CV Support
Empower your career with Undeniable's CV Solutions. Explore top tips on crafting an effective CV, revealing how to confidently disclose your disability to employers, and gain insights into optimizing your professional profile. Together, we can illuminate your strengths, skills, and unique experiences to help you stand out in the job market
CV Tips
Discover the art of crafting a compelling CV with our curated advice designed for individuals with disabilities. Master the techniques of presenting your skills, experiences, and qualifications that showcases your potential.
Disability Disclosure
Grapple with the complexities of disability disclosure with our in-depth guidance. Understand when, why, and how you might choose to disclose your disability to potential employers, and learn about the legal protections in place.
Retraining and Reentering the Workforce
Take your career reins after a life-changing event with our advice on retraining and reentering the workforce. Whether you're returning after an injury or a diagnosis, we provide insight into identifying transferable skills, leveraging retraining opportunities, and confidently addressing employment gaps or career changes.
Students and Graduates
Discover the art of crafting a compelling CV with our curated advice designed for individuals with disabilities. Master the techniques of presenting your skills, experiences, and qualifications that showcases your potential.
CV Tips
1 / Writing A CV
Your CV serves as the primary introduction to potential employers, encapsulating your journey, skills, and potential. It's your platform to highlight:
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Your academic background and professional experience
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The core competencies you would contribute to the job role.
Creating a CV can feel like a challenging task, especially when it involves reflecting and writing about your own abilities and experiences. However, with the right guidance and tools, you can successfully portray yourself in an impressive and compelling light. Common practice involves drafting your CV in a word processing software like Microsoft Word, saved in the universally accessible '.doc' format.
Check out these resources to help streamline the process and create an effective CV:
Remember, your CV is more than just a document; it's a snapshot of your unique journey.
2 / Academic and Professional Accomplishments:
Your academic qualifications and professional experiences form the foundation of your CV. They provide a chronological illustration of your career path and academic journey. Be sure to include every stage of your education, the institutions you attended, and the qualifications you earned. Similarly, list your work experiences, starting with the most recent. Detail your roles, responsibilities, achievements, and the skills you acquired. Showcasing these experiences offers potential employers a snapshot of your capabilities and highlights your suitability for the role at hand.
3 / Include References
Include references or a note stating "References available upon request." References can provide validation of your skills and work experience.
4 / Maintain Brevity:
Employers typically skim CVs, often dealing with a significant number at a time. To increase your chances of making an impact, keep your CV succinct and aim for a maximum of two pages. Be concise and include only the most pertinent details about your education, work experience, and skills. Every word should add value and relate directly to the job for which you're applying. Remember, your CV is not an autobiography, but a high-level summary of your professional journey, designed to get you to the interview stage. Providing concise, relevant, and compelling information will make you stand out among the sea of applicants
5 / Highlight Transferable Skills:
When detailing your abilities, consider the transferable skills you've developed, particularly as a result of adapting to your disability. These skills, such as adaptability, resilience, and innovative problem-solving, are highly valued in the workplace. Make sure to give them the attention they deserve on your CV. Show potential employers how you've used these skills to overcome challenges and deliver results.
6 / Include Voluntary Work or Internships:
If you have limited work experience, include any internships or voluntary work you've undertaken. These experiences can demonstrate a range of transferable skills, your initiative, and your commitment.
7 / Seek Review
Creating a powerful CV is an important step in your professional journey. To ensure that your CV accurately highlights your skills and experiences, consider seeking reviews and feedback from a variety of sources.
Professional career advisors can provide expert insights and suggestions to help you improve your CV. They have a deep understanding of what employers are looking for and can provide advice tailored to your specific industry and career goals.
Don't underestimate the value of personal connections and acquaintances in your network. People who know you well can offer valuable perspectives on how you're presenting yourself in your CV. They can point out strengths you might be underselling or provide constructive criticism on areas for improvement.
Recruiters, who regularly sift through stacks of CVs and understand what catches an employer's eye, can also offer invaluable feedback. Their expertise can guide you in fine-tuning your CV to stand out in the competitive job market.
Finally, take advantage of innovative technology by using generative AI tools. These tools can scan your CV, comparing it against the requirements of specific job roles, and suggest improvements to better align your CV with the position. This AI-driven review ensures your CV is optimised to navigate both human recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) effectively.
Disability Disclosure
Disclosure Dilemma: Navigating Disability Disclosure in the Workplace
Navigating the world of work as an individual with a disability involves important considerations around disclosure. According to a 2020 report from the House of Commons Library, there are approximately 7.7 million working-age individuals with disabilities in the UK, with an employment rate of 54%. This is compared to an 82% employment rate for those without disabilities. While legal protections exist under the Equality Act 2010, individuals with disabilities still face a complex landscape when it comes to employment opportunities and disclosing their disability.
Disclosure, at its core, is a personal choice and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to do what feels right for you and fits your circumstances. Here are some essential aspects to consider:
Potential Benefits of Disclosure:
Disclosing a disability may allow you to access reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, such as a sign language interpreter or step-free access. This is part of your rights under the Equality Act. Furthermore, once employed, your workplace can continue to implement necessary adjustments.
Disclosure could also open the doors to additional opportunities offered by the Disability Confident scheme, which promotes inclusive and accessible recruitment practices.
Perhaps one of the most empowering aspects of disclosure is the ability to leverage your disability as a strength, especially in roles where your personal experiences offer unique insights or capabilities.
Lastly, disclosure can provide an honest explanation for any career breaks or gaps on your CV, allowing you to control the narrative.
Potential Challenges of Disclosure:
Despite existing protections, discrimination continues to be a reality. Disclosing your disability could inadvertently lead to negative biases.
In some cases, your initial impression might be overshadowed by your disability, detracting from your professional capabilities and achievements.
Some employers, particularly those not fully informed about disability rights and accommodations, might see potential extra costs in hiring.
Lastly, it's important to remember that disclosure is a personal matter. You may simply not feel comfortable sharing this information, and that is entirely valid.
When to Disclose:
Disclosure timing is a personal decision and should fit your comfort level and needs. It could be in your cover letter, during the interview, or when you receive a job offer. Remember, the goal of disclosure is to ensure you can perform your job to the best of your abilities and access any necessary accommodations.
In the end, disclosure is an aspect of job hunting where you have full control. Do your research, understand your rights, and choose what feels best for you. Also, consider making use of resources such as free CV reviews and career counselling services to present yourself in the best possible light. Remember, your disability is just one part of who you are and does not define your potential or value as a professional.
Transitioning Your CV
Leveraging Your Strengths: Transferring Skills Post-Injury or Diagnosis:
Adapting your CV following a significant life change such as a disability diagnosis or injury may seem daunting, but there are numerous ways to highlight your unique skills and experiences. Understanding how to convey your transferable skills can make all the difference in showcasing your capabilities and potential. Here are some tips to guide you through this transition:
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Evaluate Your Skills: Begin by taking stock of all your skills. Consider not just those gained from employment, but also those acquired through hobbies, volunteering, or life experiences. Don't overlook skills you've gained or strengthened due to your diagnosis or injury, such as resilience, problem-solving, or adaptability.
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Highlight Your Transferable Skills: Once you've assessed your skills, identify those that are relevant to the jobs you're seeking. These could include communication skills, leadership, project management, or technical skills like proficiency in specific software. Structure your CV to highlight these transferable skills in your experience section.
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Use Positive Language: Frame your experiences positively. Focus on accomplishments and growth rather than gaps or limitations. Use active, positive language such as "achieved," "managed," or "improved".
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Consider a Functional CV: If you're transitioning into a new field or have gaps in your employment due to your injury or diagnosis, consider using a functional CV format. This format emphasizes skills over chronological work history, which can be particularly useful in highlighting how your skills are relevant to the job you're applying for.
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Explain Gaps if Necessary: If there are significant gaps in your employment history, it may be helpful to provide a brief explanation. Frame this positively, focusing on what you gained during this time, such as new skills or experiences.
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Seek Feedback: Ask others to review your CV, ideally people in your desired industry or individuals who have experience working with individuals with disabilities. They can provide valuable insight and help ensure you're effectively communicating your skills and experiences.
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Utilize AI Tools: Many online platforms offer AI-driven CV review services that can give you detailed feedback and suggest improvements. These tools can help you tailor your CV to specific roles, making sure you emphasize the skills and experiences that align with the job description.
Remember, your CV is just a snapshot of your professional self. Its purpose is to get you to the interview stage where you can further discuss and demonstrate your abilities and fit for the job.
Students & Graduate
Top Tips for Students and Graduates with Disabilities: Navigating the Job Market
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Seek Work Experience: Get hands-on experience through internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, or work-study programs. This will not only help you understand the professional environment but also enable you to build a strong CV and network.
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Professional Development: Continually expand your skill set by attending workshops, webinars, and training sessions. Look for online courses or certifications related to your field of interest to boost your CV.
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Identify Top Disability Employers: Research and identify companies that are known for their disability-friendly policies. Use resources such as the Disability Equality Index (DEI) to find organisations that are committed to inclusion.
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Prepare in Advance: Graduation season is a busy time for job applications. Stay prepared by having your CV and cover letter ready to go. Update them regularly to reflect any new skills, experiences, or accomplishments.
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Know When to Apply: Keep a calendar of when graduate schemes and jobs typically open for applications, as many have specific recruitment periods. Being proactive and applying early can give you a competitive edge.
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Leverage University Resources: Utilize your university's career services. They can offer tailored advice, CV reviews, interview preparation, and often have connections with alumni or local employers.
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Network: Attend job fairs, networking events, and industry conferences. Building a strong professional network can open doors to opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.
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Join Disability Student Groups: Being part of disability-specific student groups can provide a supportive environment, shared resources, and opportunities to meet with disability-friendly employers.
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Don't Overlook Small and Medium Sized Companies: While large companies often have well-publicized disability initiatives, smaller companies can also provide great opportunities and may offer more flexibility or personalized accommodations.
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Self-Care: Job hunting can be stressful. Remember to take care of your mental and physical health during the process. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule can help manage stress levels.
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Be Positive: Remember that every experience, whether it's a successful job application or a rejection, is a learning opportunity. Stay positive, persistent, and confident in your abilities.
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Know Your Rights: Understanding your rights under the Equality Act 2010 is crucial. You're entitled to reasonable accommodations during both the application process and once you're employed.
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Remember, your Disability is a Strength: Your unique experiences have shaped you and can add diverse perspectives to any team. Use this to your advantage during applications and interviews.
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Work on Soft Skills: Teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are all highly valued by employers. These can often be demonstrated through non-work experiences like clubs, sports, or volunteering.
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Use AI Tools for CV Review: Make use of AI-based CV review tools. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions to enhance your CV and increase your chances of landing an interview.