How I Dealt With my Sight Loss at 52

Summary:
Here is a quick summary of my journey from a vice president of sales for an engineering firm to formation of my own sales training company -- and what I learned in the process about job hunting when you have a disability.

I was 52 years old, married one year and the Vice President of Sales for an engineering firm when, due to complications during back surgery, I lost my sight.

My first thoughts were to do whatever was necessary to re-capture the wonderful life I had. A priority was getting back to work.

Although I was concerned about my ability to do everyday routine activities such as traveling or finding the rest room, I was confident I could perform the most important aspects of my job.

Being blind was my problem, and I appreciated an employer not wanting to make it "their problem." Realistically, I knew an employer would be concerned over the legalities of terminating a person with a disability.

So, I returned as an un-paid volunteer for the first month. This status gave them an "out," if my colleagues and superiors felt I could not perform. My offer removed their fears and allowed me an opportunity to show them I could perform. It also gave me an opportunity to prove to myself I could function as a blind person in the work environment.

Well, I went back on the payroll but, unfortunately, the location of the office made traveling difficult. So, after six months, I decided to find other employment.

The first step was networking. Regardless of a disability, networking is the most effective way to find employment. I spoke to everyone I knew. I alerted my friends, relatives and especially former employers and co-workers.

I was offered a telephone sales position. The hourly rate was very low at $6.30 per hour plus commissions. This salary was less than my disability income, but my focus was working full time, maximizing my income and establishing a new career.

My first objective was to "get my foot in the door." The first year I earned five times the base salary. I was promoted to a sales trainer and later became the company's Regional Recruiter.

Last year, I started my own business, ProActive Sales, Inc. ProActive Sales is a recruiting and sales training company with a focus on "going beyond your comfort zone." In life, as in sales, you need to push yourself to be successful and gain financial independence.

So, when seeking employment you need to do "all the right things" and more. Having a disability certainly makes the process more difficult, but there is nothing you can do to change that reality.

Here are some of my recommendations for you, if you're a job seeker with a disability:

• Make sure your resume is perfect.
  
  
• Dress for success.
  
  
• Practice your presentation and take charge of the job interview. The more the interviewer gets to know and like you the less your disability will be a factor.
  
  
• Avoid dwelling on your disability.
  
  
• Be strong and ensure the interviewer you have the ability to perform.
  
  
• Let those interviewing you know you appreciate their concerns and understand their reluctance to hire you. Express confidence and "ask for the job."
  
  
• Be friendly, outgoing, and assertive and maintain eye contact. That goes a very long way in gaining an interviewer's confidence in you.
  
  
• Avoid assuming you can't get -- or didn't get -- the job.
  

Today, most people aren't assertive. So, make the follow-up telephone call and, if necessary, make a second follow-up call. Just because you didn't hear back from a job interviewer or the contact who received your resume doesn't mean they don't want you. It could simply mean they are busy. So, contact them. By following up, you express interest in the job and employer and show you have what it takes to get the job done.

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Editor's note:

You can contact Jeremiah at his business, ProActive Sales, Inc., by e-mail at proactivesales@optonline.net or by phone at 914-302-6477.

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