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How to Sell Yourself and Win Over Employers
When you begin applying for jobs, you'll no doubt face
competition. Let's explore strategies and tactics that will help put you
in the lead!
Contents:
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Tax Credits and Incentives for Employers
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As you begin looking for work and contacting employers, you'll
want to become aware of and knowledgeable about tax incentives available for
businesses that hire and accommodate people with disabilities.
The following tax credits and deductions are available to
businesses who employ and/or accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Contents:
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Federal Tax Credits and Deductions for Employers
As tax credits and deductions are subject to change, be sure to
contact the Internal Revenue Service for current information.
Internal Revenue Service
1-800-829-1040 or 1-800-829-4059 (TTY)
For additional information about the following tax credits and
deductions, see:
Disability.gov
Locate Tax Credits and Deductions on the main menu.
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Work Opportunity Tax Credit
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The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (formerly known as the Targeted Jobs Tax
Credit) encourages employers to hire workers from nine targeted groups of
job seekers by reducing the employers Federal Tax liability by as much as
$2,400 for each new hire during the person's first year of work. The tax
credit
is 40 percent of the first $6,000, or $2,400 in wages paid the first 12
months
for each new hire.
Job seekers who may qualify include:
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Vocational
rehabilitation referrals
(including the State Vocational Rehabilitation Division,
Commission for the Blind, and Veterans Vocational
Rehabilitation Services) |
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Welfare
recipients |
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Supplemental
Security Income benefit recipients |
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18-to-24-year-old
food stamp recipients |
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18-to-24-year-old
residents of Empowerment Zones
or Enterprise Communities (EZs and ECs) |
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Veterans |
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Ex-felons
or work-release inmates from low-income
families |
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16-to-17
year-old EZ or EC residents hired as
"summer youth employees" |
This credit is subject to yearly Congressional renewal.
For specific qualification information and instructions for employers, see:
IRS Form 8850
Instructions (PDF - requires Adobe Reader)
IRS Forms,
Instructions, and Publications
For additional information, see:
Work Opportunity
Tax Credit Information and Instructions
(Oregon Employment Department)
Employers:
9 Ways to Earn Federal Income Tax Credits for Your Company
(PDF) - U.S Department of Labor
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Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit
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The Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit encourages employers to hire long-term
welfare recipients by reducing the employers' Federal Tax liability by up
to
$8,500 for each new hire during the worker's first two years of employment.
Job seekers who qualify include:
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Individuals
who have received Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TANF) for at least 18 months, or |
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Individuals
whose TANF eligibility has expired under Federal
or State law. |
For specific qualification information and instructions for employers, see:
IRS Form 8850
Instructions (PDF- Requires Adobe Reader)
IRS Forms,
Instructions, and Publications
For additional information, see:
Welfare-to-Work
Tax Credit Information and Instructions
(Oregon Employment Division)
Employers:
9 Ways to Earn Federal Income Tax Credits for Your Company
(U.S. Department of Labor) - PDF (Requires Adobe Reader)
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Disabled Access Credit
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The Disabled Access Credit provides an annual tax credit for small
businesses that incur expenses through compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities (ADA) of 1990. Eligible small businesses are those
that
earned a maximum of $1 million in revenue the previous year or had
30 or fewer full-time employees.
In addition, employers may deduct costs of removing barriers to
employment for people with disabilities, and services to customers.
Examples of expenses would include:
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Sign
language interpreters for employees or customers
with hearing impairments; |
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Readers
for employees or customers with vision
impairments; |
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The
purchase of adaptive equipment or equipment
modifications; |
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Adapting
print material to alternate formats, such as
large print, audio tape, or braille; |
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Removal
of architectural barriers in buildings or
vehicles. |
The credit is 50 percent of expenditures over $250, not to exceed $10,250,
for a maximum benefit of $5,000. The credit is available every
year. The
credit can be carried over for 15 years. The credit does not apply to
new
construction, and a building being modified must have been placed in
service
before November 5, 1990.
For more information, see:
IRS Disabled Access
Credit - Form 8826 and Instructions (PDF - Requires
Adobe Reader)
The instructions for Form 8826 are on Web page 2 immediately
following the sample form.
The
U.S. Department of Labor's Employer Incentives Publication
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Architectural / Transportation Tax Deduction
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This deduction is an allowance for costs associated with removing barriers
to the disabled and the elderly.
Any business can take an annual deduction for expenses incurred for making
a facility or public transportation vehicle more accessible and usable
by
people with disabilities and the elderly. Businesses may take a tax
deduction of up to $15,000 a year for expenses incurred to remove barriers.
Amounts in excess of the $15,000 maximum annual deduction may be
depreciated.
Examples might include the cost to:
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Provide
accessible parking spaces, ramps, and curb cuts; |
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Provide
telephones, water fountains, and restrooms which
are accessible to persons using wheelchairs; |
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widening
walkways to at least 48 inches wide. |
Accessibility standards, established under IRS Section 190 regulations,
must
be met for expenses to be deductible.
Expenses not covered would be costs incurred for new construction, a
complete renovation of a facility or public transportation vehicle, or the
normal replacement of depreciable property.
For further information, see:
Architectural/Transportation
Tax Deduction - Barrier Removal: IRS Publication
535 (See Chapter 8) - Business Expenses (PDF - Requires Adobe
Reader)
Go to Chapter 8, Costs You Can Deduct or Capitalize, in
Publication
535.
The
U.S. Department of Labor's Employer Incentives Publication
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Oregon Tax Credits For Employers
The following programs may be subject to change. Be sure
to check with the Oregon Department of Revenue for current
information! Visit their web site at:
Oregon Department of
Revenue
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Oregon First Break Program
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The Oregon First Break Program provides an Oregon State tax
credit for
Oregon employers who hire targeted youth that face significant barriers
to employment, including youth with disabilities.
The Program authorizes a tax credit for wages paid to each
eligible youth
hired. The Program is administered by the Oregon Employment Department
and is operated by community-based organizations approved by the
Oregon Employment Department.
For further information, see:
Oregon
First Break Program (Oregon Employment Department)
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Oregon's Preferred Worker Program
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Oregon's Preferred Worker Program enables employers who
maintain
Oregon workers' compensation insurance to not pay workers'
compensation insurance premiums on a Preferred Worker for up to
3 years from the date the worker starts work. A Preferred Workers
is an employee with a permanent disability as a result of a disabling
compensable injury or disease sustained on the job in Oregon.
The employer receives 50 percent wage reimbursement for the
Preferred Worker for six months. Job modifications are limited to
$25,000 on the claim. The following web site provides additional
program benefit information.
For further information, see:
Oregon's
Preferred Worker Program (Oregon Workers' Compensation)
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Washington State Tax Credits For Employers
The following companion bills were introduced during the 2002
legislative session:
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HB 1526 - Providing Tax Credits for the
Employment of Persons with Disabilities
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SB 5611 - Providing Tax Credits for the
Employment of Persons with Disabilities |
To check the status of these bills, or to read the text of the
bills, see the following
web site:
Washington
State Legislature Web Site
At the web site, and using the web site search feature,
enter the above House Bill or Senate Bill number.
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Building Up Your Work Experience
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When you begin applying for jobs, employers will likely ask - What work experience do you have?
Employers are more likely to hire someone with work experience
and a proven track record - someone who can provide references the employer can
contact for information regarding your work performance. Quite simply,
employers don't like to gamble. They want to lower their risk as much as
possible. And quite honestly, an applicant with no prior work experience
or job references is viewed as a gamble.
If you're a student or person with no prior work history, you
may be asking: How can I get work experience and references employers
want for entry-level jobs if no one will hire me without experience? How
can I possibly gain a competitive edge over other applicants?
By thinking out of the box, you'll be surprised to discover the
number of ways you can gain work experience to increase your chances of getting
hired. Following is just a partial list of possible ways.
As you look over the following list, keep in mind experience
doesn't have to be paid experience. Non-paid experience can be just as
valuable to employers. It's the experience and work record that
counts. And references. Good references.
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Ways to Gain Work Experience and Job References
What You Can Do on Your Own:
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Yard work for others |
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Housework for others |
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Babysitting |
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Pet-sitting or providing dog walking services for
others |
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House-sitting or caring for neighbors' homes while
they're away |
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Running errands or providing assistance to an
elderly
neighbor, friend, or family member |
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Providing typing services to others |
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Assisting others with computer training needs |
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Tutoring a neighbor's child |
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Helping a neighbor plant and maintain a garden |
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Assisting a neighbor on a home project |
What You Can Do Through Your School or College:
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Volunteering to help with school or college events |
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Volunteering to assist school or college employees |
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Participating in a school- or college-sponsored
work
experience program |
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Participating in an internship related to your major |
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Participating in a major-related Cooperative
Work
Experience program offered through the college |
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Serving on a committee |
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Providing tutoring assistance or instructional support
at your school or college |
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Providing clerical assistance |
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Volunteering to answer phones, greet and direct
visitors,
run errands, or copy and collate paperwork |
What You Can Do Through a Club, Church or Organization:
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Volunteering to help with an event or fund-raising
activity |
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Volunteering to help work on a newsletter - stapling,
folding,
stuffing envelopes, and labeling |
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Volunteering to provide office help and support -
typing,
answering phones, copying, and filing |
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Volunteering to work on a phone bank by making calls |
What You Can Do in the Community:
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Volunteering at an animal shelter or animal rescue
organization |
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Volunteering in a library or school-sponsored
children's reading
program |
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Volunteering at a nursing care facility |
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Volunteering at a local food bank or homeless shelter |
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Volunteering at a thrift store operated by a nonprofit
organization |
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Volunteering to work on a political campaign - phone
calling,
distributing leaflets, and preparing mailings |
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Volunteering to work on an environmental clean-up
or
restoration activity |
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Serving on a committee |
As you can see, there are many ways to get experience!
This is just a sample list, and no doubt you can think of many other ideas.
No matter what type of work you do, you'll be able to build a
list of references. Be sure to ask each person you work with if you can
use his or her name as a possible reference. Make note and file the
person's name, address, and phone number so you'll have contact information
you'll need when you apply for a job.
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As you get ready to prepare applications, write your resume, and
get ready for interviews, you may be wondering - What are
employers looking for? What do employers want?
Quite simply, the answer is low-risk employees.
Not only are employers looking for workers with needed
qualifications, employers are looking for workers who demonstrate the following
characteristics:
| Commitment
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Employers desire workers who are more likely to stay on the
job for a period
of time to avoid the time and expense of having to retrain new workers.
Employers look closely at the length of time an applicant has worked for
other employers, and how frequently the applicant has changed jobs in the
past. If you show a steady long-term track record, you'll have an added
"edge" among applicants.
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Reliability
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Employers desire workers they can depend on to get the work
done.
Employers look for signs of responsibility. If you have
a track record of
achieving accomplishments in school, extracurricular activities, volunteer
assignments, or previous paid jobs, you'll have an advantage over other
applicants.
If you're punctual and arrive to interviews on time, you'll
have an advantage
as well. Employers will only hire applicants they feel will be
responsible
and reliable on the job.
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Interest
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Employers desire workers who have an interest in the job and
the company.
Employees who enjoy what they do and are well-matched for the
job will
experience far greater job satisfaction - and will more likely stay with the
company for a longer period of time. You'll have an advantage if you
display
genuine enthusiasm and interest in the job and the company.
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Compatibility
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Employers desire workers who are likable and will be
compatible team
players.
Employers look for applicants who get along well with others,
and whose
working styles, methods, and personal traits seem well-suited for the
company. Simply stated, employers look for applicants who will fit in
and work well with an established team. You'll have an advantage if you
appear friendly, cooperative, and likable - and you project a positive
team spirit.
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Professionalism
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Employers desire workers who adhere to workplace standards in
their
communication, dress, and conduct.
Employers look for applicants who present themselves
professionally
in applications, resumes, and interviews. Professional appearance
and conduct are a must at all times. You'll have an advantage if you
consistently look and act professional.
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Confidence
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Employers desire workers who feel confident in their ability
to do the work.
Employers are attracted to applicants who project a
"can-do" attitude, and
project confidence in their ability to meet job demands. You'll have an
advantage if you project inner confidence in your abilities to get the job
done.
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Perseverance
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Employers desire workers who can complete job tasks in a
timely manner.
Employers look for applicants who demonstrate an ability to
stick to tasks
and complete work assignments by set deadlines. You'll have an advantage
if you can demonstrate an ability to stick to tasks and achieve goals through
your accomplishments and achievements.
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Coping
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Employers desire workers who can work under pressure and
manage stress.
Employers look for workers who can perform effectively under
stressful
conditions and maintain professionalism. You'll have an advantage if you
can cite examples demonstrating how you absorb and cope with stress,
and how you effectively handle stressful situations in a professional manner.
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Attitude
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Employers desire workers who help create and build a positive
work
environment.
Employers look for applicants who display a positive attitude
toward work
and appear to be positive by nature. Simply stated, positive-minded
people
create a more positive and healthy work environment.
You'll have an advantage if you project a positive attitude
and spirit!
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Reasons Why People are Hired
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According to employers, the following are reasons why employers select and hire
applicants:
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Professional and neat personal appearance
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Likable; friendly
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Shows ability to be a good team player
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Possesses required skills and training
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Expresses information clearly
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Has good awareness of strengths and abilities
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Shows interest and enthusiasm
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Has clear career goals
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Demonstrates confidence and poise
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Does not emphasize money and benefits
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Shows willingness to start at entry-level
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Shows tact and courtesy
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Shows maturity
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Shows a positive attitude
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Shows an ability to solve problems
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Shows respect for the interviewer
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Displays positive attitude about past employers
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Displays genuine interest in the company and job
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Is well-informed about the company and job
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Makes eye contact with the interviewer
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Application form is complete and neat
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Shows sense of humor
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Arrives promptly for interview
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Expresses appreciation for interviewer's time
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Asks questions about the job
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Gives clear and direct responses to questions
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Shares things in common with the interviewer
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Has realistic salary expectations
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Shows responsibility
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Has a good work record
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Shows willingness to learn and upgrade skills
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Shows flexibility
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Displays a strong work ethic
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