Finding employment can be a significant challenge for people with disabilities! This is particularly true in rural areas where transportation options are limited and businesses may be less familiar with the benefits of hiring job seekers with disabilities. Employment consultants play a crucial role in navigating these challenges, and one of the most effective tools at their disposal is social capital.
What is Social Capital?
Social capital refers to the networks of relationships among people who live and work together. For employment consultants, social capital can include connections with friends, family, colleagues, mentors and organizations. These relationships can be crucial for accessing job opportunities, obtaining workplace accommodations and maintaining successful careers for job seekers.
Building Social Capital
To leverage social capital effectively, it is essential to build it first. Here’s how employment consultants can cultivate and strengthen their social networks:
- Relationships: Remember to foster positive, professional relationships with people in your community whenever possible. The right connection can come when you least expect it, even in line at the store! Be open to relationships with other professionals, even if they aren’t in a hiring role or have open positions. They may be able to connect you to other businesses, resources, or advice.
- Access to Job-Related Resources: Organizations, job boards and community groups that focus on employment can provide valuable information and connections.
- Influence: Connect with individuals who have influence within organizations or industries. A well-placed recommendation can significantly impact the relationship building process.
- Willingness to Help: Give back to your network by offering help to make their workplace more accessible or sharing knowledge about hiring practices. Reciprocity strengthens relationships and can lead to future opportunities.
- Diversity of Networks: Build diverse networks that include people from various backgrounds and industries. A broad network increases opportunities to connect with professionals in more types of industries.
- Shared Interests or Goals: Think about joining or meeting with groups or individuals who share similar interests or career goals. These connections can provide motivation, mutual support, and opportunities. You may also encourage job seekers to do the same.
Using Social Capital
Once social capital is built, it’s crucial to use it strategically. Here are some ways employment support professionals can leverage their networks:
- Reach Out for Advice and Information: Consult with your network when exploring new industries, opportunities, or need advice on job development.
- Ask for Introductions: Ask for introductions to potential employers or industry professionals. A personal introduction can make a significant difference in the hiring process. We LOVE an email intro!
- Share Goals: Be open about your goals. People are more likely to offer help if they understand the objectives & are provided with simple ways to help you reach them. Make sure to learn their goals as well and provide your expertise where you can.
- Follow Up and Stay Connected: Maintain these relationships over time by following up with contacts and staying connected. Regular communication helps keep the network active and supportive. Recommend a book or attend a networking event together, anytime you communicate, you’re strengthening the relationship.
A Collaborative Approach
It’s important to remember that social capital isn’t just the responsibility of employment consultants. Job seekers also have their networks, which can be invaluable in the job search process. By combining the social capital of both the job seeker and the employment consultant, the process becomes more collaborative and effective. This combined effort can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible.
In the complex landscape of supported employment, social capital is a powerful tool that can help bridge the gap between challenges and opportunities. By building and leveraging strong, diverse networks, employment consultants can empower job seekers with disabilities to find fulfilling and sustainable employment! Reach out to HireAbility if you need support.