Tips
Seeking Employment
If you are currently looking for work, here are some helpful tips for you. This way, you can prepare yourself at home, even without professional advice:
- Assessment
- Work Opportunities
- Disability Insurance Services
- Application Documents
- Job Search
- Job Interviews
This page is continuously updated with new tips. If you have any suggestions or questions, please contact us!
Assessment
Use our assessment form to find out your current abilities, needs, competencies, and potential challenges.
Take your time filling it out. If you have any questions, you can Profil friends, family, or the Profil Foundation.
> Assessment Form (PDF)
Are you still unsure about your career goals and competencies?
On laufbahn.berufsberatung.ch, you can complete various questionnaires online for free to gain clarity.
Work Opportunities
Are you unsure about the opportunities available to you? Here is an overview:
What employment opportunities are available to you if you have a disability?
You can look for a new job. Stiftung Profil help you with this.
If you would like to keep your current job , this may also be possible with some (temporary) adjustments. These adjustments could include a new workload or a new role within the company. The Profil Foundation can also Profil you on this.
You can transition between the mainstream labor market and the supported employment market, and vice versa.
The mainstream labor market refers to the regular job market where employment relationships in the private sector exist. The supported employment market offers protected workplaces and is designed to help individuals who have difficulty finding employment in the mainstream labor market to re-enter it. The mainstream labor market is suitable for individuals who possess a certain level of stability and resilience. For those who have recently experienced a crisis or have significant health limitations, the supported employment market can be a more suitable option, even if temporarily. These workplaces are funded by the respective canton; however, they unfortunately do not provide an income sufficient for living expenses. Therefore, receiving a (partial) pension is a prerequisite for employment in the supported employment market.
If you are seeking employment in the supported employment market, Pro Infirmis can provide guidance.
If you are still unsure about your work capacity, you can undertake an internship or perhaps start an IV work trial. We can also provide you with advice on these options.
Working with an IV Pension?
Do you receive an IV pension and wish to work? We would be pleased to advise you!
Services of the Disability Insurance
The Swiss Disability Insurance (IV), like the OASI and health insurance, is a nationwide mandatory insurance.
The Swiss Disability Insurance (IV), like the OASI and health insurance, is a nationwide mandatory insurance.
The primary objective of the Disability Insurance is to support individuals with disabilities to the extent that they can fully or partially support themselves through their own efforts and lead as independent a life as possible.
Here you will find the integration measures of the IV. These integration measures include medical interventions, integration support, vocational training, assistive devices, and additional benefits such as daily allowances and reimbursement of travel expenses.
> Contact the IV Office
Tips for Life Outside of Work
Here you will find more useful tips for daily life.
Application Documents
Before you begin your job search, it is important to prepare your application documents. Here are some tips to help you.
What should your application include?
A cover letter, a CV with references (i.e., contact details of former employers or teachers), your educational and/or employment certificates, confirmations of any further training, and optionally other documents (e.g., a letter of recommendation or other documents requested by the company).
On www.be-werbung.ch, you can view various sample applications that can help you compile your own application portfolio. You will also find valuable application tips on www.arbeit.swiss.
Do you need to disclose your impairment in your application?
Generally no, you are not required to. It is entirely up to you what you choose to disclose. If it is not explicitly requested in the job advertisement, it is advisable to carefully consider whether to mention your illness or crisis in the cover letter. Doing so could reduce your chances of being invited for an interview. In our experience, it is beneficial to address any limitations that may be noticeable at work, but to do so in a timely manner before employment (e.g., during the first job interview). It is important to explain what strategies you have developed to manage these limitations as effectively as possible.
If you have not heard back from the company within 3 weeks of submitting your application documents, you are welcome to follow up.
Job Search
Once you have compiled your documents, you can begin your job search.
General Tips:
- Check daily newspapers
- Notice boards in supermarkets, community centers
- Facebook groups for job searching
- Ask within your network of acquaintances
Websites:
- Profil – The job portal on this website
- EnableMe Jobs – An inclusive job portal in collaboration with myAbility
- Mein Platz – Diverse daily activities, housing, and work opportunities for people with disabilities
- arbeit.swiss – Portal for unemployment insurance and public employment services
- … (more to come)
Support
Would you like someone to support you? The Profil Foundation Profil happy Profil you with any questions you may have and with your job search. Please get in touch with us.
> Services for people with disabilities
> Contact us
If you are seeking employment in the secondary labor market, please contact Pro Infirmis.
Jobs on the Foundation Profil
Specialist advisor for workplace inclusion / job coach, 80–100%
Recycling employee, 80–100% (f/m/d)
Job Interviews
Do you need tips for optimal preparation for a job interview? Here is an overview:
Process
A job interview typically lasts about 1 hour and consists of the following 5 phases:
- Phase 1: Brief welcome, introductions by name, small talk (questions about your journey and well-being)
- Phase 2: The employer and the company often introduce themselves next. Listen attentively (and take notes).
- Phase 3: Discuss your career history, significant milestones, achievements, and your strengths relevant to the position.
- Phase 4: Questions regarding job content, requirements, expectations, performance evaluation, and development opportunities
- Phase 5: Next steps & timelines, express gratitude for the interview, farewell
10 Tips
We have compiled a few tips for you:
- Before the interview, research the company thoroughly. Being well-informed is crucial for making a good impression.
- Plan your journey in advance to ensure you arrive on time.
- Your attire should be neither overly formal nor too casual. It is best to dress according to the industry; for instance, more formally in large corporations or banks than in medium-sized companies. Clean clothing and a well-groomed appearance are essential.
- Make a strong first impression by being polite, greeting everyone you encounter, and trying to remember as many names as possible. Friendly body language and a pleasant tone of voice are also important. You will be best prepared if you are authentic, honest, and convey confidence, interest, and motivation.
- Answer questions directly and concisely, avoiding lengthy digressions.
- Highlight your professional achievements (where applicable).
- A common interview question is about your strengths. Prepare your answer to this in advance.
- Another common interview question concerns your weaknesses. Also prepare your answer to this question.
- Towards the end of the interview, you should ask questions to demonstrate your interest. Prepare a few questions you could ask about the company or the position.
- A thank-you letter is recommended after the interview.
> 10 Tips for a Successful Job Interview (PDF)
Video
Here you can watch a complete job interview, highlighting common mistakes and providing good example answers:
> Watch Video
Communicating disabilities and health restrictions.
During the job interview, you should mention your disability if it affects your ability to work. Always mention the strategies you have learned to cope with it as best as possible.
Our services for people with disabilities or health impairments
Are you seeking a professional challenge that you can undertake despite your health impairment or disability? Do you wish to work while receiving an IV pension?
We actively support you in finding a suitable job. Our goal is for you to find work that you enjoy and can perform long-term.
Contact Us
We will contact you
Do you have questions or require advice? Please complete the form below. We will find the appropriate consultant, who will then contact you.
We look forward to meeting you!
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