5 things to keep in mind when facing an interview with a disability

A disability doesn’t have to stand between you and that great employment opportunity you’ve been eyeing forever.

A job interview is a stressful experience for even the toughest of candidates. Everyone has a vulnerability that they are afraid might affect them negatively during an interview. If you have a disability, you could be vulnerable about it and fear that it might affect your chances of getting hired.

Employers may have failed in the past to recognize your potential during interviews due to your disability. What you can do to turn the odds in your favor is to prepare the best you can and ace the interview with flying colors.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Do your research on the employer

Got a call back from a place you don’t know much about? Don’t be anxious. Type away at a search engine until you have gathered all the information you can about the company. If you are concerned about whether the company is disability-friendly, you can even find that information online. Here are some topics to focus your search on:

• The name and location of the company
• Their vision, mission, and aims
• The interview panel
• The workplace culture
• Values of the employer
• Details about the job – the work hours, requirements, benefits

2. Ponder your ideas about common interview questions

You will most definitely be asked some common interview questions by the employer. It is wise to prepare your thoughts about some questions in advance. Here’s a list of questions you can think about when you have free time during your interview preparation:

• Why do you think you are a good fit for the company?
• What’s your five-year plan?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What kind of salary expectations do you have?
• Explain to use how you’ve resolved a conflict situation at work
• What is your reason for leaving the previous job?

3. Communicate with the HR department about your disability before you attend the interview

You might want to keep it to yourself until the last possible moment but hiding your disability from the company might be disadvantageous for you on the interview day. Employers are always willing to accommodate disabled candidates’ needs. If you are unsure whether disclosing your disability before the interview is the right move, take time to consider all alternatives. Here are some things you should consider asking the HR team before the interview:

• If you are a wheelchair user, inquire whether the interview venue is wheelchair accessible
• If you are deaf or mute, request the service of a sign language interpreter during the interview
• If you have other specific requests related to your disability, put them forth upfront
• You might also want to check whether the company has disability-friendly bathrooms

4. Be careful when answering the “Tell me about your weaknesses” question

You must never talk about your disability when asked about your weaknesses. It’s wise to stay away from instances where your disability affected your performance in a work project. Always stick to weaknesses that any other non-disabled candidate could also have.

5. Bring up how your disability has been an asset to your work life

There is a chance that you will be asked how your disability has affected your work. In such a case, talk about how your disability has made you a better employee. Maybe you pay extra attention to detail due to your sight disability. Or you have become accustomed to maintaining detailed records of project work because of your hearing issues. Whatever examples you use, ensure that your employer can see how you’ve not let your disability affect your performance negatively.