Doing Great Job Interviews With A Disability

Returning to work after a long absence due to a disability is a major step for many individuals. From figuring out when and if you’re ready to return to finding new ways to work with existing skills and strengths, there can be a lot to deal with. While it brings the promise of more financial stability and independence – and renewed purpose – it also comes with challenges.

If you are eligible for the Ticket To Work (TTW) Program, using an Employment Network will mean receiving assistance with job search preparation. These services can make a powerful difference in your approach to returning to the workplace, over and above the benefits protection provided by TTW. One such service is interview preparation.

You may feel (as many do) that the job interview is one of the most intimidating hurdles. However, it doesn’t have to be. From preparation techniques to tackling tough questions, and from handling disability disclosure to addressing employment gaps, you can learn everything you need to approach your next interview with confidence and clarity.

Preparing For Your Interview

One of the secrets to success in anything is to study before taking action. Doing your research and gathering a strong understanding of what you’re going into will equip you with details that can make a critical difference.

Do Your Research

One of the best ways to calm pre-interview nerves is to feel fully prepared. This starts with understanding the company you're applying to and the role you're interviewing for.

First, find where your skills line up with points in the job description. Take the time to analyze the job description and look for how your current skills, knowledge and experience match the requirements of the position. Even if you’re moving into a new job or industry, focus on what you can bring to the role.

Next, look into how the company approaches diversity, inclusive hiring and accommodating workers with disabilities. This will help show whether the company is a good environment for you to engage with. Some places to look (and what to look for) include:

• Company website: Corporate social responsibility reports (CSR), diversity reports and accessibility statements.
• Employee reviews: Checking sites like Indeed, Glassdoor or Comparably can show what other workers think.
• Social media: Don’t just look at their posts on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Read the comments left by others and how the company responds.
• Third-party rankings: Check lists such as the Disability Equality Index (DEI) or those who share top diversity employers.
• Disability advocacy groups: Groups like the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) or National Organization on Disability (NOD) sometimes collaborate with companies to promote inclusivity.

Finally, gather insights about the company from online resources. This includes reviewing the sites mentioned above for employee reviews plus any other relevant sites. Look for information that you can use to position yourself as a valuable fit. For instance, if a lot of comments indicate that projects are long and very detailed, you could mention in the interview that highly detailed project work is one of your strengths.

Understand The Format

Not every interview is the same. It’s a good idea to prepare for the format, whether it's an in-person or virtual interview. Each format has unique challenges. Virtual interviews, for instance, require more focus on technology and your own home setting, while in-person interviews involve more body language and adapting to the employer's setting.

When preparing for virtual interviews, it's important to dress professionally, just as you would for an in-person meeting, since this demonstrates your seriousness and respect for the opportunity.

Prepare for various interview approaches, such as one-on-one, panel or group interviews. Each of these is different in terms of communication and presentation styles. Understanding the small differences of each can help you adapt and present yourself most effectively.

Practice Your Interview

Familiarize yourself with frequently asked questions. They may include questions about your work history, skills, strengths, weaknesses and your interest in the position. Respond in a way that ties your own experiences to the needs and requirements of the role. If you are changing careers, focusing on transferable skills is a great way to show your value to potential employers.

To boost your confidence and interview skills, consider doing some mock interviews. Practicing with a friend, family member or job coach (or using an AI interview prep tool) can help simulate the interview experience so you can refine your responses. This will help you develop a confident, clear delivery.

How To Discuss Your Disability

Deciding When To Disclose

One of your most significant decisions is whether to disclose your disability, and if so, when. This is personal decision that depends on various factors.

Start by knowing and understanding your legal rights. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) protect your rights during the hiring process. You are not required to disclose your disability unless you need an accommodation.

Carefully weigh the pros and cons of disclosure. You may choose to disclose upfront to be transparent or wait until after an offer has been made. Consider how your disability impacts your work and whether accommodations are necessary for the interview itself. It’s also good to consider how to discuss your disability with the Human Resources team, as there are a number of things to cover when doing so.

Emphasize Your Value

If you choose to disclose your disability, do so in a way that highlights your strengths and abilities. Focus on what you’re capable of instead of limitations.

Example: "One of the key strengths I've developed is adaptability. Facing various challenges has taught me how to quickly adjust to changing circumstances and stay focused on finding solutions."

Address accommodations in a way that avoids presenting them as issues or obstacles.

Example: “I have a health condition that occasionally requires accommodations, but I’m confident in my ability to perform the essential duties of this role.”

Discussing Employment Gaps

Be prepared to explain any gaps in employment, but don’t dwell on them. Briefly address the gap and then pivot to your current skills and qualifications. Use this discussion as an opportunity to describe how your experience helped you build your capabilities.

Example: “I was working on returning to work, and the challenges I experienced helped me develop stronger problem-solving skills and resourcefulness. I’m now very interested in tackling my next challenge.”

Steer the conversation back to your qualifications. The goal is to ensure the interviewer focuses on what you bring to the role and how your experiences fulfill the job requirements.

Handling Challenging Interview Questions

As interviews are meant to assess a person as roundly as possible, expect to be asked challenging questions. They are typically regarding behavior, how you make decisions and – for people with disabilities – needed accommodations.

Behavioral interview questions are common and meant to help understand how you have handled situations in the past. To effectively respond to these questions, it is often advised to use the STAR method, which provides a structured approach to describing the Situation, Task, Action and Result of a past experience. For instance, when asked to share a time when you faced a challenge at work and how you overcame it, use this method to craft a meaningful response.

In addition to behavioral questions, interviewers may also ask situational questions. These present hypothetical scenarios to measure your problem-solving skills and adaptability. These questions are intended to evaluate your critical thinking and flexibility in various potential work situations.

When answering questions about accommodations, you may choose to respond by acknowledging that you might need some minor adjustments to work more efficiently. It's important to emphasize how these accommodations contribute to successful job performance, bringing the conversation back to your ability to excel in the role.

Making A Great Virtual Impression

Virtual interviews have unique challenges that require careful preparation to create a smooth and professional experience. A little thought and some up-front effort can pay off big in terms of making the best impression.

Prepare Your Environment

Secure a space that is quiet, free from distractions and well-lit to present yourself in the best way possible. Natural lighting from a window is ideal, but if that's not available, consider using a desk lamp to illuminate your face evenly.

Pay close attention to your background, opting for a clean, uncluttered space that doesn't draw attention away from you. Avoid anything overly distracting or unprofessional, such as unmade beds, piles of laundry or busy wallpapers. A plain wall or a neatly arranged bookshelf can serve as an excellent backdrop.

Test Your Technology

A complete technology test can prevent potential hiccups during the interview to help show your preparedness and professionalism.

Well before the interview, ensure that your camera, microphone and internet connection are functioning properly. Conduct a trial run with a friend or family member to check your audio and video quality.

If possible, use a wired internet connection for increased stability. Have a backup plan, such as a mobile hotspot, in case of unexpected internet issues.

Get Ready To Physically Engage

Non-verbal communication is a big deal, even in a virtual setting, and can greatly impact the interviewer's perception of you.

Look directly into the camera to simulate making eye contact with the interviewer. This may feel unnatural at first, but it creates a sense of connection and shows that you're fully engaged in the conversation. Consider placing a small sticker near your camera as a reminder to look in the right direction.

Incorporate natural hand gestures when speaking to add emphasis and show enthusiasm, while avoiding big distracting movements. Sit up straight with your shoulders back to project confidence and professionalism. Lean slightly forward to show interest in the conversation, but avoid getting too close to the camera. These small physical cues demonstrate your engagement and enthusiasm for the role, helping to create a positive impression despite the virtual barrier.

After The Interview

What happens after the interview is just as important, and sometimes can seal the deal. Follow-up and additional interactions go a long way in reinforcing the ground work you laid in the initial discussion. These can add up to win the job.

Write A Follow-Up Email

A well-crafted follow-up email is a critical piece in leaving a lasting, positive impression after an interview.

Aim to send your thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview conclusion (the sooner the better). This shows your promptness and genuine interest in the position while ensuring your conversation is still fresh in the interviewer's mind.

Start your email by expressing your thanks for the chance to interview and learn more about the role. Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position and the company, highlighting how your skills and experience line up with their needs. To jog the interviewer's memory and stand out from other candidates, mention a specific, memorable point from your conversation. This could be a shared interest, a challenge discussed or an insight you provided. Finish by repeating your interest and stating that you look forward to hearing about the next steps in the process.

There are plenty of examples of follow-up emails on the Internet. Be sure to only use them as a rough start, personalizing the message to show your interest and attention.

Manage Feedback Appropriately

Despite heavy preparation and your best efforts, there may be instances where you don't secure the position. How you handle rejection can impact future opportunities.

If you receive a rejection, consider it an opportunity for growth. Politely ask for constructive feedback from the interviewer or hiring manager. Ask specific questions about areas where you could improve, such as your interview performance, qualifications or experience. This information can be invaluable for approaching future interviews.

Keep a professional and positive attitude, even in the face of disappointment. Thank the employer for their time and consideration, and express your continued interest. Keep the lines of communication open, as they may consider you for future positions that better match your skills.

Remember, building and maintaining professional relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities down the road. A company may consider it a close choice between you and another candidate. If their first choice falls through, you want each of your interactions up to that point to have been professional and positive so that they’ll consider calling you back with an offer.

Building Up For Future Interviews

Reflecting on past interviews and learning from experience is a big part of improving your job search. After each interview, take some time to think about what went well and what could have been better. This will help you grow from each experience, gradually refining your interview skills and presentation to make future interviews even better.

It's equally important to turn any feedback you receive, whether it's from the interviewer or your own self-reflection, into real growth opportunities. Use this information to sharpen your interview techniques, address any weaknesses and build on your strengths.

It's also crucial to keep a positive mindset throughout your job search journey. Remember that returning to work after a gap is a process, and each interview, regardless of its outcome, brings you one step closer to your ultimate goal. Every interaction provides valuable experience and helps you refine your approach, so stay motivated and view each opportunity as progress on your path back to employment.

Returning To Work With Allsup Employment Services

Are you currently receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and would like to return to work?

Allsup Employment Services (AES) is an SSA-authorized EN for the Ticket To Work Program. We have over 10 years of experience helping thousands return to work successfully.

The Ticket to Work Program helps you protect your SSA disability benefits by:

• Maintaining your SSDI income while you attempt working again.
• Safeguarding your Medicare coverage.
• Pausing SSA medical disability reviews.

Benefits Of Working With AES:

• Earn More. Make as much income as you choose during the Trial Work Period and protect your full SSDI benefits.
• Stress Less. Avoid medical disability reviews and the worry that comes with them.
• Keep Medicare. While working, you can keep Medicare for over seven years.
• Avoid Risk. If you stop working anytime within five years, your SSDI benefits can resume through a reinstatement process.
• Pay Nothing. As a Social Security-authorized Employment Network, our services are provided at no cost.

Choosing AES means working with an EN who’s focused on your goals and will work with you every step of the way.

Get Started – With No Cost And No Obligation.

Connect with Allsup Employment Services today by calling 866-540-5105 or requesting a call.