Job Interview Tips for People With Disabilities

by Ralph Heibutzki

Finding work can feel stressful for job seekers with disabilities, who often encounter prejudice during their search. Preparation is the key to convincing employers that a disability doesn't affect performance. This dynamic makes job interviews all the more crucial, because it's often the only chance to make a good impression. Smart applicants face these issues by researching a company beforehand, which helps them to prepare a list of potential questions that they can practice answering.

Do Your Homework

Preparation is crucial to succeeding in a job interview. To avoid catching potential employers off guard, Nebraska Workforce Development recommends contacting them beforehand about special accommodations or assistance, such as a guide dog. If an interpreter is required, tell the interviewer that he's there to make communication easier and that the interviewer should direct any comments to you. Wear appropriate clothing, but make sure that aids like canes or wheelchairs are clean and in good repair. Always focus on how the accommodations remove potential barriers to doing the job.

Know Your Rights

Knowing your rights protects you from answering questions that are illegal or discriminatory. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 bars employers from asking questions that might reveal a disability or mental health issue, according to a Volunteer State Health Plan Inc. pamphlet. You don't have to reveal a disability until you need accommodation for it. Employers can ask about these issues only once they make a job offer. Even then, an employer can withdraw offers only for reasons that are job-related or in keeping with business needs.

Research the Company

Research the company thoroughly before the interview. Knowing about the firm's competitors, products or services and salary trends will prepare you for standard questions such as, "Why do you want to work here?" The Employer Assistance & Resource Network recommends browsing as many resources as possible, such as the company's website, its annual reports, and organizational or trade magazine write-ups. Reading official biographies also offers a good feel for a company's culture and a potential glimmer of insight about your potential interviewer.

Practice Your Responses

Develop a list of potential questions, and practice answering them. You can expect at least one behavioral question in which the interviewer asks for an example or story that reveals something about your personality. According to the Employer Assistance & Resource Network, you should recall a problem that you tackled and how the solution shows your suitability for the position. However, don't provide negative information about disabilities or past career failures. Avoid long, chatty answers. Your responses must always direct the conversation to skills and experience that you wish to highlight.

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