How To Successfully Overcome Barriers To Employment
The process of getting a job seems relatively straightforward. You find a job posting that is relevant, you apply to the job and maybe you are lucky enough to land the job. Barriers to employment make the playing field incredibly difficult for many candidates.
The term “barriers to employment” refers to anything that inhibits one’s ability to get or keep a job. When you begin to think about it, there are a lot of factors that can come between you and your ongoing income. Check out this incomplete list of barriers to employment:
- Your Age
- Your Criminal Background
- Your disabilities including physical, mental, intellectual, developmental or addiction-related.
- Domestic Violence
- Educational Background
- Employer Bias
- Gaps in Employment
- Financial Trouble
- Housing Instability
- Social Media Content
- Childcare Access
- Skills & Training
- Prior Work Experience
Most likely, you will experience one or more employment barriers at some point in your career journey. For example:
- You want to find a job but employers won’t accept your application because you have a criminal record.
- You want a job as an interior designer or as a teacher, but you don’t have the appropriate licensing credentials.
- You are seeking a new job but the company requires a high school diploma or a GED and you have neither.
Resources are available that can help you remove these particular obstacles so that you have a better chance when it comes to landing a new job. Continue reading so you can learn more about specific barriers to employment and have access to links that can offer helpful resources.
Age Discrimination
It was frustrating when you had larger than life dreams of being a millionaire at the age of 10 but couldn’t get adults to hire you. It’s even more confusing when you’re older, have the right experience and have difficulty convincing employers that you’re just as valuable as the latest crop of college grads. Learn how to stave off retirement and stay relevant in the workplace.
Possessing A Criminal Record
When it comes to barriers to employment that disrupt candidates chances of getting hired, did you know that one in three Americans has a criminal record? There are ways that you can lessen the impact your criminal history has on your candidacy.
Disabilities
Become informed regarding your rights when it comes to disclosing a disability before, during or after you’ve landed the job.
Educational Background
People often boast about the benefits of staying in school. Completing high school reduces your risk of unemployment. Learn how to get your GED and boost your potential opportunities for the near future.
Employment Gaps
If you took time off to raise your family, care for a loved one, volunteer or get credentialed, I’ll let you know some ways to make reentering the workforce a bit simpler.
Here’s an example: We know that children are career disruptors and the Covid-19 pandemic further reduced mother’s participation within the workforce. Ladies don’t let the job search intimidate you. You can read the tips below to learn how to structure your resume after you plan on returning from parental leave.
Financial Troubles
Debt can be a huge burden on your life and it can be a stumbling block on your way to a new job. Money holds up a lot of people and some employers can see your financial instability as a reflection of your own lack of responsibility. If you're worried about a credit check for employment, there are steps that you can take to turn your situation around.
Social Media Content
Employers will check your social platforms as part of the screening process. Inappropriate content can hinder your chances of receiving a potential job offer. Before you begin job hunting, consider doing a social media clean up in order to keep up appearances.
Childcare Access
Parenting is a full-time job and when you want to go back to work, you'll need to find someone who can take care of your kids. There are resources that can help you when it comes to learning more about affordable childcare options that are available to you so that you can return to your career.
Skills & Training
If you don’t have the time or the money to earn a bachelor’s degree, you can still acquire the qualifications for fulfilling careers. If you're tight on funds, there are many resources that offer low-cost and free job training to strengthen your skillset.
No Relevant Work Experience
Not enough prior professional experience haunts many job seekers. One way to urge employers to consider your application, regardless of what you lack? Work with a resume writer like myself to help demonstrate your transferable skills and how they will be relevant to the position that you’re applying for.