Looking for work

If you are looking for work, this section can provide information and advice to help you.

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, Action for Blind People and Jobcentre Plus.

The Action for Blind People website offers information on work experience opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.

We also produce a detailed factsheet, covering all of the topics contained in this section in more detail:

• Looking for work factsheet (Word, 495 KB)

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.

Our Job search resources section provides information on various sources of help to search for jobs.

Application forms and covering letters

Many employers now ask candidates to complete an application form for every vacancy they apply for.

Visit our Application forms and covering letter section for more information, and to see an example covering letter.

Writing a CV

A curriculum vitae (CV) outlines your personal details and your relevant skills, experience and qualifications.

Visit our Writing a CV section for more information and to see some example CVs.

Disclosing a disability

There are no hard and fast 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.

Visit our Disclosing a disability section for more information.

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.

Visit our Interviews and tests section for more information.

Getting a job offer

The first day of a new job is daunting for everyone, but it can seem particularly daunting if you have sight loss. Moving to a new office and a new environment is stressful, let alone moving to a new job and meeting lots of new colleagues.

Visit our Getting a job offer section for more information.

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.

• This is your future - A career guide for disabled students, by disabled students (PDF, 2.11 MB)

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