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Part 1Personal and Financial Barriers

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Personal BarriersPersonal barriers are those that keep you

from fulfilling your basic needs.Personal barriers can prevent you from even

starting a job search, let alone landing and keeping a job.

Overcoming personal barriers often requires help from those around you.

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Examples of Personal BarriersNot having enough food to feed my familyA lack of transportationHealth problemsNo place to liveLack of childcareFamily members with special needsImmigrant statusNo clothes suitable for interviewing

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Housing OptionsYour living situation should not only be

clean and safe, it should also be a good place to

conduct a job search from.

TransportationYou will need reliable transportation, not

only to find a job, but to get to work everyday

once you do.

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Family ConcernsTaking care of children and other

family members is a top priority. Be sure to consider all of your child care options and create a family care plan.

Also be sure to take care of yourself. That includes taking time to relax or engage in your own interests.

Don’t be afraid to ask for the help of others. Friends and family can help with childcare needs, and programs are often available in your community to help as well.

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Criminal RecordA criminal record can be overcome, but ex

offendersshould be aware of special barriers they might

face in finding and keeping a job.Be aware of the limitations you might face in

choosing a job.Don’t lie on applications or in interviews.Use cold calling to find job openings.Prepare yourself to answer questions about

your past during an interview.Be confident. Dress for success. Show respect.

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Financial BarriersIt is important to manage your money

carefully while you are looking for work.Take care of your basic needs first, but try

to plan for the future as well.

Money ManagementTo manage your money, you should consider doing the following:Open a savings and checking account.Create a monthly budget.

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Needs vs. Wants

Needs

HousingTransportationFoodUtilitiesChild careInterviewing attire

Wants

Cable televisionNew stereoEating outMoviesVacations

Overcoming financial barriers to employment often involves separating your “needs” from your “wants.”

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Working While You Look for WorkPart time or temporary work provides

several advantages. It…Provides a source of income.Allows you to network with other people.Gives you skills and experience.Puts you inside an organization that might

hire you for a full-time position.Provides a much-needed source of self-

confidence and self-worth.

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Plan for Your FutureIt’s never too early to start planning your

financial future.Look into the retirement plans offered by

companies you’d like to work for.Learn about more about saving and

investing.

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Part 2Emotional and Physical Barriers

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Emotional BarriersBeing able to understand or control your

emotions. Staying positive while searching for a job.Coping with the stress associated with

looking for employment.Managing your anger.Dealing with depression.

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Taking ResponsibilityTake control of your life and your career.Take appropriate actions until you get the

results you desire.Stop blaming other people.Stop complaining about bad luck and

making excuses.

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Low Self-EsteemSelf-esteem is your perception of your worth.Positive self-esteem is essential for career

and life success.Negative self-esteem can lead to feelings of

helplessness.Learn to turn your negatives into positives.

Managing StressUnemployment can be very stressful.

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Dealing with DepressionDepression is a combination of feelings

and destructive thinking.Depression includes pessimism, lack of

energy, powerlessness, and self-doubt.Set positive goals and work towards them.See a physician if you need medical

assistance.

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Managing AngerAnger can interfere with your search for a

job and can impact your job performance.Learn what triggers your anger.Express your anger to other positively.Be aware of the consequences of your

anger.Physical BarriersBarriers that results from physical

limitations.Physical barriers can lead to low self-

esteem.Be prepared to deal with prejudice,

stereotypes, and other social barriers.

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Dealing With a Physical BarrierKnow your employment rights.Be realistic about your job options.Use support services.Practice interviewing.Craft your resume positively.Focus on what you do well, not your

disability.

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Dealing With AddictionsUnderstand the effects of your addiction

on your job search and career success.Identify community resources that can

help you.Create a recovery plan.

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Part 3Career Decision-Making and

Planning Barriers

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Career Decision-Making and Planning Barriers

Don’t know what kind of job you are looking for

Don’t know your interest, skills, and abilities

Don’t know how to make an effective career decision

Don’t know how to develop a career plan

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Know What You WantWhat do you dream of doing?What would you do even if you did not get

paid for it?What do you value most?What have you always wanted to do?

Know Your SkillsIdentify both your transferable and job-

specific skills.Know your skills in working with people,

data, and things.Identify possible jobs and employers that can

make use of your best skills.

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Steps in the Decision-Making ProcessStep 1: Identify the decision to be madeStep 2: Gather informationStep 3: Identify alternativesStep 4: Weigh alternativesStep 5: Choose best alternativeStep 6: Take actionStep 7: Evaluate decision

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Setting GoalsGoals are your motivation to act on the

career decisions you make.

Career Goals Must….Be yours, not someone else’s.Be stated in specific, measurable terms.Have observable outcomes.Be realistic and attainable.Be stated positively.Have specific completion deadlines.

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Career Goals Must….Be yours, not someone else’s.Be stated in specific, measurable terms.Have observable outcomes.Be realistic and attainable.Be stated positively.Have specific completion deadlines.

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Taking ActionMake things happen rather than waiting for

something to happen.Be persistent in achieving your goals.Think long but act short.Write down what you will do. Then do it.