Interviews are stressful for everyone! We all get the pre-interview jitters and second guess ourselves. Being prepared is key! We hope the below tips will equip you to ace your next interview and can provide you with a fresh sense of hope. 

Preparing: Learn as much as you can about the company job you are applying for. Make sure you understand what the company does and what the job requires. Be ready to answer the question “Why do you want to work here?” Also be ready to talk about your skills and strengths. Practice answering these questions with someone you know.

Interview Accommodations: Under the ADA, you are entitled to reasonable accommodations during the interview process and anytime during your employment. If you need an accommodation for the interview itself, (such as closed captions if on Zoom) be sure to send an email to the hiring manager / recruiter in advance of the interview. It may take some time for them to arrange it, so you should give them as much notice as possible.

What to Bring: You should bring a copy of your up-to-date resume, a notepad, and something to write with. Bring any other documents that the employer requests, such as an application or references from past employers/ teachers.

What to Wear: As a pro-tip, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed! Wear work appropriate clothes like a button down shirt and slacks (no jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, or flip flops). With Zoom interviews, make sure to have a nice shirt on, but don’t worry about your bottoms!

First Impressions: Make sure you arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your interview time. Never be late or too early! If your interview is in-person, give yourself extra time, especially if you are taking public transportation. Turn off your cell phone. If the interview is virtual, mute your notification sounds so that there are no interruptions during the interview itself. For in-person interviews, be sure to say hello, introduce yourself, shake their hand, and look them in the eye! Eye contact is always important for first impressions!

The Interview: Listen to everything the interviewer says and make sure you answer the question they ask. If you have trouble keeping up, take notes during the interview to remember points from the question being asked. If the interview says something that upsets you, remain calm and try not to react. This is your time to focus on your strengths! 

Asking Questions: Remember, you are interviewing the company just as they are interviewing you! Come prepared with at least five questions that you have about the company. You may not get to all of your questions (aim to ask three!), but being prepared is key. Always include a question that shows you’ve researched the company you’re applying for.

Discussing your Disability: Hiring managers are not allowed to ask you about your disability and you do not need to mention your disability during the interview at all. It is up to you when and if you want to discuss your illness or disability. If you need accommodation(s) at the workplace, you can wait until after you are offered the job to request the accommodation. However, if you feel comfortable sharing, this is a good time to see if the company is a good fit from an accessibility standpoint.

End of Interview: Be sure to thank the interview and shake the interviewer’s hand again (if the interview is in-person). Final impressions matter just as much as first impressions!

Post Interview: After the interview, definitely send a thank you email or note to the person who interviewed you. Not only does this show gratitude, but it shows initiative and that you have strong communication skills.