Barrier-to-Bridge Reframe Chart
The right words, fast, when a job seeker names a barrier.
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Use it when a job seeker names a barrier. Listen for what they have been told, name what is also true, speak one line of life, and agree on one bridge step. Pick the barrier below to see the words.
Coming home from incarceration
- What they hear
- “No one will hire me.”
- What is also true
- Many employers say people with records perform as well or better.
- Speak life
- “Your story isn’t over. Let’s write the next part.”
- One bridge
- Practice one honest sentence about the past. Share fair-chance employers.
Disability
- What they hear
- “Work isn’t for me anymore.”
- What is also true
- With the right fit and accommodations, many build strong careers.
- Speak life
- “Your disability is not a dead end.”
- One bridge
- Bring in vocational rehabilitation. Discuss accommodations.
Serious mental illness
- What they hear
- “I need to get better first.”
- What is also true
- Supported employment helps people work while they recover.
- Speak life
- “Wanting to work is a good sign.”
- One bridge
- Connect with an IPS or supported employment program.
Older worker
- What they hear
- “I’m too old.”
- What is also true
- Experience and reliability are in demand.
- Speak life
- “Your experience is an asset.”
- One bridge
- Lead with recent results. Focus on the last 15 years.
Employment gap
- What they hear
- “The gap ruins everything.”
- What is also true
- Most workers have had a career break.
- Speak life
- “It’s a chapter we get to explain.”
- One bridge
- Write a two-sentence gap explanation.
Rural job seeker
- What they hear
- “There’s nothing out here.”
- What is also true
- Remote and regional jobs have opened new doors.
- Speak life
- “Where you live doesn’t limit your worth.”
- One bridge
- Offer virtual services. Share remote-friendly employers.
Veteran or military spouse
- What they hear
- “Nobody understands what I did.”
- What is also true
- Leadership and discipline are what employers want.
- Speak life
- “Let’s help an employer see what you led.”
- One bridge
- Translate military titles into plain language. Connect with veteran-friendly employers.
My notes
Prefer paper? The fillable PDF is on the Free Tools page.
From Words Worth Speaking by Jessica Pierce. Free to copy and share with your team and the people you serve.