The Solent Careers team are here to support you in every stage of your career journey, from preparing to find work, to graduate employment, and beyond.
This resource is designed to give students with a disability and those who are neurodivergent an overview of how Solent Careers can support you find work, explore disability and neurodivergent friendly employers, advice on requesting additional support during the job application and help you build your career with confidence.
If you need support accessing the information on this page in a different format, check out our assistive technology page on Solent Online Learning and the accessibility statement page.
For general disability advice and information, please visit the disability support pages.
Creating an excellent CV (Curriculum Vitae) is one of the most important first steps toward landing a job. It is your opportunity to present yourself and highlight your skills to potential employers. You need to be aware that CVs in the UK may differ from other countries. You can go onto Solent Careers Online (Careers Set) for detailed CV support and checks but at a minimum, remember that it should include:
Tips!
Please note that some employers may also ask for a cover letter.
CV top tips and access CV templates.
Solent Careers CV and application guide
When putting together your application or writing a personal statement, highlight your strengths and skills relevant to the role. Focus on what you can do and the experiences you bring and try connecting with inclusive employers who value and support diversity.
If you feel comfortable to mention your disability, you can frame it as something that’s helped you build resilience and a unique way of seeing things. Remember, it’s optional to share that information and a disabled person is entitled to ask for support under the Equality Act 2010. By disclosing your disability, it will allow the employers to provide support such as:
Please note that you can ask the employer for what you need, and do not worry about the cost. If your employer is limited on resources and limited on the adjustments that they provide, speak to them about the Access to Work fund and request help for completing the forms.
Deciding whether to share your disability information with an employer.
Interviews should be celebrated! Your application has caught the employer’s attention, and now they want to meet you. The interview is their chance to decide if you are the right fit - and your chance to see if the role and company are right for you. Here are a few steps to help you prepare and make a great impression:
If you have a job interview coming up and need support preparing for it, you can contact the Solent Careers team at careers@solent.ac.uk and request a mock interview appointment.
Students with disabilities may find it challenging to find work due to their additional needs. However, accessing the right information and support can make this process easier and successful through accessing the right advice and disability-friendly jobs board. Exploring Disability Confident employers could be a good starting point. Other websites such as Blind in Business and the ABL Foundation also have great work opportunities that you might want to explore. Check out Change 100 and Bright Network for paid summer internships, professional development and mentoring opportunities.
Top tips!
If you encounter challenges or concerns, Solent Careers offers support and guidance via email at careers@solent.ac.uk. We offer a range of resources with advice, tips, and useful links that address common equality and employment issues, while also encouraging you to conduct your own research on any matters that may affect your job search.