Job interviews can be a stressful experience for anyone. The key to success is preparation. For disabled people, this is even more so the case. You will need to prepare to make sure you have everything you need in an interview for your best chance of getting the job.
At Careers with Disabilities, we want to help. So, we have created this guide on interview success for disabled people. If you want some handy tips on what you need to think about and consider before any kind of interview, you have landed in the right place.Â
We hope it helps.
Tips for Preparing for a Job Interview
Finding a job is a difficult process. So, if you have been invited to the interview stage then congratulations; this is a huge feat in its own right.Â
Once the excitement subsides, this is the time to focus and prepare. Dealing with the anxiety of a looming interview can be a challenge. But preparing for the interview in as many ways as possible is an easy way to help relieve your anxiety and stress. It can also help make sure that you are giving yourself the best chance possible of securing the position.Â
Following our top interview tips will help make sure you can convince the hiring manager you’re the perfect candidate.
Disclose Your Disability (If You Want to)
Disabled people may face additional challenges at a job interview, including issues of accessibility. You might not want to disclose your disability at this early stage and that is ok, you don’t have to. However, disclosing your disability in advance gives employers and recruiters the chance to offer you reasonable adjustments and modifications to the interview itself.
Employers are required by law to offer reasonable adjustments at all stages of the recruitment process, including the interview. If your disability creates a disadvantage compared to other non-disabled candidates, then you may choose to disclose your disability to the employer before the interview to create a more even playing field. This can create a great opportunity to ask for support and reasonable adjustments. Some things that can help include:
- An accessible room or building for physical disabilities
- Extra sanitation or social distancing for autoimmune conditions
- Larger fonts and more readable documents
- A BSL interpreter
- A quiet room with limited sensory disruption
And so on.
For more information on what you are entitled to as a disabled person, you can visit our guide to your rights as a disabled person on our site.
Prepare in AdvanceÂ
It is always good to think about what you want to say in an interview before you get there. In interviews, we can be very nervous and this can impact us getting across the information we want to get across.Â
It is advisable, therefore, to consider the types of questions your interviewer may ask and prepare how you would respond. However, it is important that you don’t come across as scripted. Try and bullet point some ideas you want to cover; focusing on your skills, talents and experiences. Keeping your ideas brief will enable more flexibility in the interview.
Ultimately, try and think about the role that was posted and what the main duties of the job are. Then, think of how you will show the interviewer that you are capable of doing that job. Aside from everything else, this is what interviews should be about.
Practice Non-Verbal Communication
Good non-verbal communication is a great way to demonstrate your confidence, engagement and positive attitude. Non-verbal communication includes making eye contact, connecting with a firm handshake and nodding to show attentiveness.
If this is something that you struggle with, don’t worry. Many other people feel the same, especially autistic people and those with learning difficulties. You can practise some non-verbal communication in the mirror or with someone you know prior to your interview.Â
If it is something you really struggle with, it might be worth disclosing your disability to your recruiter as previously mentioned. Struggling with facial expressions, for example, can be a big part of autism and so if you are autistic, you cannot be discriminated against because of this difference. It can help a lot if the person interviewing you understands your frame of reference.Â
Take Your Time
As we have talked about, interviews can be scary. There is no doubt about that.Â
To not allow your nerves to get the best of you, remember to take your time. Rushing into answering questions can mean that you don’t say everything you want to in the way that you wanted to.Â
It’s ok to take your time and to even tell your interviewer that you need more time to answer a question. There are no prizes for finishing the interview first!
Listen Attentively
Good listening skills are a key part of communication. Sometimes we only think of the speaking part of communication when it comes to interviewing. Listening and speaking half to work together in order for things to go well.
Your interviewer will know if you have been listening well throughout the interview and it will show that you are engaged. However, it can be difficult to stay focused when you are under pressure, so take a moment to breathe. Most interviewers are used to seeing candidates anxious and stressed; they should be supportive and understanding if you need to take a break.
Remember that if you are autistic, have ADHD, or have a learning difficulty, this can make processing more difficult. Tell your interviewer if you are having difficulty processing something they are saying and see if there is something you could change in the room to make it easier.Â
You are doing something wrong if you can’t understand or hear something. Give it a minute and try again.
Ask Questions
The chances are your interview will end with the opportunity to ask your own questions. This is a key part of your interview. People far too often disregard this part of the interview as unimportant. But it is much more important than you might initially think.
By asking questions you will show you are keen, interested and engaged with the company and the role you are applying for.
It is also a genuine chance for you to find out what you need to know about the job and company. When you are disabled, you need to make sure that the opportunity is going to be right for you, and asking questions during the interview will help you make an informed decision if you are offered the position.Â
 Some questions you may want to ask include:
- What does a typical day look like?
- Can you tell me a bit more about the team I would be working with?
- Will you be able to implement some reasonable adjustments to help me manage my disability at work?
- Are you aware of how the Access to Work scheme can provide funding for workplace alterations?
- Do you have an equality, diversity and inclusion policy in place?
Then, once the interview is over, relax and congratulate yourself for putting yourself out there. It isn’t easy and it certainly isn’t easy when you are a disabled person.Â
If you want to find diverse, inclusive, and accessible jobs to apply to, make sure you check out our live job board on Careers with Disabilities. We have tons of job postings from Disability-Friendly employers. These will be perfect opportunities to try out your new interviewing skills.Â