Employment for people with disabilities can be difficult to secure.  First there’s the process of locating jobs, then the hassle of filing out endless applications and sending out resumes.  However, the most important function of the job-seeking process is the interview.  Here are some pointers that will help you accentuate your positives with potential employers and prevent you from making crucial interview mistakes.

1. Be Punctual, Proper and Polite
Career counselors generally agree that these three can’t be emphasized enough.  Showing up late and shabbily dressed is a terrible way to make a first impression.  Make sure you wear formal clothes, regardless of the position you’re applying for.  Just because you’re seeking work in construction, doesn’t mean you should wear a pair of Levi’s and a hardhat to the interview.  And if you’re unsure what to wear, always err on the side of overdressing.  First impressions are too crucial to take lightly.  Also, make sure you avoid slumping.  Good posture counts.

2. Tell a Story, Make a Friend
An interview is like a first date and one of the most important things to do is to make it as personable as possible. “You’re a stranger and the best way to meet someone is to tell a story,” says Goodwill Career Counselor Anne Guthrie, who finds jobs for people with disabilities.  Guthrie suggests looking for easy ways to insert your personality into the interview.  For example when asked about your work experience, don’t just dryly recite your various positions.  Instead, tell an engaging story about some of the day to day challenges you’ve faced.

3. Write a Script
Yes, you never want to sound rehearsed, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be practiced.  Preparing for a few of the most standard and toughest interview questions can bolster your chances of finding employment.  Write a 30 second answer to questions such as:  “Tell me about yourself?” and “Why do you want to work here?”  In your first sentence, unveil your interest in the context of your experience.  From there, move onto your strengths and tell your employer about the elements of your profession you really enjoy.

Also, watch out for one the biggest interview trip-up questions:  “What’s your biggest weakness?”  When answering this don’t be cutesy or cliché by saying, “I work too hard,” or something similar.  Instead tie your weakness to a specific time period in your occupational past and talk about how it helped you grow.  E.g.,  I used to be very stubborn, but over time I’ve really learned the value of working as a team. 

4. Don’t Talk Money 
Save the salary negotiations for when the job offer is already on the table.  It’s inappropriate and a bit bullish to make monetary demands when you haven’t even been offered the position.  Refrain from making any other demands regarding benefits as well. Remember that the best interviews unwind like friendly conversations, so you should avoid any potential source of tension.

5. Scout Out for Accessibility
For job-seeks with disabilities, one the most difficult parts of an interview could be accessibility.  If you have a mobility issue, either call ahead and ask about the facilities, or better yet have a friend drop by to pick up some generic information and take a look for you.  It will ease your mind to know that you won’t have any mobility hassles on the day of your interview.

Now You’re Ready
Remember, job opportunities for people with disabilities are out there, but it’s up to you to capitalize on them.  If you’re fully prepared for a successful interview, you’re on your way to being gainfully employed.