Feeling worried and tense before going in for a job interview is normal. Disabled people understandably experience heightened levels of dread. Have you been stressing that you won’t be able to make a good first impression?

Disabled people are still subject to prejudice in the workplace. The good news is that there are strategies you can use to highlight your achievements, show how flexible you are, and establish your worth as an employee.

Individuals with disabilities have as good of a chance as anyone else of passing a job interview as long as they put in the time and effort to prepare for it. Here are some practical tips on how people with disabilities can present themselves well for their upcoming job interview.

1. Be prepared to talk about your resume.

Having the capacity to back up every point on your resume is essential if you want to succeed in an interview.

Ensure you bring a copy of your resume to the interview and give the interviewer a copy. When you go in for a job interview, it’s a good idea to have copies of your resume and any relevant documents handy in case you get questioned about them.

These should include any skills, qualifications, or other experiences relevant to the position. Having them written down and in front of you will ensure you remember important points and valuable work-related experience. Of course, everything on there must be truthful – there is no such thing as exaggerating in this field! Be honest about your disability.

2. Confidence is key.

The fear of being interviewed is prevalent. The key to confidently taking on wild tigers is the assurance that they will not consume you even if everything goes wrong.

That alone ought to make things easier. In addition, there will be additional interviews with maybe superior interviewers. This free e-book is jam-packed with advice for people with disabilities looking for new work and will help you locate and succeed in your ideal position.

Remember the importance of preparation; study the firm and the position thoroughly so you can confidently answer any question thrown your way. At the same time, the adrenaline rush will keep you sharp and focused during the interview.

Finally, some positive self-talk can even trick your mind by saying to yourself, “I’m excited, I’m excited,” as opposed to “I’m stressed out” before the interview—now phone that recruiter and show them why you would make an amazing addition to their team!

3. Be prepared to talk about your disability.

It’s important to be open and honest about your disability during the job interview. It’s best to explain how it affects you and how you have adapted to it. You can also discuss any accommodations you need to do the job effectively.

When discussing your disability during a job interview, it’s important to be prepared. First and foremost, you should clearly understand how your disability affects you and your ability to do the job. Additionally, you should be able to explain any accommodations that may be necessary for you to do the job effectively. Be sure to discuss any special equipment or software that may need to be provided for you.

Finally, be prepared to explain how you have adapted to your disability and how it has made you a better employee.

4. Bring a portfolio of work.

A portfolio of past work is invaluable if you want to go the extra mile in any interview. This works best for creative roles, but if it’s appropriate to the position you’re applying for, it could help give the interviewer a different feel for your capabilities.

Bring samples of past work with you – whether full feature stories or just a few select clips – and have an explanation ready for each.

Refer back to your portfolio sometimes during the interview too. If you can’t pick from real examples from your career, create mock pieces of bread-and-butter projects that a relevant employer might have. Showcasing what kind of work you’d be doing for them helps demonstrate that you already understand how the job works.

5. Don’t forget the importance of asking insightful questions.

Although it’s important to show that you’ve done your homework for the interview, it’s not always easy to let your true personality shine through in a video chat.

Questions demonstrate your interest in the position you are interviewing and can be used as a covert strategy to verify your suitability for the job or allay the interviewer’s concerns.

When generating questions, ask yourself what you hope to learn from them. If a question doesn’t directly lead to gaining value or information, don’t include it.

Always include a question that shows you’ve researched their organization, such as ‘As your company released a new product line last month, is it planning an expansion into a new territory?’ This question will reveal more information and demonstrate your awareness of their industry. Three questions are a good number to aim for.

6. Be sure to practice ahead of time.

No matter your experience, preparing for a job interview is always important. Make sure that you have a good understanding of the job and research the company beforehand. It’s also helpful to practice your answers to common interview questions. This will help you feel more confident and ready for any curveballs the interviewer might throw.

Finally, be sure to dress appropriately for the interview. Even if you’re interviewing remotely, it’s important to dress professionally and look your best. This will help you make a good impression and show that you take the job seriously. Having a neat and organized workspace can also demonstrate professionalism.

Conclusion

Going for a job interview is tough for anyone, but persons with disabilities typically encounter additional obstacles. If you go into the interview with the right frame of mind and adequate preparation, you can increase the odds that your disability will not hinder you from gaining the job.

Be honest about your disability and explain how it has aided your work. Also, feel free to bring a representative piece of your work to display.

Although it may seem impossible, it is possible to succeed in a job interview using a wheelchair. So, let’s say you’re incapacitated and looking for work. If that’s the case, you can improve your chances of getting hired by being forthright about your disability, showcasing your skills through examples of your prior work, asking thoughtful questions, and coming in well-prepared.

If you come in ready and with the right frame of mind, you may be able to turn your disability into an asset rather than a liability.

Your resume and cover letter should provide information about your experience and skills directly applicable to the job. In conclusion, when attending an interview, one should always dress formally. It would be best if you had the right mindset and preparation to have your disability seen as an asset rather than a liability.

An expert resume writer can help you put your impairment to good use in your job applications. Contact us immediately to arrange a no-cost initial consultation.