Interviewing: Preparing People with Disabilities for the Workforce

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Interviewing Preparing People with Disabilities
for the Workforce

• Malcomb Eisenberg, Human Resources, The City of
  Houston
• Norine Jaloway, Imagine Enterprises

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Meeting and talking with a potential employer is
an exchange of information. Many jobs are won or
lost within the first 15 seconds of a meeting.
Be prepared, practice and make a good first
impression!
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Step 1 Research

• If you are conducting your own job search or if a
  service agency is assisting, you need to know
  these details
• Name of Company
• Name of the Person you will interview with
• Location and travel time
• What kinds of jobs are available what do they
  do? Obtain a brochure or business card about the
  company.

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Step 2 Apply

• Even if you do not meet all the essential
  elements of a job description, look for a job
  that could suit your skills and talents.
• Apply for one or more jobs at a business.
  Applying for a job does not guaranty an
  interview, but you will never get an interview
  without applying.
• Attach your resume to your application. If you
  have limited or no job experience, use experience
  from school training, volunteer work, or other
  community contributions.
• Letters of support or recommendations can add
  allot. If you do not have a previous employer,
  ask a teacher, member of your church, or a friend
  to write a letter of support.

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Step 3 Disclosure

• If you are using an agency service, discuss the
  issue of disclosure.
• Employers who know the ADA, will wait for you to
  disclose your disability. They cannot ask you
  about it in the interview.
• Do not let an employers suspicion cloud their
  focus on your skills. Get the disability
  information out of the way!

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Step 4 Accommodations

• Think about the tools, scheduling, supports, or
  people that will help you to do the best possible
  job for this employer.
• Employers will ask How will you be able to do
  this job/task?
• Answer by letting them know how you have done
  similar tasks in the past and what you use to get
  your work done.
• If you hire a job coach, explain their role.

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Examples of Accommodations
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Step 5 Interview Reminder Checklist

• Make your list of interview questions
• Clothes cleaned and pressed
• Bring your employment portfolio, extra resumes
  and a pen and paper.
• Freshen up in a bathroom just before an
  interview.
• Remove gum or candy
• Less is more when it comes to jewelry, makeup
  and cologne

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Step 6 During the Interview

• Arrive 10 minutes early.
• Greet every person with a friendly hello.
• Look the interviewers in their eyes, shake hands
  and say their names.
• Listen and respond using the research you know
  about the job.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude about life and
  past experiences.
• Promote the skills you have and the talent you
  can bring to the job

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During the interview, continued

• Show your employment portfolio and items that may
  be of interest.
• Tell the employer what job you are interested in
  and why you think you are the right person for
  the job
• Ask how people have done the job in the past and
  what do they see as most important to know or
  learn.
• Ask him/her for their business card
• Be prepared to answer questions about
• reliable transportation
• your proudest accomplishment
• how you plan to get the job done
• Thank the employer before you leave.

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Step 7 Interview Follow-up

• Send the employer a thank you letter within 24
  hours
• Thank the person who arranged the interview
• Talk with your references about the position, in
  case they get a call
• Review what worked and what didnt work
• CONGRATULATE YOURSELF FOR DOING YOUR BEST!

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Step 8 Job Offer

• After making a job offer, an employer can ask any
  disability-related question, including medical
  exams. Be prepared to answer questions.
• Wait until you are offered a job to ask about
• pay
• pay schedule
• vacation and sick leave
• insurance

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Be Creative!!

• Transportation - always have a back-up. Use car
  pools, ask co-workers, friends and neighbors.
• Consider a self-employment strategy if typical
  job settings do not match your skills and
  interests
• Always develop a sound Social Security benefits
  plan.
• Sometimes the best job training is provided by
  the employer.