Applying with disability and poor work history

StevieMalcolm · Post by **StevieMalcolm** » 01 Jun 2017, 15:26

Suffered head injury in 98' and am now looking at Royal Mail postman as best option and only one I'd like.

I applied once but was unsuccessful. I'm willing to go anywhere in the UK. I'm in Scotland. I'm scared I won't ever get this job.

I've been registered on Angard contract for the past month or two. Plan to volunteer for additional reference. Does the two ticks work in my favour?

Please help.

Stevie

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 01 Jun 2017, 16:42

Yes working for Angard can be a step in the right direction as your face will get seen, but the transition from Casual with Angard, to even Casual with Royal Mail is relatively rare and it will take a lot of "networking" and hard work.

You say that you'd work anywhere, however, in a strange way that may be what's stopping you getting taken on. Royal Mail seems to prefer local knowledge and availability over everything. The nearer you are to where you want to work the better it seems.

The volunteer work, if it involves team working, dealing with customers, deadlines and working on your own, emphasise them in your CV and at any interview, that's the things the recruiters look for.

StevieMalcolm · Post by **StevieMalcolm** » 01 Jun 2017, 18:34

Thanks for your feedback. How will networking in a sorting office help with applications for postman position?

StevieMalcolm · Post by **StevieMalcolm** » 01 Jun 2017, 18:40

I'm willing to relocate if necessary. I'm wondering if I'm unemployable. I've had some good hospitality experience but that's about it.

The tests only covered personality and postcode comparison. I was relieved that the other sections were not needed from me, why was it only the two sections? Does the disability give me a chance of getting in?

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 01 Jun 2017, 21:02

StevieMalcolm wrote:Thanks for your feedback. How will networking in a sorting office help with applications for postman position?

Networking = getting yourself known as a hard worker etc. The managers and reps may then tell you when a new position is opening that you can apply for. Most managers know each other, especially from Mail Centres to Delivery Offices.

I have never done the online tests so can't advise on that.

Also, any job helps get other jobs, its just a case of knowing how to project yourself. Job Centres or Disability Advice Centres can help with that. As to the disability, of course, it depends on the nature and type, but RM promotes themselves as a Disability Friendly employer and therefore it should help as long as you are honest and open about your capabilities and challenges.