🌟 Hi DNetwork Friends!
Are you preparing to enter the workforce? If so, there are two important things you must master, especially as a person with a disability. These two essentials are hard skills and soft skills. You may have heard of them before, but do you truly understand what they mean and why they matter?

Let’s talk about them together.

Understanding Hard Skills and Soft Skills

Hard skills are technical abilities that you can learn through training, courses, school, or hands-on experience. These skills are usually directly related to specific jobs and can be measured or proven. For example: fast and accurate typing, operating a computer, sewing, repairing electronic devices, graphic design, accounting, or coding.
In other words, hard skills are proof that you have the technical competence needed to perform specific tasks at work.

Meanwhile, soft skills are non-technical abilities related to how you behave, think, and interact with others. These include communication, teamwork, discipline, positive thinking, and mental resilience in facing pressure or challenges.
Unlike hard skills, which are measurable, soft skills are harder to observe directly, but their impact in the workplace is significant. Soft skills help you grow, adapt, and work effectively in a professional environment.

Why Are Both Important?

Having hard skills alone isn’t enough. Many people are technically skilled but struggle to grow because they can’t collaborate, lack confidence, or have poor communication skills.
On the other hand, having only soft skills also isn’t sufficient if you don’t yet have the technical abilities required for a specific job.

That’s why a balance between hard and soft skills is so important. They complement each other and together shape you into someone who is ready for work and growth. Hard skills make you competent; soft skills make you adaptable.

Theory Isn’t Enough

As a person with a disability, understanding the theory alone is not enough. You also need to experience the real working world, because many things can only be learned through practice.
When you enter the workplace, you’ll encounter real-life situations that you may have never faced before.
You’ll learn to overcome self-doubt. If you’ve mostly interacted within disability-only environments—like schools or communities—you might feel awkward or insecure in a professional setting. But by experiencing the workplace firsthand, you’ll grow stronger mentally.

You’ll also learn how to communicate with colleagues and supervisors. Workplace communication is often different from casual social settings. You’ll learn to be more professional, respect time and structure, and understand workplace culture.
You'll face real challenges—things you won’t encounter in simulations or training sessions. These challenges build your resilience and adaptability. And sometimes, it’s through these experiences that you discover hidden potential within yourself.

Start with Small Steps

Now that you understand the importance of skills and real experience, it’s time to move forward.
You can start by joining job training programs that match your interests and talents. When you choose something you're passionate about, learning feels more enjoyable and relevant—whether it’s tech, customer service, crafts, or the arts.

Next, try to get an internship, even a short one. Internships are gateways to the real professional world. You'll get to understand work rhythms, learn responsibility, and practice socialising with coworkers in real situations. This experience is extremely valuable, even if you're still learning.

You can also get involved in communities and professional networks. A community like DNetwork is not just a place to share information, but a place to grow together. You can learn from others who’ve been on this path, find mentors, or even discover job and training opportunities.

Most importantly, don’t wait to be perfect to start. Begin building your career now. Try freelance work, join small projects, or volunteer in community activities. Don’t be afraid to fail—failure is not the end, but a part of the learning journey.

You’re Not Alone

DNetwork is here to support you every step of the way. We believe that every person with a disability has the potential to succeed—if given the right opportunities and support. An inclusive workforce is our shared right.

📲 Discover training, internships, and the latest job info at DNetwork.
💡 Start small, and believe that every step you take matters.

#DNetwork #PeopleWithDisabilitiesCanWork #HardSkillSoftSkill #InclusiveCareer #DisabilityTraining #DisabilityInternship #OpportunitiesForAll #InclusionIsReal

Hi DNetwork Friends!
An inclusive job interview isn’t just about accepting applicants from diverse backgrounds — it’s about ensuring every step of the hiring process is fair and accessible, especially for persons with disabilities. Here are 6 practical tips for HR teams to create a more inclusive and meaningful interview experience:

1️⃣ Understand the Disability and Access Needs
Before the interview, learn about the applicant’s type of disability so you can prepare the right support — such as a wheelchair-accessible space, a guide, or assistive communication tools. If you're unsure, don’t hesitate to ask the applicant directly about their access needs.

2️⃣ Focus on Skills, Not Physical Conditions
Assess the applicant based on their competencies, experience, and potential — not their disability. People with disabilities have the same abilities and potential as others if given an equal opportunity.

3️⃣ Use Accessible Communication Channels
Send interview invitations using platforms that are easy to access. Use clear, concise language to ensure understanding — especially for applicants with cognitive, sensory, or visual impairments.

4️⃣ Prepare an Accessible and Friendly Interview Location
Choose a venue that is free from physical barriers — such as step-free access, wheelchair paths, guiding blocks, or ground-floor rooms. Provide assistance or interpreters when needed, especially for Deaf or blind candidates.

5️⃣ Address Concerns Directly During the Interview
If you have any concerns about how the applicant would perform in the role, talk about it openly during the interview. Give them a chance to explain how they work and the support tools they typically use.

6️⃣ Conduct a Simple Skill Test If Needed
If you still have doubts, provide a short, relevant task or test to directly assess the applicant's abilities. Make sure the test is also accessible and supports assistive technologies if required.

By applying these steps, companies can build a fairer and more inclusive hiring process that respects diversity.
Need more guidance? Feel free to contact DNetwork for support in building a more inclusive recruitment process 💙

Hello DNetwork friends!

Job interviews are very important. They can decide if you get the job or not.

Your CV and cover letter are important. But how you talk in the interview is just as important. In the interview, the company wants to know:

• Who are you?

• Can you communicate well?

• Are you ready to work?

For persons with disabilities, interviews may feel hard. But don’t worry! If you prepare and feel confident, you can do it!

Here are simple tips to help you do better in a job interview:

1. Join Job Interview Training

Training helps you get ready. There are many trainings for persons with disabilities, including from DNetwork. You can learn:

• How to answer questions

• How to be more confident

• Practice interviews

2. Practice Common Questions

Some questions are very common. For example:

• “Tell me about yourself.”

• “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

• “Why do you want to work here?”

Practice answering these. Speak clearly, briefly, and with confidence.

3. Wear Neat and Formal Clothes

First impressions matter. Wear clean, formal, and comfortable clothes. It shows you respect the interview.

4. Be Confident

Try to stay calm and confident. If you're nervous, take a deep breath. Remember: the interview is also your chance to see if the company fits you.

5. Focus on Your Skills

Don't feel shy because of your disability. What matters is:

• You have skills

• You have work spirit

• You can contribute

Talk more about what you can do, not your disability.

6. Share Your Experiences

Use the interview to tell stories about:

• Past jobs

• Trainings you joined

• Projects you worked on

This helps the interviewer understand your abilities.

7. Explain How You Work

If the interviewer doesn't understand your disability, it’s okay to explain. Tell them:

• How you work

• What assistive tools you use (screen reader, cane, wheelchair, etc.)

This helps the company know how to support you better.

Conclusion

Job interviews can feel scary. But they are also a big opportunity. Show them:

• You are ready

• You believe in yourself

• You have great skills

You have strong potential. Don’t be afraid. Keep learning and go for your dreams!

Join DNetwork!
We have training programs, CV consultations, and job info for persons with disabilities.