Resume Writing Tips for People who are Blind or Low Vision
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Creating a well-crafted resume is essential for standing out in the job market. For individuals who are blind or visually impaired, it’s important to ensure your resume captures the attention of potential employers and highlights your unique skills and accommodations that enable you to excel in the workplace. This guide will walk you through the key elements of an effective resume, tailored to your specific needs.
Tailor Your Resume to the Job
A resume should always be customized for the job you’re applying for. Incorporate keywords from the job announcement to emphasize your relevant skills and demonstrate your understanding of the role. This is particularly important for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, as it helps to highlight qualifications that may not be immediately obvious to the employer.
Highlight Assistive Technology Skills
If you have disclosed blindness or low vision and use assistive technology to perform job functions, such as screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA) or magnification software, mention these skills in your resume. This demonstrates your technical proficiency and reassures potential employers that you can navigate and excel in a technology-driven workplace. Highlighting your adaptability in using these tools shows that you can perform the job’s essential functions independently.
Maintain Consistent Formatting
The font and borders of your resume and cover letter should match for a cohesive look. Use a clean and professional font, such as 11- or 12-point Times New Roman, with 1-inch margins on all sides. Ensure that your resume features clear headings like Employment History, Academic Qualifications, and, if space allows, Volunteer Experience or Certifications. Have someone sighted verify that the formatting you see with your screen reader is accurately reflected when printed.
At the top of your resume, list your contact information, including your name, phone number, and email address. Including your full address is unnecessary, but you may list your state of residence.
Focus on Relevant Education
If you have a college degree, you do not need to include high school information. Focus on your higher education credentials, as they are most relevant to potential employers.
Use a Consistent and Clear Layout
Your resume should have a clean and uncluttered layout with a consistent structure. For every job you list, include the month and year of each role, activity, accomplishment, or certification. Be consistent with the formatting of dates and use a basic heading structure to ensure your resume is easy to read. For those who are blind or visually impaired, it’s important to use a layout that is accessible to both screen readers and visual formatting checks.
Keep to a Standard Length
For those in the early stages of their careers, a one-page resume is typically preferred by employers. With potentially dozens or hundreds of resumes to review, employers appreciate concise, well-organized information. If your resume exceeds one page, ensure that your content is clear and to the point. Adjust font size, margins, and other formatting options to make your resume fit neatly on one page. Again, have someone sighted verify the formatting to ensure it aligns with your screen reader’s output.
As your career progresses and your work history grows, longer resumes become acceptable and expected. A general guideline is to include one bullet point for each year you spent in a job, highlighting tasks that are relevant to both your past role and the job you are applying for.
Always Be Accurate
Honesty is crucial when crafting your resume. Never lie or over-embellish your job duties or accomplishments. Many businesses perform background checks, and if they discover inaccuracies or misrepresentations, your application could be dismissed, and your reputation could be damaged. If you are hired and it’s later discovered that you misrepresented yourself, most employers will terminate your employment immediately.
Maintain Your Resume
Keeping your resume up to date is essential, as job opportunities can arise unexpectedly. It’s also easy to forget specific tasks or accomplishments from a previous job once you’ve moved on. Regularly reviewing and updating your resume ensures that it accurately reflects your most recent experiences and skills.
For individuals who are blind or visually impaired, maintaining a digital master resume that can be easily updated with assistive technology is highly recommended.
Steve Cardena’s Helpful Tips on Keeping Your Resume Current
Customize for Each Job Application. Once you have developed a solid master resume, customize it for each job or employer you apply to. Review the job announcement carefully, and match your skills to those sought by the employer. Provide the most detail for positions most relevant to the job you’re applying for, and downplay or omit less relevant roles.
If you have gaps in your employment history, think about how you will explain them. Additionally, if you took jobs that don’t align with your career goals (due to a tough job market, relocation, etc.), minimize their impact on your resume and be prepared to explain your circumstances to potential employers.
Conclusion
Your resume is a critical tool in your job search, especially for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. By tailoring it to each position, highlighting your unique skills and assistive technology proficiencies, and presenting your qualifications clearly and professionally, you significantly increase your chances of making a positive impression on potential employers. Regularly updating and customizing your resume ensures it reflects your most current and relevant experiences, positioning you as a strong candidate in any job application process.
For further information on resume writing watch APH ConnectCenter’s Employment Connections Expert Advice on Writing a Compelling Résumé.