Looking for work

Photo of two people talking

We're working to help people with sight loss overcome the barriers they sometimes face when looking for work: if you're looking for work, this section can provide information and advice to help.

Starting a job search can be a daunting task. There are a bewildering number of job roles in the labour market and sometimes it can be hard to know what you could and should be applying for. It is worth remembering that you are protected under the Equality Act 2010, which applies to the whole of the recruitment process. Employers have a duty to anticipate your requirements at every stage, from accessing vacancies, filling out application forms, to interview tests.

The most important thing to remember in your job search is that there is support available to help you from organisations like RNIB and Jobcentre Plus.

A new RNIB course for jobseekers

RNIB's new free online jobseeker course has been designed to help people with sight loss decide the next steps to take when thinking about employment. We've called on the experience of our professional employment advisors to put together their top tips for a successful approach to looking for work. The course has been tested by people with sight loss to make sure it's easy to use, addresses their job search queries and is fully accessible.

The online course is packed full of practical advice, including:

  • What you need to do before applying for jobs
  • Where to find opportunities
  • How to complete a CV
  • The best way to fill in an application form
  • How to tackle interviews
  • Behaviour and safety in the workplace
  • Where to get help

You can choose to do the sections most relevant to you, or do the whole course. If you do the whole course, it will take you around 50 minutes. You can start and stop, skip forward or backwards and take as much time as you need to complete it. Once you sign up the course will be available for you to revisit any time you want to refresh your job search skills.

Click here to register for the course

Note: For the best user experience, we recommend using the most up-to-date versions of Chrome, Edge, or Safari. Other browsers, including Internet Explorer may affect the running of the courses.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a great way to gain skills, get a nationally recognised qualification and earn money at the same time. For National Apprenticeship Week 2021 RNIB Employment advisor Heather Barbara talked to one young man with sight loss about how apprenticeships have helped employers and people of all ages and backgrounds.

Read his apprenticeship story here

 

Further information

We have also produced a series of detailed factsheets about looking for work, covering all of the topics contained in this section in more detail:

    How we can help

    Job search resources

    Investigating job leads is a crucial skill in looking for employment. In order to be successful at finding a range of vacancies you will need to use a variety of methods.
    PIP Form

    Application forms and covering letters

    Many employers now ask candidates to complete an application form for every vacancy they apply for. Find out more and read an example cover letter.
    How to apply

    Writing a CV

    A curriculum vitae (CV) outlines your personal details and your relevant skills, experience and qualifications. Find out more and read example CVs.

     
    Photo of two people talking

    Disclosing a disability

    There are no rules in relation to disclosure and you do not have to tell an employer about your disability. It is up to you to decide if, and at what point in applying for a job, you let an employer know that you have sight loss.
    A woman being interviewed by two other people

    Interviews and tests

    If you are getting to the interview stage it means that you have identified suitable career options that match your skills, knowledge and qualifications.
    A handshake between two people wearing suits

    Starting a new job

    The first day of a new job is daunting for everyone, but it can seem particularly daunting if you have sight loss. Discover how this can be made easier.

    Woman in headphones sits at a desk before a computer.

    Join our new looking for work webinars with RNIB and Blind Ambition.

    RNIB and Blind Ambition are pleased to invite you to our new series of free hour-long webinars to support job seekers with sight loss to find work and get to the next stage of your career. This could be finding a new role, entering employment, starting an apprenticeship or starting up a new business. Over the next few months, we will be covering a range of topics from help with CV writing, different ways to market yourself, interview tips and much more.

    Click here to find out more about our looking for work webinars

    This is your future - a career guide for disabled students, by disabled students

    This guide - produced by Leonard Cheshire Disability - provides you with the information that you need to kickstart your career. It was written by and for disabled students.

    Leonard Cheshire's internship programme

    Leonard Cheshire run an internship programme which brings together the UK’s top employers and talented disabled students. Details of the programme can be found at the Leonard Cheshire website. 

    DWP guidance for young disabled people looking to find and stay in work

    The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) have produced a guide to help young disabled people find and stay in work. It includes advice on role models, careers advice, Disability Employment Advisers, workplace training, adjustments in the workplace, higher education, work experience and more.

    Visit the GOV.UK website to download a copy of the help and support for young disabled people to find and stay in work guide.