🌟 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.

Hey DNetwork friends! 👋 Have you ever wondered if the job vacancy information we share is inclusive for everyone? Let's make sure no one misses an opportunity just because they can't access the information. One group that is often overlooked is people with disabilities. In fact, they also deserve equal opportunities in the workforce. So, how can we make sure our job information is accessible to everyone? Check out these tips!

1. Raise Awareness: Everyone Has Equal Rights
   It's important to realize that everyone, without exception, has the right to access information and opportunities. People with disabilities also deserve to know about job openings. We need to make sure the information we create is accessible to them.

2. Check If Everyone Can Access the Information
   Before we share job vacancy information, make sure it's easy for everyone, including people with disabilities, to access. If there are any obstacles, we can find solutions to make it more inclusive.

3. Find Out How People with Disabilities Access Information
   People with disabilities may face specific challenges when accessing information. So, try asking people with disabilities or disability organizations like DNetwork for guidance on how to make information accessible to them.

4. Use Simple and Easy-to-Understand Language
   When writing job vacancy content, try to use simple, clear, and easy-to-understand sentences. Avoid using long or complex words, so those who struggle with reading can still get the information easily.

5. Add Infographics or Sign Language for Deaf Friends
   If possible, we can add visual elements like infographics or images with sign language (such as a sign language interpretation) in the content. This will help our deaf friends understand the information better.

6. Make Sure Job Vacancy Posters Are Accessible to Blind Friends
   Besides text, job vacancy posters or images should be accessible to blind people. Ensure the text on the posters can be read by screen readers and that the images have clear descriptions.

7. Accessible Websites for Everyone
   If the job information is on a website, make sure it includes features that allow people with visual impairments to adjust the display, like enlarging the text size or changing the contrast to make it easier to read. If possible, use bright colors on important text to make it more visible for those with low vision.

8. Simple and Clear Application Forms
   Avoid making application forms too long and complicated. Create simple and easy-to-understand forms. People with difficulty understanding the questions will find it easier to fill out a concise and clear form.

9. Ensure Application Forms Are Accessible to Everyone
   In addition to being simple, make sure the application forms are accessible to everyone, including screen reader users. This will ensure everyone can apply without barriers.

10. Ask If You're Unsure
    If you're unsure whether the job information you created is truly inclusive and accessible to everyone, don’t hesitate to ask people with disabilities or disability organizations like DNetwork for feedback. This way, you can get advice before the information is published.

With a little attention and effort, we can create a more inclusive workforce and provide equal opportunities for everyone. So, let’s start creating job vacancy information that’s accessible to all, including people with disabilities! 🌟

Join DNetwork to make your job vacancies more inclusive.