It’s normal to feel nervous at a job interview and about disclosing
disability, but you will feel more in control if you are prepared.
Inspect the venue
Often it is a good idea to trial arriving at the building at the
time of the interview before the appointment. If you plan to take
public transport, you will see how long it takes to get there and where
you will be dropped off, or if you are driving you can find out about
parking. It also gives you a chance to see that the building really is
accessible.
Dress
Make sure you always have one outfit suitable for a job interview in
your chosen field. You can wear it once you start work while you build
up a wardrobe. Custom made corporate clothing and shoes may help if you
have a physical disability which makes it hard to wear clothes ‘off the
rack’. Sometimes it may be difficult to wear what everyone else does,
in these cases make every effort to be neat and presentable. A general
rule for interview outfits is to keep it simple and professional, and
avoid too many colours, patterns and accessories.
It is a good idea to take along a professional looking folder with your
résumé and job application in case you need to refer to it yourself. A
pen and notepad makes you look prepared and organised.
Putting the interviewer at ease with your disability
Just as you may be nervous about disclosure, your interviewer may
also be nervous, particularly if they are have little experience of
disability. If the interviewer seems nervous or uncomfortable or unsure
how to react to your disability, quickly take the lead and politely but
confidently:
- offer your hand for a handshake
- if you are unable to shake hands, smile warmly and maintain eye contact
- ask for seating arrangements to be rearranged, and don’t apologise
if, for example, you are a wheelchair user and a chair needs to be
moved to make space
- ask the interviewer to speak more slowly
- maintain high energy levels and a positive outlook.
This not only avoids an awkward silence, but puts the interviewer in
a more relaxed frame of mind for the interview. They feel happy to have
done something positive to help, and you have also demonstrated your
excellent communication skills.
What questions can I be asked about my disability?
It is unlawful to ask questions about a person’s disability unless
it relates to the inherent requirements of the job. Examples include:
- adjustments required to ensure a fair and equitable interview/selection process
- if or how the disability may impact on some aspects of the inherent requirements of a job
- any adjustments that may be required to complete the inherent requirements of the job.
Any other questions about an individual’s disability are inappropriate, including:
- how the individual acquired their disability
- specific or personal details of the individual’s disability.
If you are asked a question you think is inappropriate, it is best
not to get angry, as it can often be a genuine mistake on the
interviewer’s behalf, and not intended to discriminate. Try politely
asking why the interviewer wants to know that information and how it is
relevant to the job.
Anticipate questions and practise
You will be most successful if you anticipate questions and have
concise, well thought out answers prepared. Make sure to take the time
to have practise interviews with your university’s Careers Service
advisers, family and/or friends.
Be ready to talk about:
- your qualifications and knowledge of the field
- your skills, experience and insights into the industry
- your motivation for the job and reasons for applying
- your disability and how it may affect your ability to do the job
- how will you perform tasks with your disability
- workplace adjustments related to your disability – what you
require, where it can be acquired, how much they cost and what
assistance is available. Give specific examples to make it easier for
the employer to understand
- work experience – it is much easier to convince a sceptical
interviewer with examples and clear descriptions of how you have
performed successfully in your working past
- negatives – prepare to turn them into positives, eg. “While I
haven’t been employed in this industry before, I have three months of
work experience where I undertook all the functions required in this
position.”
How to explain gaps in your employment history
If you have gaps in your employment history, here are some ways you can respond to questions about them.
- Point out any study, volunteer work or other activities you completed during this period.
- Put it in a positive light, eg. “After my accident I took some time
off to reassess and develop the skills and abilities that would allow
me to continue to be successful in the workplace.”
Employment tests
Sometimes tests are part of the recruitment process. Sometimes these
may need to be adapted so you have an equal opportunity to display your
abilities. You will usually be informed of the type of interview
structure on invitation, so your university Careers Service should be
able to help you prepare with examples or videos.