Interviewing: Preparing
People with Disabilities
for the Workforce
Malcomb Eisenberg,
Human Resources, The City
of Houston
Norine Jaloway, Imagine
Enterprises
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!
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.
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.
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 employer‟s
suspicion cloud their focus on
your skills. Get the disability
information out of the way!
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.
Examples of
Accommodations
COST AND BENEFITS OF ACCOMMODATIONS
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
e-mail: JAN@jan.icdi.wvu.edu (800) 526-7234 (V/TDD)
SITUATION: A production worker with mental retardation, who has limited fine motor
dexterity, must use tweezers and a magnifying glass to perform the job. The worker had
difficulty holding the tweezers.
SOLUTION: Giant tweezers were purchased. Cost: $5
SITUATION: A saw operator with a learning disability had difficulty measuring to the
fraction of an inch.
SOLUTION: The employee was provided with a wallet-sized card on which the
fractions were listed on an enlarged picture of an inch. This allowed the employee to
compare the card with the location on the ruler to identify the correct fraction. Cost: $5
SITUATION: A greenhouse worker with mental retardation has difficulty staying on
task and knowing when to take breaks.
SOLUTION: At no cost to the employer, a job coach gave initial training. The worker
then carried a tape recorder that provided periodic reminders to stay on task and indicated
break time. The worker also carried a set of laminated cards which showed the basic list
of tasks to be completed. Cost $50
SITUATION: A bowling alley worker with mental retardation and bi-manual motor and
finger dexterity problems was having difficulty properly wiping the bowling shoes that
had been returned by customers.
SOLUTION: A local job coach service provider fabricated a device that allowed the
individual to roll the shoes in front of a brush rater than run a brush over the shoes. Cost:
no cost as scraps of wood that were left over from other projects were used to make the
device.
SITUATION: A cashier with mental retardation had difficulty making change.
SOLUTION: The Worker used a talking calculator and a chart of bills and coins. Cost
$150
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
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
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.
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
didn‟t work
• CONGRATULATE YOURSELF
FOR DOING YOUR BEST!
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
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.