Guest Post by Patrick Young  

Patrick Young is an educator and activist. He believes people with disabilities must live within a unique set of circumstances – the outside world often either underestimates them or ignores their needs altogether. He created Able USA to offer helpful resources to people with disabilities and to provide advice on navigating various aspects of life as a person with disabilities.

These days, technology makes nearly every aspect of our lives easier. When it comes to boosting your career or starting out in a new field, there are several ways that tech can help you get started, and they can be especially helpful if you are living with a disability. From finding the right job that allows you to work from home to finding physical tools(https://www.itbusiness.ca/news/six-ways-technology-can-help-disabled-employees/16544) to make your job easier, there are many apps, sites, and pieces of tech that can help you find what you need.

Getting Started 

Before you get started, consider what might help you the most. Do you need to find a job in a new field? Are you looking for something more challenging than your last job? Perhaps you want a career that allows you some freedom when it comes to flexible hours  (https://blog.cheapism.com/flexible-jobs/) or something that will give you the chance to work with other disabled individuals. Carefully consider your needs and how best to ensure that they are met no matter which career path you choose.

Here are a few great tips on how to utilize tech when it comes to your career.

Job Hunting

When searching for a new job, you can make the process much easier by using staffing firms. In addition to traditional staffing agencies in and around your area, you may also benefit from contacting a firm that specializes in helping disabled individuals connect with jobs that suit their skillset. For example, SourceAbled (https://www.sourceabled.com/) prides itself on “an integrated solution for attracting and hiring qualified talent with unique abilities.”

Alternatively, many companies use  these (https://www.entrepreneur.com/slideshow/299320) online job boards to recruit freelancers, whether they’re looking for web development, IT, writing, or legal help. You can narrow down your search according to various factors, including freelance work, which is often perfect for individuals with mobility issues who prefer remote work (https://www.upwork.com/i/how-it-works/freelancer/). Most job boards even have apps that can help you easily keep up with the jobs you’ve applied for, as well as which employer have new openings.

Use an App for Interviews and Research

These days, there are tons of apps you can download that will help you with everything from figuring out the best interview tactics to researching the company you’re interested in. You can even prepare for interviews (https://zety.com/blog/interview-tips) by utilizing an app with a live video session, which will help you figure out your strengths and weaknesses.

Build Up Your Resume

It can be tricky to start out on a new job path or to try and advance your career after years of working in the same field, but one of the best ways to get started is to build up your resume and turn it into a glowing review of your past work. If you need a boost, consider hiring a résumé-writing professional who can help you create one that will garner attention from the best employers.

Make Connection a Priority

Last, but certainly not least, one of the easiest ways to stay connected with clients, customers, or employees is to have the right tools (https://zooxsmart.com/en/tools-we-love-for-remote-management/). These days, there are numerous online services that facilitate virtual meetings, allow you to share files and keep track of tasks. Plus, if you become adept (https://www.skillcrush.com/blog/remote-resume/) in these collaboration tools, you’ll get bonus points from potential employers or clients. Just be sure you’re covered security-wise (https://www.verizon.com/info/digital-security/) on your network and devices to ward off any cybersecurity issues.

Using tech to advance your career can help you find a fantastic new job or fuel your career with new opportunities, but it’s important to find the right tools for your needs. So, put together a plan before you get started so you’ll have a good idea of where to look, and keep your abilities in mind before making any major decisions.