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Resources

For people with Down syndrome, family members, caregivers and professionals.

Finding the Right Job for Me

July 2023 | Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L and Valerie Schlieder, OTD, OTR/L - Adult Down Syndrome Center

There are many things to think about when we are looking for a job that is right for us. The visual linked below describes a variety of potential jobs and job settings, provides a list of questions to ask about potential jobs, and shares a brief overview of applying for a job. 

Finding the Right Job for Me opens in new window

finding_the_right_job_for_me

 

Finding the Right Job for Me

There are many things to think about when I am looking for a job that is right for me. I should think about where I want to work. I should also think about what type of work I would like to do. 

Job Settings and Potential Jobs

Coffee Shop / Bakery

  • Manage the register

  • Wait tables

  • Help in the kitchen

  • Clean

  • Stock food and supplies

Hospital

  • Clean

  • Work in the cafeteria

  • Work in the gift shop

  • Make deliveries

  • Stock supplies

  • Greet visitors

Grocery Store

  • Bag groceries

  • Manage the register

  • Greet customers

  • Stock shelves

  • Clean

  • Collect carts

Gym

  • Work at the front desk

  • Clean

  • Stock supplies

Restaurant

  • Greet customers

  • Wait tables

  • Clean

  • Wash dishes

  • Stock supplies

Retail store

  • Greet customers

  • Manage the register

  • Stock merchandise

  • Clean

Animal shelter or zoo

  • Care for pets

  • Work at the front desk

  • Clean

Kitchen

  • Prepare food for cooking

  • Cook food

  • Wash dishes

  • Clean

Daycare or preschool

  • Play with children

  • Prepare activities

  • Assist with snacks

  • Clean

Office

  • Organize documents

  • Make copies

  • Answer the phone

  • Send letters

  • Distribute mail

  • Use the computer

  • Stock office supplies

  • Shred papers

Questions to Ask about a Potential Job

After I decide where I want to work and what type of work I would like to do, I can look for a specific job. There are many questions I should ask about a potential job. 

Skills

What skills do I need to have? E.g., talking with customers, staying organized, following instructions, using a computer.

Physical demand

Will I stand for a long time?

Will I lift heavy items?

Will I walk a lot?

Supervisor

Who will be my supervisor? 

Will I see my supervisor a lot or only a couple times during my shift?

Schedule

Will my schedule change each week?

Who will make my schedule?

Interaction with others

How much will I interact with other people?

Who will I interact with? E.g., customers, co-workers, visitors, supervisors, etc.

Applying for a Job

After I find a specific job, I will fill out a job application. I will tell the employer about my: 

  • Education

  • Work experience

  • Skills

I will submit the application. Other people might also submit applications.

I might be asked to do an interview. During the interview, the employer will ask me questions. The questions help the employer know if I am a good fit for the job. The job needs to be a good fit for me and the employer.

At the interview, the employer may or may not tell me if I got the job. The employer might contact me after a couple days or weeks.

If I do not get the job, I will look for another job. I will not give up!

If I get the job, I will take to my new employer about what I should do next! 

 

Additional employment resources are available in the Community Participation section of our library. 

Find More Resources

We offer a variety of resources for people with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers and the professionals who care for and work with them. Search our collection of articles, webinars, videos, and other educational materials.

View Resource Library

 

Please note: The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for a medical, psychiatric, mental health, or behavioral evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment plan by a qualified professional. We recommend you review the educational material with your health providers regarding the specifics of your health care needs.

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