Microsoft and local employers host inclusive hiring job fair for people with disabilities

By Neil Barnett, Director of Inclusive Hiring and Accessibility, Microsoft

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is more than double that of people without disabilities. As employers, we have the responsibility to help open the door to employment and create an inclusive workplace culture. That is why Microsoft will host an Inclusive Hiring Job Fair with 16 local employers on May 31 at the Microsoft Conference Center from 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. PDT.

Open to the public, the job fair is part of Microsoft’s Ability Summit. Candidates can sign up to meet with recruiters, get resume tips, and learn about job opportunities in technology, retail, transportation, consulting, telecommunications, and customer service. In addition, employees from LinkedIn will be onsite to help create and enhance LinkedIn profiles, provide tips for successful job searches and take free professional headshot photos.

Participating employers include Accenture, Alaska Airlines, Amazon, AT&T, Department of Services for the Blind, EY, Facebook, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., LinkedIn, Microsoft, Northwest Center, Skills Inc., Starbucks, T-Mobile, VR-Net, and Washington State Department of Corrections.

This day will be focused on members of the disability community with a goal of building awareness around accessibility and disability inclusion and providing networking opportunities. Anyone who is interested in learning more about Accessibility at Microsoft is welcome to attend.

Please feel free to share with people you know that might benefit from attending the job fair and don’t forget to register. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you there.