Catalyst Sharon Jefferies Aims to Empower Job Seekers Posted by Posted by Nicolina Newcombe on 16 June 2017 Posted on: 16 June 2017

Catalyst Sharon Jefferies Aims to Empower Job Seekers  

Sharon Jefferies is an Employment Consultant at the Blind Foundation in Hamilton.   Her role is to be a catalyst for people who are blind or have low vision to get into work or training.

Sharon’s work revolves around enhancing positive attributes and focusing on strengths.   She says watching people realise their strengths, interests and abilities is one of the best parts of her job.   

As well as keeping up to date on information about market trends, Sharon uses self-assessment tools for matching jobs to personality type to help people identify their ideal job.   After career goals have been set Sharon assists people to write a professional looking Curriculum Vitae and cover letter, and coaches them through the ups and downs of job searching.   She gives people information and then they make their own decisions about the best way forward into work.   The best thing is that once people have good job search habits those skills will stay with them for life.

Peer support is a key strategy for Sharon, which is why she and two other service providers started up Job Chats.   Job Chats is a free monthly forum at the Blind Foundation open to people who have any type of disability.   At the forums people can share tools, resources and success stories.   It is also about role modelling active job seeking techniques like networking; approaching businesses and organisations; volunteering and work experience; and applying for larger numbers of advertised jobs.   

After many years in the corporate sector and at the University of Waikato Sharon was drawn to working at the Blind Foundation because she liked the values of the organisation.   She has a Diploma of Management Studies, a professional coaching qualification, and has nearly completed a Diploma in Career Guidance.   

Job Chats

Second Monday of each month from 4.30pm – 5.30pm 

Blind Foundation

15 Liverpool Street

Hamilton

Sharon Jefferies

07 838 7516

027 201 6794

sjeffries@blindfoundation.org.nz