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Interview Tips for Young Adults with Disabilities

Published
October 20, 2021
Topics
Adult Life, Work

Before the Interview:

 Prepare!

  • Learn as much as you can about the company you are applying to, and the job position you are applying for. 
  • Create questions for the interviewer to help you better understand what working at the company is like. As an example, you could ask an interviewer what other employees enjoy about working at their company.
  • Print an extra copy of your resume, your list of references, and your working papers (if applicable).
  • Reflect on your skills, strengths, and experiences. Be ready to talk about them. Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions, such as:
    • Why are you looking for a job?
    • Why are you interested in working for our company?
    • Why should we hire you?
  • Plan what you are going to wear. Dress professionally, and avoid casual clothing (such as jeans, t-shirts, or flip flops).
  • If your interview is taking place in person, plan your commute in advance, and be sure to leave home early, especially if you are taking public transportation or Access-a-Ride. If your interview is taking place remotely, set a reminder on your computer, phone, or calendar to make sure that you are able to log in on time.

Know your rights! Interviewers are not allowed to ask you about your disability, and you do not need to tell the interviewer about your disability if you do not want to disclose it to them. If you will need accommodation in the workplace, you can choose to wait until after you are offered the job to make a request. 

During the interview:

Make a good first impression! 

  • Try to be 10 minutes early, both for in person interviews and interviews taking place remotely.
  • Turn off your cell phone to minimize distractions.
  • Greet your interviewer by saying hello, introducing yourself, and looking directly at them.
  • Listen to everything the interviewer says, and make sure you answer the questions they ask.
  • Do not interrupt your interviewer or talk over them.
  • Talk about your skills, strengths, and experiences. Highlight how they may help you in the job you are interviewing for.
  • Ask questions you have about the job or company.

After the Interview:

End on a good note!

  • Thank the interviewer for their time, and ask when you can expect to hear if you have been selected for the job.
  • Ask the interviewer for their contact information, so you can follow up with them if you have any additional questions.
  • Once you return home, send your interviewer a thank you email.