re on-campus or at home for the holidays, VT allows you to tutor from where ever you are. Not only is it more comfortable, but the time and money you save on not having to commute or look for a new job for the summer will help you maintain your preferred schedule and cash flow. 

      Time is a valuable currency. Use all the time that you save to concentrate on school and to continue building the life you’ve always imagined. 

      4. An Opportunity That Grows with You 

      Everyone wants opportunities that stay new and fresh. In order to grow and learn you need to face new challenges! Luckily, at Varsity Tutors, you have the opportunity to delve into new subjects as you grow. 

      For example, say you tutor accounting while in college and eventually go on to become a CPA after you graduate. Then, you can return to VT to use your knowledge and experience to tutor students who are studying for their own CPA licenses. 

      As you advance through college and your career, you will be able to offer tutoring services in more subjects and on more advanced material. This growth can ultimately lead to you making more money! 

      1 Flex Jobs – New Study Finds Remote Workers Happier and More Productive

      5. Frequent Payments 

      Waiting on money is never a fun experience. Especially when you’re in college where money can be scarce. Luckily, Varsity Tutors is very aware of these challenges for students. In order to accommodate tutors’ diverse needs, VT tutors get paid twice a week! 

      This payment schedule allows tutors to focus on tutoring and what they need to do to get through school. No more worrying about when your paycheck is going to land, no more worrying about not having money to spend on the weekend, and no more hitting up mom and dad when you need some extra cash. 

      The Perfect Combination 

      It goes without saying that being a tutor is one of the most rewarding opportunities for someone trying to grow and advance their career. While the flexibility, work-life balance, remote accessibility, and payment schedule are great, tutoring is really what you make it. 

      Take Columbia grad student Raul I De La Espriella for example. Raul ended up finding his love for teaching while tutoring with VT, which catapulted him into an entirely different career path. 

      “Through Varsity Tutors, I found that I really enjoy teaching the craft of writing. It’s a special kind of feeling when someone can understand that they can write and gain confidence about it. When I watch a student learn to enjoy writing there’s nothing like it.”Raul I De La Espriella, Johns Hopkins, MA in Teaching Writing 

      After his experience with Varsity Tutors, Raul went on to switch his major from economics so he can pursue a career in education. This is a path he wouldn’t have taken if it weren’t for his impactful experience as a tutor for VT.

      Whatever your reason for joining Varsity Tutors, know that it is a place for people who want to grow themselves in more ways than one. For more information on how to start tutoring with Varsity Tutors, check out their company profile. More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Career Hacks

      5 Reasons Why Springboard Is Your Ticket to a Dream Job in Tech

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      You just can’t get one-on-one mentoring, highly-technical training, and a job guarantee like the way Springboard offers it.

      As more employers look beyond college degrees as criteria to work at their companies, aspiring professionals have begun seeking alternative methods to learn new trades and qualify for roles. But the questions remain – what are the best ways to learn a new skill and how do you know if what you’re doing is worth the time and money?

      As e-learning programs and online workshops come and go, Springboard has risen as the premier destination in online learning for the tech industry’s most in-demand careers. With comprehensive, mentor-led programs in software engineering, data science, UI/UX design, cybersecurity, tech sales, and more, there is a lot to love about Springboard’s unique offerings. 

      But Springboard’s robust curriculum isn’t the only reason why aspiring professionals are flocking to the groundbreaking e-learning platform. From the self-paced speed to their job-match guarantee, here are all the reasons why you should choose to enroll in Springboard’s online boot camps.

      Go As Slow/Fast As You Want

      Once you’re admitted into a boot camp, students have the freedom to set their own pace and go as fast as they feel comfortable going. Whether it’s because of time restraints or just to absorb as much information as possible, this factor of Springboard’s boot camps really stands out for students. 

      Ability to Pivot into Any Industry

      One of the biggest reasons why Springboard is so sought after these days is because it enables people to pivot into any industry they choose. Take Vianey Luna for example. When Vianey found Springboard, she was teaching English as a foreign language in China and South Korea. A few years into her career, Vianey felt inspired to make a career shift into cybersecurity and was able to use Springboard to help her make that leap.

      Another great example of someone who made a massive career change with Springboard is Hastings Reeves. Hastings was studying to become an opera singer until the pandemic hit and he was forced to reassess his situation. With a three-year-old daughter, Hastings knew he needed to find income. After taking part in Springboard’s Data Science Career Track, Hastings found the job of his dreams.

      From singing opera to working in data science, Springboard made it possible.

      The Mentors

      Of course, where an educational or training program is going to provide some of the most value is in the mentors and peer guidance that is offered. And when it comes to the mentors that Springboard staffs, no exceptions are made.

      Using a system created in-house, Springboard makes sure to stay on top of quality control and the overall caliber of its mentors and teachers throughout the entirety of their tenures. Additionally, Springboard looks to hire people with experience in an industry and a passion to lead.

      Career Coaching

      One of the best parts about Springboard’s e-learning platform is that it isn’t just an e-learning platform. When you sign up for Springboard, students are matched with a career coach who works with them 1:1 to seize the job of their dreams.

      Throughout your entire enrollment in the boot camp, you will have regular meetings with your career coach to discuss things about your CV, resume, and general job-hunting tips. When you complete the boot camp, your career coach ups their involvement in your search and really starts helping you get applications out and taking shots for that dream job!

      Whether it’s with help with interview tips or suggestions on how to execute an elevator pitch, Springboard’s career coaches are there for you until you sign a contract. 

      Job Guarantee

      Perhaps one of the most alluring features of Springboard’s online learning platform is the job guarantee that they bestow on nearly every one of their students. It is one thing to trust an education system or provider to give you valuable knowledge and skills but the fact that Springboard guarantees a job offer or your money back just goes to show how much they trust their program.

      [embedded content]

      Under these circumstances, it becomes much easier for Springboard’s students to fully engross themselves in their education. Without the gnawing feeling of whether or not a job awaits them at the end of their curriculum, students have nothing else to worry about besides gaining a valuable and marketable trade.

      Why Is Springboard Right For You?

      Whether it has to do with the wide range of tools and resources that Springboard equips you with or the degree of quality in its curriculum and mentors, there are several reasons why Springboard is such a great option to advance your career.

      But the most important reason to enroll in Springboard is the desire to grow yourself in one way or another. If you have the desire, Springboard is ready to fulfill it.

      At Springboard, you either get a job or your money back. Start exploring career tracks and open-enrollment boot camps today! More

    • 100 Shares189 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Miranda Waters, Software Engineer

      by

      Hi Miranda! Can you start by sharing a little bit about your educational background?

      I have my Bachelors degree in Nutritional Sciences. About 7 years after college, in 2019, I attended a 6-month full stack web development bootcamp. Before attending the bootcamp, I had no previous web development experience or knowledge.

      The bootcamp I attended, which was hosted through my alma mater, had a huge impact on my career. I took the course on a whim, thinking at the very least it would help me land some sort of tech-related job in sales or customer service. I ended up realizing software engineering was something I really enjoyed!

      Related: Coding Bootcamps & Non-Traditional Education for Tech Talent

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I’d like to learn more about cybersecurity. I did some training in my previous job, and it was so interesting to see the common ways systems (and people) are taken advantage of.

      I’ve also been meaning to learn how to play the guitar that’s been gathering dust in my office…I’ll get there eventually!

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      I’ve always wanted a career helping people, but I didn’t know where to start. At the same time, I wanted to be challenged and leverage my creative problem solving skills. I realized a career in tech would allow me to potentially change lives on a large scale and offer plenty of room for growth.

      How has your skillset evolved over the course of your career?

      I’m still pretty new to the field, so everyday I’m excited and proud about the things I know today that I didn’t know yesterday. Dev ops/systems architecture is where my skill set has evolved the most, but I still have so much to learn. Coding is only a small part of web development!

      Related: Curious about a Career in DevOps? How to Prep for Strong Interviews

      Do you specialize in any specific area?

      I haven’t chosen to specialize in a specific area yet. Right now, I’m focused on becoming a solid full-stack developer and seeing where that takes me.

      Is your new role different from previous ones and what are you most excited about?

      My new job is in a completely different industry (I moved from FinTech to Travel & Leisure). While my role is the same, and the tech stack I’m working in is very similar, the two positions have their own unique challenges!

      At my new company, Engineers are much more involved in what’s going on in different departments (Customer Service, Design, Marketing, etc.). Looking at problems through these different lenses will really help me grow as an Engineer and hone my leadership skills.

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      Not fun. There were so many different places to keep track of job postings and where I applied. Plus, all the cover letters…ick!

      There was also a lot of wasted time. I would write up a whole application for a job, go through a few interviews, only to learn their salary offering was way lower than I was looking for or we weren’t on the same page for some reason.

      What’s your best advice for job seekers registered on the Hired platform? 

      Be specific about what you’re looking for and don’t be shy to ask for it! To me, Hired is about transparency and honesty from both sides. No need to keep all your cards to yourself.

      Also, take advantage of the coding challenges they offer. It’s great practice for interviews!

      Related: Discover upcoming coding challenges and events tailored to help jobseekers

      What would you tell someone who’s curious about Hired?

      Joining Hired is like having your own personal assistant/interview advocate. They’ve thought of everything! I got multiple interview requests in the first couple days after signing up. The whole process was so smooth and enjoyable. I would absolutely recommend Hired to anybody looking for a job in tech.

      Any general advice you’d like to give other tech professionals?

      My new company told me they like to hire people who should have an ego but don’t. I think a lot of companies share this motto in one way or another. Obviously, your knowledge and skills are important but it’s just as important to show vulnerability, ask questions, and be curious.

      About Harvest Hosts

      Harvest Hosts is a membership program for RVers offering unique overnight stays and over 3,000 community locations all over North America. Harvest Hosts aims to help millions of people live happier lives through road travel, while supporting wonderful small businesses and communities along the way. Founded in 2018, Clio has 51-200 employees and is headquartered in Colorado.

      Tech Stack

      React, React Native, TypeScript, Redux, AWS, Laravel, Jest, Cypress

      Benefits

      Health/dental/vision insurance, 401K plan, performance bonus, paid time off, employee discount programs, career growth, and more. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      6 Common FAQs from Jobseekers: Answers to Help You Prepare for & Dive Into the Job Search

      by

      How Hired Helps: Ask Me Anything: Pathrise

      Jobseekers asked and we answered! Hired teamed up with partner, Pathrise, an online program for tech professionals, to bring jobseekers an AMA-style discussion that addressed their FAQs about the job search. Hired’s Sophia Koehl from the Partnerships Team and Nate Becker from the Candidate Experience Team joined Morgan Beatty, a Pathrise Career Mentor to share their expert advice. 

      Keep reading for answers to questions you may have as a jobseeker. Scroll down to watch the full discussion. 

      FAQ #1: When is the best time to look for a new job opportunity?

      Nate

      If you have a Hired account, submit your profile and go live to companies approximately 30 days before your desired start date. This is quite optimistic but it is an ideal scenario. Following this, make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are uploaded and up-to-date. 

      FAQ #2: How do I get started networking on LinkedIn? Do I need to be more active before starting? 

      Morgan

      While you don’t have to be very active before starting, we recommend you have at least 100 connections. You want to give the impression that you know people. If you’re looking for people to connect with, start with your university, previous employers, and family and friends. They will be able to help you in your network and your search before you start posting. 

      Is it good to be active? Most definitely. Do you have to start from scratch and write your own post? No, you can simply re-share articles relevant to your industry. This will showcase your passion for joining that industry. Don’t forget to follow companies you admire so you can keep up with the content you’re interested in. 

      Nate

      You can also set your profile status to “open to work” to show you are actively exploring opportunities.

      Connect your LinkedIn to your Hired profile to show you are intentionally looking and are ready to start a new role. This also makes it easier for companies to corroborate your experience. They love to do that! 

      Note: The Hired platform is a closed, curated marketplace in contrast to a public platform like LinkedIn. On Hired you cannot browse roles, search companies, or apply to positions. We work the other way around. Once your Hired profile goes live, we match you to available roles and suggest you for good fits. Then, our companies reach out to you to request an interview. From here, you can accept or decline based on your feelings toward the company, location, pay, etc.

      FAQ #4: How do I know if I’m taking the right approach for the role I am seeking?

      Nate

      Be mindful of the role you are seeking. Lay out a story of yourself you can frame on paper. If you are a Software Engineer, highlight your hard skills, technical skills, and tech stack as opposed to the soft skills. Keep a finger on the pulse of where your industry is going by considering:

      What are the hot skills? What are the trends?What are you seeing when you look at job descriptions?What can you add to your skillset to be more competitive? What certifications would benefit you? What skills do others in the industry have? 

      Related: Discover the latest trends and most in-demand skills for Software Engineers in Hired’s State of Software Engineers report.

      Morgan

      Remember, don’t just chase skills because they are popular. Cross reference it with what you have a genuine interest in. Find the sweet spot and then upskill based on that. Your skills are not just for show — it is far more meaningful to develop what you need. 

      FAQ #5: Should I apply for a job when I only meet part of the requirements listed? 

      Morgan

      We’ve probably all asked ourselves this as jobseekers, right? Millennials, especially, face imposter syndrome but don’t let it hit you here. If you meet at least 50% of the requirements, apply!

      When you reach the interview phase, the hiring manager wants to see if you can do the work. If you can get your skills and stories connected to that, who’s to say they would not hire you? Don’t doubt yourself. This is an especially important question to address because great candidates often don’t apply because of self doubt. 

      Nate

      If there are requirements you don’t meet, you can address them and point to transferable skills. You can say, “I accomplished this in the past and that would work here” or “I also do this —  have you considered how that could be beneficial to the role?” 

      This is also an opportunity to upskill again. If the requirements you don’t meet involve something you are interested in, explore ways to get certified or trained in those areas. At Hired, we have partnerships with organizations that specialize in helping jobseekers upskill and develop hard skills. Take advantage of these resources to broaden expertise, especially when you repeatedly come across a job skill in your search. That’s your cue to take action and look to our partners for some help.

      Related: 

      FAQ #6: Should I wait until I’m in the country I want to work in to apply to positions in my field?

      Morgan

      The most important aspect when thinking about location is being prepared to speak about the sponsorship. This includes knowing what you need to live and work in that country. Know specifically what you need before you begin your application process. Then, you will know what to say when a recruiter or hiring manager calls you. 

      Nate

      If you are prepared to speak on this, it’s crucial to act quickly — don’t wait. On your Hired profile, you can indicate your current location in addition to cities you’re interested in working in. 

      Even if you are seeking remote work, you would list your current location but be able to indicate you are searching for remote work in a particular time zone. With this, you can target companies looking to hire remote workers in another country and time zone. When we match you on the platform, companies are aware of this.

      Go in understanding you will probably receive less interest than you would after you relocating. It’s important to not wait just in case you’re missing out on a great company that can support your needs and can work with you before you move. 

      Sophia

      The Hired platform is effective for getting candidates hired both locally and globally. Take advantage of the features that allow you to list out (in order) the cities you are willing to relocate to, and your preferred working hours and time zone.

      Related: Should I Stay or Should I Go? Workers Explore Relocation to Improve Quality of Life, Pay

      How to increase the chances of getting your Hired profile approved and showcasing your skills to employers

      Nate

      On Hired we see mid-level and senior-level talent achieving the most success based on the demand right now, as opposed to entry-level candidates. The platform caters to what active employers are looking for, meaning a smaller pool of skill sets are in demand on Hired as opposed to a public platform like LinkedIn. You’ll notice a more curated list of career path options to select from when you create your Hired profile. 

      When a particular area is not listed there and you find yourself having to click “other,” you will not go live on the platform. This means we currently don’t offer that skill set.

      We are focused on Software Engineers, Product Managers, DevOps, and QA as we see high demand for these areas. Be mindful that Software Engineering has the highest demand — it is like our bread and butter. 

      If you didn’t go live and you selected Data Analytics or QA, for example, there may simply be less demand for those skill sets at the moment. Resubmit your profile every 2 to 3 months to check if demand increased.

      A helpful tip is to focus your profile. We see a lot of folks list any employment they have ever had. However, if you’re targeting a specific field, keep it exclusive to full-time roles in that skillset. Hired does not support hybrid profiles so tailor your profile around a specific focus.

      For entry-level job seekers, you may fall below the two-year threshold that the platform accommodates. Make sure to keep your profile up-to-date with new opportunities or explore one of our partnerships, like a General Assembly to develop your experience. General Assembly graduates do go live on the Hired platform with less experience but still earn attention from employers.

      Related: Want More Interviews and Better Matches? 5 Key Tips!

      Watch the full discussion here.  More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Should You Disclose a Disability During Your Job Search? The Complete Guide

      by

      Searching for a new job can be a stressful, anxiety-inducing process for anyone. If you’re one of the 61 million U.S. adults (26% of the population) who lives with a disability, a job search can be even more complex and worrisome.

      Are you legally required to share information about your disability in the first place? Can employers opt to pass over your candidacy due to a disability? When is the best time to disclose your disability during the application and interview process? How specific do you have to get?

      These are just some of the many questions that might be passing through your mind as you think about applying for your next job. 

      Luckily, being prepared is half the battle. By researching what to expect during the process, you can take some of the pressure out of applying for a job with a disability.

      What types of disability forms will I come across during my job search?

      The most common disability form you’ll encounter during your job search is the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability form issued by the Office of Management and Budget. 

      A disability form is a government-required step in the application process for a company in order to provide equal employment opportunities for those with disabilities. In the United States, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces Federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. An equal opportunity employer is one that pledges to not discriminate against employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetic information. Therefore, companies ask — but do not require — applicants to fill out this form.

      In a nutshell, this form explains the reasoning behind requesting the information, tells you which conditions qualify as disabilities, and gives you three options for answers: 

      Yes, I have a disability or have a history/record of having a disabilityNo, I don’t have a disability or a history/record of having a disabilityI don’t wish to answer

      Do I need to disclose my disability to employers in the first place?

      This question is often top of mind for folks. When the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990, it became illegal for employers to discriminate against hiring qualified individuals due to mental or physical disability. 

      On top of that, the ADA also requires employers to make “reasonable accommodations” to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilitiesf can perform effectively at work (e.g., putting in a wheelchair ramp to access an office building). 

      Unfortunately, despite the progress since 1990, discrimination is still common and not all cases get solved. In 2021 alone, 22,843 disability claims were filed nationally, making it the most commonly reported type of discrimination in the workforce. 

      Refocusing on the positives, know that you are in control of what to share. You are not legally required to disclose your disability status to a potential employer. 

      It’s also worth noting that you might not be required to get into the specifics of your condition — which might give candidates who don’t want to be associated with the stigma of their disability peace of mind. While the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) hasn’t issued formal guidance on whether employers can ask for the precise diagnosis, some states, including California and Connecticut, do not allow companies to ask for detailed information about your medical history. 

      Despite the legal protections that exist (more on this in a bit), it’s perfectly understandable why someone with a disability might hesitate to disclose that information. All other factors the same, might an employer opt to hire a candidate without a disability over one with a disability? It’s a very valid concern.

      Before we take a look at some of the scenarios where it makes sense to disclose your condition, let’s take a step back and examine your legal rights as a jobseeker with a disability.

      Legal protection for jobseekers with disabilities

      If you’re qualifed for the essential functions of the job you’re applying for and you have a disability, the ADA protects you from getting passed over due to discrimination. “Qualification” includes having the requisite education, experience, and skill set needed to excel in the position — and the ability to perform the job responsibilities, with or without accommodation.

      This means that employers cannot discriminate against you during the recruiting, hiring, and training processes, and they also can’t discriminate against you when it comes to promotions, benefits, pay, and job assignments. During the interview process, employers are also not allowed to ask you questions about your medical history or health, whether you’ve filed workers’ comp claims, or whether you have disabilities. They can, however, ask questions about whether you are able to perform job responsibilities with reasonable accommodation. 

      While this protection creates an ideal scenario, discirimination can be difficult to prove in many cases. In the event you feel as though you’re being discriminated against, you need to file a claim with the EEOC within 180 days of said event taking place. Read more on how to file a complaint. 

      When is the best time to disclose a disability while job hunting?

      When it comes to disclosing your disability to a prospective employer, there’s no such thing as the perfect time. Some people have found being up front about it from the get-go has worked well, while others say early disclosure isn’t the best move for everyone. 

      When it boils down to it, timing your disclosure is up to you. Generally speaking, if you’re going to disclose your disability, you’ll have three options:

      Before the interview – this could be ideal for candidates who have visible disabilities so the interview can focus entirely on qualifications and experience During the interview – mentioning your disability during an interview can demonstrate your confidence to prospective employers and reassure them that your condition does not impact your performance and ability to meet the responsibilities of the roleAfter the interview – if you’ve got a job offer and haven’t disclosed your disability, now could be the best time, particularly if you’ll need accommodations

      Keep in mind that, while the ADA prevents employers from asking questions about disabilities during the interview process, they are allowed to ask after they’ve extended a job offer — as long as they ask the same questions to other candidates offered similar positions. If you decide to disclose information about a disability after an offer, know the employer cannot revoke it unless you cannot perform the primary job tasks or present a risk to yourself or others.

      Before you decide your strategy, spend some time researching the company to determine whether they have any public stance on hiring individuals with disabilities. In the age of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, many organizations are proactively searching for underrepresented individuals and putting effort and resources forward to foster a sense of belonging for all. In this light, revealing your disability could result in floodgates of support opening up. Not to mention, being your true, authentic self will really allow you to thrive in the workplace.

      If you’re still feeling unsure, we highly recommend clicking into the pages linked in this piece, as they go into extensive detail about various scenarios and may provide more specific information for your condition.

      Tips for discussing a disability during the job interview

      Catarina Rivera, disabled public speaker, offers guidance based on her experience with Usher syndrome. 

      Do not leave employers wondering whether you can perform the role. Explain to them how you will perform the tasks and functions essential to the position. Be confident and share your adaptations. This showcases your strengths and highlights exactly what you will bring to the table. 

      It is important, though, to avoid over explaining your diagnosis or disability. For example, if you have Usher syndrome. Instead of going into detail about what it is, you could say, “I wear hearing aids and have a limited field of vision due to a vision disability.” Don’t feel pressure to overshare or provide more information than necessary. You can keep it simple.  

      You have the right to request accommodations without stating your disability. For instance, as a person who is hard of hearing, you might say, “I benefit from closed captions. Can you please provide them during this virtual interview?” You can ask for what you need without elaborating or specifically having to say why. If the employer is truly inclusive, they will put in the effort. 

      If you’re feeling down on your luck, remember that you are not alone. There are numerous organizations that support people with disabilities in seeking meaningful work. Check out the resources below as you look for additional support and information.

      Diversability, an organization promoting disability pride

      Diversability is an award-winning ecosystem of over 70K (across all digital platforms) on a mission to elevate disability pride through disability community, visibility, and engaged allyship. Diversability works to break the cycle of social isolation and exclusion for disabled people, improving their overall wellbeing. Through the connections within the community and the work of the organization, Diversability aims to achieve representation and economic self-sufficiency for disabled people.

      Hired works with Diversability to provide community members a resource to find employment within the tech and sales space. This partnership aligns in the vision to create a world where all hiring is equitable, efficient, and transparent. Diversability encourages people with and without disabilities to check out their resources and community to connect with others, find support, or become an ally.

      Hired also partners with Diversability to educate the working world on disability representation and support in the workplace. If you’re an employer looking to make sure your organization creates a safe and accessible workplace for disabled employees, check out this article from Diversability: “Top 10 Disability Workplace Accommodations: How Does Your Company Measure Up?”

      Other resources for disclosing a disability during a job search

      Here’s to landing your dream job however you ultimately decide to navigate the process. Don’t forget to check out other listings on the Hired blog to assist with getting your job ready.

      Hired is the most efficient way to find a tech or a sales role you love today. With unbiased insights, DEI tools, skill assessments, and dedicated Candidate Experience Managers, Hired works with over 10,000 companies around the world to connect thousands of active and qualified candidates to employ their full potential. After registering, platform job seekers match with top employers thanks to better data, preference curation, and compensation transparency. Backed by The Adecco Group, Hired is rated by G2 as a leader in Recruiting Automation, Job Search Sites, and Diversity Recruiting. 

      Catarina Rivera, MSEd, MPH, CPACC, a disabled public speaker, DEI consultant, and content creator contributed to this article. More