Re: Dwarfism Employment

[Guest guest]

I think its important to remember when applying for a job that it was never

yours to begin with and vice versa. Too many people get caught up in believing

that they didn't get a particular job because of discrimination or reverse

discrimination when that might simply not be the case. But that is not to say

that discrimination and reverse discrimination doesn't happen because it still

does. It is important to realize that you or your CO-applicants were never

entitled to that particular job when interviewing or applying for it.

[Guest guest]

Very good point you've made towards LP employment. I live in Florida and I

used to work at one of the amusement parks here during their halloween events.

Repeatly trying to apply for other jobs was hard. It ended up being they would

call me once I filled out paperwork and said that they loved my resumes and they

would like to speak to me because I would most likely get the job and I had the

skills they were looking for and once I showed up in person they usually said

" I'm so sorry, you don't have the job skills we are looking for " or " I'm sorry

but the job placement was already taken " or just " I'm sorry "

I find it funny that they are willing to hire ya until they see how tall a

person is or what they look like then turn them down based on their uneducated

assumptions of what they think we won't or can't do without giving us a chance.

So until we find something out there where a business or businesses are

willing to give LP's a chance then we are basically screwed.

Cheers,

lizzie

apolloxc <apolloxc@...> wrote:

[moderator's note -- message has been editted to fit the PG language

standard.]

Hi everyone

I was wondering how you all go about employment.

Me having the same problem as you all have although I'm (4ft 9 " )near

the maximum height of a specified dwarf (4ft 10/11 " ?)

I am currently at College studying performing arts and have been

trying to look for a part time job, either in a shop, cleaner,

cafe/restaurant assistant, etc.

I am currently doing a morning paperround but I'm finding it hard to

get a job considering how many times I have applyed despite previous

experience in retail and having references to proof my hard-working

career. I belive that a lot of places where I live in Hereford (W

Midlands)are possibly just simply refusing to employ me just cos of

my size even though it has little effect on my work quality.

A paperround is a kids job having to get up early every morning and

yet my parents don't earn much at all and considering I'm having more

than enough of a hard time with family problems alone I am getting <ticked> off

over this dwarfism employment.

Maybe I'm wrong that there may be other reasons but by far, dwarfism

is probably the main reason and I am shocked as well!!!

I am shocked that over half the world have such a big thing against

dwarfs. They are just as normal, hard working, intelligant, honest,

reliable people as any normal person can be and therefore they have

the right to live, be educated, work, marry and live fulfilling

normal lifes like anyone but no one seems to do it.

If they have strict laws against racisum to (black and asian people)

and harsh punishments if such racist abuse, assault or anything

occurs, straight in the cell it is, why can't it be the same for

dwarfs. DOn't you just get <ticked> off not being able to walk around

town on a normal day as a normal person because you endlessly got

people (especially the youngsters, but middle and old aged people

too!! Surprisingly!! looking at you cos us dwarfs may look weird.

WRONG!! We are just as normal people as anyone.

Don't you hate endlessly hearing the terms " little boy/man " " ommpa

lummpa " " short git " and worst " midget "

If it's illegal to say " Black/White Coffe " why can't it be illegal

for people to say the same stuff to us short people.

Why can't they toughen the laws against dwarfism bullying and

discrimination, because it is really starting to <tick> me off and it's just

going way over the top!!

I've just had enough, we can't let people get away with this.

We as a group of short people need to do something together about it

and fast, because that's what I wanna do, not just for myself, but

for the rest of you guys as well.

WE ARE JUST AS INTELLIGANT, HONEST, RELIABLE, HARDWORKING, NORMAL

HUMAN BEINGS AS ANYBODY NO MATTER WHAT SIZE, SKIN COLOUR, ILLNESS OR

DISABILITY WE HAVE.

WE NEED TO TOUGHEN THE LAWS AGAINST DWARFISM DISCRIMINATION WHATEVER

IT TAKES.

SO THERE WILL BE NO MORE CHAUFFS HANGING AROUND THE ESTATE " HEY

MIDGET " LITTLE KIDS " WHY'S THAT MAN SO SMALL? " " HE'S A FUNNY MAN " AND

EMPLOYEES " SORRY TO SAY YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN UNSUCCESFUL "

(REPEATED COUNTLESS TIMES) BECAUSE YOUR TOO SMALL TO BE A PROPER

WORKER LIKE " <deleted>, I'M GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

I would like to know what you guys think about dwarf employment.

If the law toughen racism, shouldn't they toughen acts against

dwarfism discrimination so we can live our normal fulfilling lives

just like everyone else.

What do you think.

Sorry it's a long letter but thanks for your time and interest

Cheers

Amor

===

[Guest guest]

As recent posts on this very list have shown us, there

are times when blatant discrimination takes place. As

we have also seen, there is a way to address this and

take action.

When one is job hunting, it is easy to “blame” the

lack of job offers on our dwarfism. It is important

to remember that the job market is TOUGH, for everyone

– I know people who have long resumes and university

degrees who cannot find a job. They too go for

interview after interview, only to hear a resounding

NO.

There some things that will give you an advantage in

the job market.

The best way to find a job is through networking – so,

let everyone know you are looking. A personal

recommendation can make all the difference.

Your resume should be updated, all the punctuation and

spelling should be proper and TRIPLE checked – young

people tend to get a bit sloppy with grammar.

“Becuz” and “prolly” are not real words, they work in

text messages but do not work in resumes. Your resume

should use words/phrases with impact (avoid the term

“responsible for” at all costs); show your skills and

accomplishments with prior companies. Never badmouth

former employers in your resume or during an

interview.

When you respond to an ad and go to “fill out an

application”, dress and groom yourself as if you are

going to sit down with the company president that very

day. First impressions count. As you fill in the

resume, print legibly. With all of our use of

keyboards, handwriting is becoming a lost art. If

your handwriting is a sloppy mess that can give the

impression that you are a sloppy mess. Practice your

penmanship.

Should you land the interview, dress for success.

Conservative business attire, limit your jewelry, no

strong cologne, etc. is always proper. This is not

the time to display your collection of bangle

bracelets or spiked collars. Practice a good strong

handshake. Walk (or roll) in with an air of

confidence. Research the company, ask questions about

the company. Answer in an articulate way, in full

sentences (yup and nuh-huh are not good ways to answer

interview questions). Do not discuss religion or

politics (unless you are interviewing for a position

with a religious or political foundation).

When looking for a job, you must prove to that hiring

manager that you are going to be a benefit to that

company. Chances are they have had hundreds of

applicants for this one job. That decision maker

should be certain that YOU will make the company more

successful, and that hiring you will make that person

look good to his/her boss. Re-emphasize the things

you have done that contributed to the success of your

past employers. Be positive, smile and take notes.

Should your past experience be lacking, do some

volunteer work that will boost your resume (also can

be a fantastic point of networking).

My few cents here...

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

List,

is right on!

Employers DO discriminate - against those who they do not think are

qualified for the job.

Question becomes - Is short stature a disqualifying condition?

Depends. If you're applying to be a prison guard or an NFL lineman,

I'd say your chances are pretty slim.

If you're applying for a position that requires what's between your

ears, then you must have the education and experience and prove to

the potential employer you are the best for the job.

Once you are competing with an equally qualified AH candidate with

identical education and background, who wins. If the AH candidate

wins, is it discrimination? If the SS candidate wins, is it reverse

discrimination?

Bottom line - have a good resume and carry yourself well and your

chances will be as good as anyone elses - regardless of stature. In

other words, they will stink.

Unless, however, you're in a profession that very few people can do

or one that no one wants to.

Good luck,

Randy______

P.S. When I screen candidates, I place a great emphasis on writing

and grammar skills. You MUST be able to communicate with others.

You have no idea how many post-graduate and PhD's I have rejected

based on this alone. Food for thought.

>

> As recent posts on this very list have shown us, there

> are times when blatant discrimination takes place. As

> we have also seen, there is a way to address this and

> take action.

>

> When one is job hunting, it is easy to " blame " the

> lack of job offers on our dwarfism. It is important

> to remember that the job market is TOUGH, for everyone

> – I know people who have long resumes and university

> degrees who cannot find a job. They too go for

> interview after interview, only to hear a resounding

> NO.

>

> There some things that will give you an advantage in

> the job market.

>

> The best way to find a job is through networking – so,

> let everyone know you are looking. A personal

> recommendation can make all the difference.

>

> Your resume should be updated, all the punctuation and

> spelling should be proper and TRIPLE checked – young

> people tend to get a bit sloppy with grammar.

> " Becuz " and " prolly " are not real words, they work in

> text messages but do not work in resumes. Your resume

> should use words/phrases with impact (avoid the term

> " responsible for " at all costs); show your skills and

> accomplishments with prior companies. Never badmouth

> former employers in your resume or during an

> interview.

>

> When you respond to an ad and go to " fill out an

> application " , dress and groom yourself as if you are

> going to sit down with the company president that very

> day. First impressions count. As you fill in the

> resume, print legibly. With all of our use of

> keyboards, handwriting is becoming a lost art. If

> your handwriting is a sloppy mess that can give the

> impression that you are a sloppy mess. Practice your

> penmanship.

>

> Should you land the interview, dress for success.

> Conservative business attire, limit your jewelry, no

> strong cologne, etc. is always proper. This is not

> the time to display your collection of bangle

> bracelets or spiked collars. Practice a good strong

> handshake. Walk (or roll) in with an air of

> confidence. Research the company, ask questions about

> the company. Answer in an articulate way, in full

> sentences (yup and nuh-huh are not good ways to answer

> interview questions). Do not discuss religion or

> politics (unless you are interviewing for a position

> with a religious or political foundation).

>

> When looking for a job, you must prove to that hiring

> manager that you are going to be a benefit to that

> company. Chances are they have had hundreds of

> applicants for this one job. That decision maker

> should be certain that YOU will make the company more

> successful, and that hiring you will make that person

> look good to his/her boss. Re-emphasize the things

> you have done that contributed to the success of your

> past employers. Be positive, smile and take notes.

>

> Should your past experience be lacking, do some

> volunteer work that will boost your resume (also can

> be a fantastic point of networking).

>

> My few cents here...

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

I think Randy, and " Sugarshorty19 " [please sign your real names on the

bottom of your posts, thank you], all make excellent points. 's

suggestion for volunteer work is a great one. I am a freelance

writer/editor, and I know that ANY type of writing can be added to your

portfolio. For example, a church bulletin, an editorial in a newspaper, or

even an article for LPA Today (I've used all three for writing samples, and

it has helped me get a job).

On your resumes and cover letters, proof read and spell check, then get a

friend or family member to double check. If you have trouble with spelling

and grammar, buy a copy of Strunk & White's " Elements of Style " , a classic,

small book that only costs about 8 bucks (U.S.). Also, websites such as

Monster.com have good resume and cover letter tips.

You will know if discrimination exists at the interview. I usually just put

on my cover letter I'm disabled with mobility issues (I don't tell them I

have dwarfism). When I arrive at the interview, I can usually tell within a

couple minutes if they are going to reject me based on my size. It is hard

to prove, because most of it is non-verbal cues (not looking you in the eye;

not paying attention to what you say; etc.).

However, for those of you just starting out in the job market, remember,

it's a Catch-22: you need to have a good resume to get a job interview, but

you need jobs to get a good resume. Like said, volunteerism is good

way to pad the resume, plus networking (make friends with as many people as

you can who are in the business you want to be in). I joined several

professional writing organizations to make connections. And like Randy and

others have said, more people are probably turned down for lack of

experience than actual discrimination.

Job hunting takes perseverance, patience and hard work. Jobs won't just

fall into your lap. Good luck and keep at it!

Bill

--

A tranquil spirit revives the body...

(Proverbs 14:30)

" Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others. "

Buddha

" It is better to travel well than to arrive. "

Buddha

[Guest guest]

Chris

CHILL a little.....open an ear to the conservative

side

of the chatter....be proud and try to ignore what

(some day) used to bother you!

mark

--- apolloxc <apolloxc@...> wrote:

> [moderator's note -- message has been editted to fit

> the PG language standard.]

>

> Hi everyone

> I was wondering how you all go about employment.

> Me having the same problem as you all have although

> I'm (4ft 9 " )near

> the maximum height of a specified dwarf (4ft

> 10/11 " ?)

> I am currently at College studying performing arts

> and have been

> trying to look for a part time job, either in a

> shop, cleaner,

> cafe/restaurant assistant, etc.

> I am currently doing a morning paperround but I'm

> finding it hard to

> get a job considering how many times I have applyed

> despite previous

> experience in retail and having references to proof

> my hard-working

> career. I belive that a lot of places where I live

> in Hereford (W

> Midlands)are possibly just simply refusing to employ

> me just cos of

> my size even though it has little effect on my work

> quality.

> A paperround is a kids job having to get up early

> every morning and

> yet my parents don't earn much at all and

> considering I'm having more

> than enough of a hard time with family problems

> alone I am getting <ticked> off over this dwarfism

> employment.

> Maybe I'm wrong that there may be other reasons but

> by far, dwarfism

> is probably the main reason and I am shocked as

> well!!!

> I am shocked that over half the world have such a

> big thing against

> dwarfs. They are just as normal, hard working,

> intelligant, honest,

> reliable people as any normal person can be and

> therefore they have

> the right to live, be educated, work, marry and live

> fulfilling

> normal lifes like anyone but no one seems to do it.

> If they have strict laws against racisum to (black

> and asian people)

> and harsh punishments if such racist abuse, assault

> or anything

> occurs, straight in the cell it is, why can't it be

> the same for

> dwarfs. DOn't you just get <ticked> off not being

> able to walk around

> town on a normal day as a normal person because you

> endlessly got

> people (especially the youngsters, but middle and

> old aged people

> too!! Surprisingly!! looking at you cos us dwarfs

> may look weird.

> WRONG!! We are just as normal people as anyone.

> Don't you hate endlessly hearing the terms " little

> boy/man " " ommpa

> lummpa " " short git " and worst " midget "

> If it's illegal to say " Black/White Coffe " why can't

> it be illegal

> for people to say the same stuff to us short people.

> Why can't they toughen the laws against dwarfism

> bullying and

> discrimination, because it is really starting to

> <tick> me off and it's just going way over the top!!

> I've just had enough, we can't let people get away

> with this.

> We as a group of short people need to do something

> together about it

> and fast, because that's what I wanna do, not just

> for myself, but

> for the rest of you guys as well.

> WE ARE JUST AS INTELLIGANT, HONEST, RELIABLE,

> HARDWORKING, NORMAL

> HUMAN BEINGS AS ANYBODY NO MATTER WHAT SIZE, SKIN

> COLOUR, ILLNESS OR

> DISABILITY WE HAVE.

> WE NEED TO TOUGHEN THE LAWS AGAINST DWARFISM

> DISCRIMINATION WHATEVER

> IT TAKES.

> SO THERE WILL BE NO MORE CHAUFFS HANGING AROUND THE

> ESTATE " HEY

> MIDGET " LITTLE KIDS " WHY'S THAT MAN SO SMALL? " " HE'S

> A FUNNY MAN " AND

> EMPLOYEES " SORRY TO SAY YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN

> UNSUCCESFUL "

> (REPEATED COUNTLESS TIMES) BECAUSE YOUR TOO SMALL TO

> BE A PROPER

> WORKER LIKE " <deleted>, I'M GOING TO DO SOMETHING

> ABOUT IT.

> I would like to know what you guys think about dwarf

> employment.

> If the law toughen racism, shouldn't they toughen

> acts against

> dwarfism discrimination so we can live our normal

> fulfilling lives

> just like everyone else.

> What do you think.

> Sorry it's a long letter but thanks for your time

> and interest

> Cheers

> Amor

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

To start with, wonderful post ! I am weary of

lp's stating they were discriminated against because

they are a dwarf, I am not saying it does not exist

but I think other elements need to be looked at first.

A resume is like a personal brochure, think of it as

selling yourself like selling a trip. If the brochure

looks sloppy, if the brochure does not explain the

value of the trip, if the brochure paints a boring

picture of this destination, if the brochure has

errors on it, if the brochure does not offer what the

person is looking for, that destination will not be

picked, same as people! You need to sell yourself and

set yourself apart from all the other applicants which

could be in the hundreds.

Go back and take a look at your resume, is it on

professional quality paper? Do your qualifications

listed on your resume match what the job is looking

for? Is your resume bland, basically a dime a dozen?

Does your resume look neat and clean without coffee

stains or folds? Maybe you need to have other people

read it and change it a bit. Have your objective

specifically relate to the position you are applying

for. Stating something like " I am a good worker " does

not cut it. Everyone thinks that of themselves, you

need to prove it.

My personal experience has been wonderful, the

companies I've worked or interned for bent over

backwards for me. Questions about my height were only

asked after I was offered the position, they wanted to

know first and foremost do I have the skills for the

job, which I did.

I know for a fact when I don't get an interview or a

response back it is because I do not have the skills

needed, it has absolutely nothing to do with my

dwarfism because it is never listed on my resume. I've

been told by many (professors and employment

counselors) to leave it off of everything, even then

cover letter (sorry Randy). There is no reason to list

your disability. They care about your skills,

education, and experiences, that is what sells you.

I think it is very important for lp's to get a college

degree in something or to take a few classes and get

certifications, it is not a 100% guarantee of a job

but it sets you aside from those that do not have that

advantage. We need to rely more on our brain than

what we can do physically, so yes if you apply for a

job that requires you to lift 50 pounds and you can't

do it you will be rejected, don't apply for those,

common sense.

The working world is difficult for everyone no matter

what height, don't fall back right away on the " it's

because I'm an lp " excuse, look at all the factors

that went into it like your education, skills,

experience, presentation of your resume, your

interviewing skills, how did you dress? Was it

professional, clean, and ironed or was it something

you wear every day? How was your body language? Did

you make good eye contact? Did you have a good strong

handshake? If nothing pops into your head then just

write it off as someone being more qualified than you.

However if you are told you basically have the job

then after you go in and they see you and say no, I

would definitely question them on that.

-

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

,

I think that was Bill who explains his dwarfism on the cover letter.

For years I put LPA officer on my resume until one of my past

supervisors told me I should remove it.

In many cases, I will have to work in industrial environments that

can be quite hazardous. When applying for those positions, I will

explain my short stature in a phone screen because it becomes a

health and safety issue as well as an accessability one. I don't

take the interview trip for a job that WE determine I cannot do. If

I cannot do the work, I'll recommend someone I know who might be

more suitable.

The client (or the employer) almost always appreciates this and this

almost always leads to another referal to another department or

another company.

Then again, I've been in the automation and controls game long enough

to have colleagues that know my background and experience as well as

my physical limitations.

Comes back to the old addage, it's not what you know but who you know.

Randy______

[Guest guest]

OMG, I pulled a bad Bradford mixup, sorry about that

Randy, I replied 5 posts later so I thought you had

wrote it.

My bad!

__________________________________________________