Job Interviews for Disabled Job Seekers

Job interviews for disabled job seekers can be daunting. Many people feel that their disability holds them back in interviews and ultimately from getting jobs.

However, it is important to know that with the right support, it is completely possible to ace an interview and get the job that you want as a disabled person. It is also possible to enter jobs in different ways, working around the tricky interview process.

Here at Careers with Disabilities, we believe that disabled people should have the same opportunities as non-disabled people when it comes to recruitment and employment. We think that awareness and information are two of the best tools to help make that happen. As such, we want to spread awareness and information wherever we can. In this blog, we are going to help you in the job interview process by giving some of our best tips and pieces of advice on the topic.

Let’s begin helping you get ready to nail your next job interview.

You Don’t Have to Disclose Your Disability (But It Might Help)

Whether to disclose your disability or not is always a big topic of conversation and debate. You do not legally have to inform a potential employer of any disability unless it presents a relevant health and safety risk for that employer. 

If you feel pressured to disclose your disability and it doesn’t seem relevant to health and safety, know that this isn’t appropriate and that you do not have to share anything you don’t want to.

However, one thing that is important to note is that disclosing your disability can be a helpful practice within the interview process. If your potential employer knows about your disability and how it affects you, they will be aware of the adjustments they need to make for you right from the beginning. This can make the interview itself easier and can make the transition into the job, should you get it, much more smooth. 

You Can Ask for Reasonable Adjustments and Alterative Formatives

On that note, you are entitled to reasonable adjustments and alternative formatives within the recruitment stage. Disclosing your condition to a potential employer before the interview takes place gives them the opportunity to make the reasonable adjustments you may need in advance. Everyone deserves an equal opportunity in job interviews, so this is something that should legally and ethically take place.

This situation also gives you an opportunity to see if the potential employer you are interviewing with is able and willing to provide the reasonable adjustments you need. This is a point we will discuss more in the next section.

You are Interviewing the Employer Too

Job interviews are also a chance for you to interview the employer and company. It allows you to decide whether or not the company will be the right place for you. This is particularly important for disabled job seekers.

When you have an interview, you can reduce some of your nerves by treating it as a mutual opportunity for both sides to figure out whether this will be a good employment match. They can check if you have the skills, experience, and qualifications for the job, and you can check if they are willing to provide the kind of opportunity and working environment you need.

If the employer you are interviewing with does not make the interview comfortable and accessible for you, this is a good sign that they won’t make things any different if you were to work for them either. Make sure you are finding the best and most accessible employer for you so that your needs as a disabled person can be met further down the line.

There are Different Options to Secure Jobs

If you particularly struggle with interviews, especially the classic interview format, there are other avenues to finding and securing jobs. Some companies may work with JobCentre Plus agents to organise a work trial for disabled job seekers. This is a practical trial to see if your skills and attitude towards work are the right fit for the company. Many people find this provides a more accurate reflection of what they can do, as opposed to the one-on-one interview. 

Another option is to go through an online interview process. Nowadays, many employers will conduct their initial interviews online as a way of saving time and the hassle of commuting. This is a great option if you have mobility issues as it takes the stress out of feeling like you need to be there in person. After all, with the increase in remote job availability, there are plenty of work-from-home options for wheelchair users or anyone who would prefer working remotely.

It is important to check out all your options before you begin to start an interview. Chat with your local JobCentre Plus and Citizen’s Advice to find out more about what alternative options to interviews you might have. 

Find Disability-Friendly Job Opportunities on Careers with Disabilities 

One of the very best ways to succeed in job interviews for disabled job seekers is to interview with an inclusive employer. Inclusive, disability-confident employers make sure that their recruitment processes are accessible for a wide range of disabled people. This allows you to focus less on your disability and more on showing off your unique strengths and skills.

To find an accessible job with a disability-confident employer, take a look at the current job opportunities on our disability-friendly job board. There you can find tonnes of live jobs ready for you to begin the application process. 

Everything gets easier when you go somewhere inclusive, accessible, and safe. Let us help you find those places right here at Careers with Disabilities. 

Good luck and happy interviewing!