Ace Your Job Interview with Confidence

Interviews can be nerve-wracking for anyone, but with the right preparation, you can showcase your skills and land the job you want.

Before the Interview

Research the Company
Learn about the organization's mission, values, and approach to disability inclusion. Check their website for diversity statements, read employee reviews on Glassdoor or Indeed, and look for third-party rankings like the Disability Equality Index.

Practice Your Responses
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers to behavioral questions like "Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge." Practice with a friend, family member, job coach, or your VR counselor.

Prepare Your Own Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Ask about company culture, training opportunities, and team dynamics. This shows genuine interest and helps you evaluate if it's the right fit.

Disclosure Decision
You are NEVER required to disclose your disability unless you need an accommodation for the interview or job. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects you from discrimination. Consider disclosure if:

• You need interview accommodations (interpreter, accessible location, extra time, questions in advance)

• Your disability is visible and you prefer to be upfront

• The job directly relates to disability experience

If you don't need accommodations and your disability is non-visible, you can wait until after receiving a job offer to discuss any needed workplace accommodations.

Requesting Interview Accommodations

If you need accommodations for the interview itself, request them as early as possible when scheduling. Be specific and solutions-focused:

"I'm very interested in this opportunity. To participate fully in the interview, I will need [specific accommodation]. I can be reached at [contact info] to discuss arrangements."

Examples of interview accommodations:

• Sign language interpreter or Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART)

• Accessible interview location (first floor, elevator access, wheelchair-accessible restroom)

• Interview questions provided in advance

• Phone or video interview instead of in-person

• Interview scheduled during your optimal time of day

• Fewer interviewers in the room

• Extra time for the interview

During the Interview

Focus on Abilities, Not Disabilities
Employers need capable people to fill positions. Talk about what you CAN do and how your skills match their needs. If you've overcome challenges, frame them as examples of your problem-solving ability and resilience.

Address Accommodation Needs Professionally
If you choose to disclose, keep it brief and focus on solutions: "I use [accommodation], which allows me to [perform job function] effectively." The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) reports that most accommodations cost nothing, and many others cost less than $500.

Handle Illegal Questions With Grace
The ADA prohibits employers from asking about the nature or severity of a disability before a job offer. If asked inappropriate questions, stay calm and redirect: "I can perform all the essential functions of this position, with or without accommodation. What aspects of the role would you like to discuss?"

Ask About Next Steps
Before leaving, ask about the hiring timeline and how they'll communicate their decision. This shows you're organized and serious about the opportunity.

After the Interview

Send a Thank-You Note
Within 24 hours, email a brief thank-you message referencing specific discussion points from your interview. This keeps you top-of-mind and demonstrates professionalism.

Follow Up Appropriately
If you haven't heard back by their stated timeline, it's appropriate to send a polite follow-up email expressing continued interest.

Employment Resources:

• Job Accommodation Network: askjan.org | 1-800-526-7234

• AskEARN Employer Assistance: askearn.org

• EEOC Disability Rights: eeoc.gov

You have valuable skills and experience to offer. Go show them what you can do!