Don't be too choosy when looking for a job

Dear Nanay, 

Hope all is well with you. This is my comment on the article, “Jobs and the hearing impaired.”

First of all, I want to introduce myself. I was a Hard of Hearing (HOH) person who wrote to your column in the past to seek help about finding jobs for people with hearing loss. Nanay, I want to inform you that I’m already a successful employee. Four years ago, I was able to find a regular job after almost two years of searching. I worked as photojournalist during that time for a media agency that caters to persons with disabilities (PWD) and the poor. It was at this media agency where I was recognized by different sectors — PWD groups, other NGOs, and the private sector. It closed down in 2009 but two weeks after that, I was hired in another NGO where I’m currently working. You are right, Nanay, looking for a job is very hard and what more pa for PWDs.  There are few companies that hire a PWD. Quinn should not give up at finding a job. Jobs are not given on a silver platter. We all have to work hard to get one.

My advice to Quinn is not to stop looking for a job. It took me almost two years after I got my degree at BSBA to find one. Like Quinn, I also studied in a regular school wherein I had difficulties mixing up with my classmates and teachers but with perseverance, I was able to finish my degree. So, Quinn should not be choosy, mahirap maghanap ng trabaho (it’s hard to find a job).

He also mentioned writing for a blog. He should have continued it because it is still work and he was earning. He can also gain experience at this job. When I took the position as a photojournalist, even if I was a BSBA graduate, I didn’t think twice. I grabbed it and I even bested a hearing individual during the final interview. I knew that if I gained experience, I have better chances at landing future jobs. And it did happen. I was hired in another NGO two weeks after the agency closed down and it was all because of my experience in that media agency. I was able to become part of the Philippine team to the International Abilympics. It is a global work skills competition for PWD. Because of my participation, I gained new experiences and new contacts and friends. That’s why, whatever job that will come for Quinn, like blog-writer, he should accept it. Who knows, someone will recognize his talents despite of his disability.

Writing about one’s disability in the resume or cover letter would mean the applicant is honest. If the applicant doesn’t want to include it in the resume, he should disclose it during the interview. I told the employer that even if I’m a HOH person, I always find a solution and maximize it when there’s a work challenge for me. For example, my inability to use the telephone is made up by using text messaging, e-mail and YM. And if the matter needs important discussion, I will personally meet the person.

Nanay, I’m one of the active PWD advocates. My friend and I are spearheading the creation of an organization for HOH persons. Deaf and HOH persons are all under the people with hearing loss group but they have different needs. For example, the deaf have their own culture, their own community, sign language, etc. but the HOH are people that can still hear a little, use hearing aid, using assistive devices such as captioning for better communication. Our own community is like between the deaf and hearing world. The deaf already have an established organization but the HOH have none. We need an organization that will cater to the HOH Filipinos and help them spread awareness of their needs. I already sent my friend to a workshop in Bangkok that resulted in the creation of an Asia Pacific organization for HOH, with which our soon-to-be-formed organization will be affiliated so that we can get help from other Asia Pacific countries. If Quinn wants to join, he is welcome. He can e-mail me at raph.torralba@gmail.com.

Thank you, Nanay. God bless you always. — Raph

Dear Raph,

Thank you very much for your inspiring letter. I am sure Quinn and our other readers who find themselves in a similar situation can get motivation and inspiration from your life story.

As you mentioned, the bottom line in trying to get a job — any job — is perseverance and determination. This applies whether or not you are a PWD. Mahirap maghanap ng trabaho, maraming magaling sa ating mundo (It’s difficult to find a job, there are many who are qualified). And potential employers have a lot of people to choose from. You have to keep trying until you find an employer who feels that you are the right one for their company. I know I keep saying it but it really is true and I will say it again — don’t ever give up!

Sincerely,

NanaY

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Hi Nanay,

Kindly advise your letter sender, Quinn, to send his application letter and resume to me. Regards. — Nilo

Dear Nilo,

Thank you very much for your very generous letter. I will make sure and forward your contact information to Quinn and hopefully he will be a good fit with your organization.

Sincerely,

Nanay

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