During the Interview
What should you do when you first enter an interview?
Shake their hand, say your name, make eye contact as best as you can
How should you dress for an interview?
Dress nicely and professionally. Try on your clothes in advance. Plan to purchase new clothing/shoes if your current options do not fit correctly.
What should you know about your interviewer?
Know the interviewer's name and role in company
*Pro tip!* It's okay to bring a notebook with you to jot down names/positions of those you meet.
What should you do towards the end of an interview?
Ask questions about the company culture, how employees are measured for success, what is expected during the first 30/60/90 days of employment, day-to-day responsibilities (if not provided an overview during the interview), and challenges that may be faced in the position.
What should you do with your cellphone?
Turn it off before you start the interview
When should you sit down?
Whenever the interviewer does
How should you not dress?
Not wear workout clothes or any other unprofessional clothing including clothing that has stains
How should you prepare for your interview?
Practice! Consider practicing your answers to common interview questions with a friend or family member. This can help you to feel more prepared and confident during the actual interview.
Pro-tip!
If you have a therapist, role-play the job interview and explore the thoughts and feelings that came up for you during the practice interview.
How should you end the interview?
Thank them for having you, hand shake and best eye contact
Should you ask to use the bathroom during the middle of an interview?
Only if its an emergency. Try to use the restroom before going to the interview.
When should you arrive for an interview?
5 to 10 minutes early
*Pro-tip*
Research the commute add 1 hour before the suggested time of departure to allow for any obstacles
How should your hygiene be?
Clean (Shower before); get a hair cut (if needed), cut/clean finger nails, brush teeth.
How should you prepare the night before of an interview?
Get a good night sleep
What should you ask the interviewer if you really want the job?
Ask when you will be hearing from them or what the next steps will be.
What should you do to learn more about the company?
Research the company by visiting its website and social media. What service do they provide? Who are their customers or clients? What do those people have to say in their reviews of the company? Does your potential employer have any missions that resonate with you, such as volunteer work or celebrating diversity with Employee Resource Groups?
*Pro-tip*
Try to find their values and write them down so you can reference them later. Look for employee reviews on sites like Indeed, GlassDoor, or Fishbowl – and while you’re there, make note of interview questions that hopeful employees reported being asked.
What should you do while shaking their hand?
Introduce yourself
Say nice to meet you
How should you prepare for common challenges of an interview?
If you have difficulty with social interactions or communication, it may be helpful to prepare in advance for common challenges that you may face during the interview. For example, you might practice maintaining eye contact or finding ways to communicate your ideas effectively.
What do you need to practice successfully for your interview?
1) Google common interview questions plus common questions asked based on job title (ex: common interview questions for retail sales, common interview questions for IT help desk)
2) research the 'about us' page of the company website
3) Read the job description and list essential/interesting things from the job description.
4) Think of specific examples of relevant experience that match the job description or company.
What should you not do after an interview?
Ask if you did okay, harass the interviewer (multiple calls/emails for follow-ups), ghost on any communication from the interviewer, and don't replay the interview repeatedly in your head so that you are paralyzed
*Pro-tip*
If you have a therapist, review the interview and bring up thoughts/feelings to help process.
What should your posture be like?
Sit up tall
What can you do if you get nervous/stressed/frustrated during the interview?
Try a coping strategy.
*Pro tip:
Communicate your needs: If you have any accommodations that you need in order to participate in the interview process (e.g., extra time, a quiet space, or assistive technology), be sure to communicate these needs in advance. Many employers are willing to make accommodations to ensure that the interview process is fair and accessible for all candidates.
How should you distinguish yourself from others?
Tell them something very interesting about yourself that relates to the job
*Pro tip!*
Be yourself! It is important to be authentic and genuine during the interview process. This may involve explaining how your disability has affected your experiences or how you approach tasks and problem-solving. This can help the employer to understand your unique perspective and how you might contribute to the team.
How long should each interview answer last?
Keep your answers to a minute or less.
*Pro tip*
Write out your answers to practice.
List out a few strengths and struggles that you can reference and provide examples of
Expand on answers in a meaningful way using the STAR method. “tell me about a time” or “describe a situation” are hints on when to use the STAR method.
If you find yourself rambling during the interview (or if the interviewer is losing interest), say "I'll pause there."
What should you do the next day after the interview?
Send a professional-sounding thank you email free of grammatical and spelling errors.
*Pro-tip*
Have a list of references ready (people who know will speak highly of you.
If rejected, do not send an angry response. If you do want to respond after a rejection, ask them to provide feedback that will help you in your next interview
How should you persuade them to choose you over others?
Tell them how you are right for the job.