The Résumé-Development Process and Its Impact on Job-Search Behaviour

Abstract

A significant proportion of injured workers are not able to return to their original job. Employers have a responsibility as part of their disability management programs to assist this population to find a new vocation. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the résumé-development process in terms of its potential impact on job-search behaviour for injured workers who are unable to return to their previous job. Data were collected from 22 Australian rehabilitation counsellors via questionnaires, sample documents, and telephone interviews. Thematic analysis of the data reveals that the résumé-development process may be useful in promoting effective job-search behaviour in clients. However, for this to occur it is suggested that the résumé-development process must provide relevant knowledge and skills, overcome or reduce clients' doubts, address disability but focus on ability, provide ongoing emotional and practical support, value individualisation, and increase clients' motivation. It is speculated that the findings may be explained by the increased sense of self-efficacy that occurs through participation in the résumé-development process.Keywords: vocational rehabilitation, work-related injury, return-to-work, self-efficacy Injured workers who are unable to return to their preinjury role because of their functional restrictions are faced with the prospect of finding new occupations and careers. However, they often experience difficulty identifying and obtaining employment in a new vocational field, and find the prospect of job seeking daunting and challenging (Bolles, 2010;Centrelink, 2001;Chan, Woo, & Tang, 2007;Jackson, 2003;Power, 2006). This situation arises because they doubt their ability to successfully compete for jobs, do not believe they have the requisite skills relevant to the new occupation, and lack the job-seeking skills necessary to engage in effective job-search efforts (Bolles, 2010;Centrelink, 2001;Jackson, 2003;Li-Tsang, Li, Lam, Hui, & Chan, 2008;Power, 2006;Rubin & Roessler, 2001). As a result they often become discouraged, unmotivated and less earnest in their job-search efforts, thereby reducing their likelihood of gaining employment (Krieshok, Ulven, Hecox, & Wettersten, 2000;Strauser, 1995). This is of concern because the likelihood of them returning to work decreases as their length of unemployment increases (Feuerstein et al., 1999, as cited in Li-Tsang et al., 2008Watson, Booker, Moores, & Main, 2004). Furthermore, unemployment has a significant negative psychological Address for correspondence: Christine Randall, School of Human Services & Social Work, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University QLD 4222, Australia. E-mail: c.randall@griffith.edu.au impact, reducing confidence and self-esteem, increasing levels of depression and anxiety, and decreasing life satisfaction (Caplan, Vinokur, Price, & van Ryn, 1989;Centrelink, 2001;Winefield et al., 2002). Governments and employers, as part of their disability management and rehabilitation programs, have a responsibility to assi...

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