Tips for Workplace Success for the Adult Learner

By: Nancie Payne (1995)

• Know your learning style and how that style matches up with different jobs.
• Apply for job positions for which you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at the level required by the employer.
• Know your strengths and be able to describe them; present yourself as a capable individual who can competently perform the job.
• Pursue informational interviews and on-site visits in order to get a feel for different workplace environments and job tasks.
• Request and review job descriptions before applying for positions.
• Disclose learning disabilities to the personnel/human resources staff person after the job has been offered; do so in person (never over the phone) after you have accepted the job. Then make arrangements to speak with the job-site supervisor if and when necessary.
• At the time of disclosure, describe the strategies you have developed that assist you in performing job requirements and state workplace accommodations that can help you.
• Ask the supervisor for written job performance expectations what you will be required to learn and apply within the job setting.
• Ask for specific timelines for performance evaluations; be sure you understand when and how your performance will be evaluated.
• Know when and how to request appropriate accommodations.
• If accommodations are provided, establish an evaluation process through which you and your supervisor can review the effectiveness of the accommodations and the possibility of adjustments.
• Do not use your learning disability as an excuse for not doing your best.

The above suggestions are from Nancie Payne, consultant to employers and employees for workplace accommodations.

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