THE JOB INTERVIEW

A job interview is a meeting typically with a human resource manager, hiring manager or supervisor. Most employers base their decision to hire on the interview.

The interviewer will ask you a number of questions about your education, work experience, skills, strengths and weaknesses and why you want the job. You will also have the opportunity to ask a few questions about the company, the job position, your potential boss and your potential coworkers. Interviews can take place in-person, typically at the employer's office. But some interviews are done by video conference (like Zoom) or by phone.

Sometimes there is more than one interviewer, or multiple interviews arranged back-to-back. You could also have a group interview with other job applicants. The length of an interview can vary depending on the type of job and the person interviewing you.

Before the interview

Prepare

  • Review the job description. Be prepared to talk about how you can do or are qualified to do the job.
  • Research information about the company. The best place to start is on their website. Read their About section, News section and their mission statement.
  • Prepare a list of references that you can supply if your interviewer asks for them. You should have at least three people who know you through prior work experience, volunteering, school, clubs or community activity.
  • Have a clean, professional outfit ready to wear. No matter what kind of job you hope to get or the work environment you will be in, it is very important to look neat, clean and professional. That means wrinkle-free (ironed) clothes that fit appropriately and appropriate shoes. Unless you are specifically told to wear comfortable, casual clothing, dress to impress.

Below are specifics ways to help you prepare for each type of interview.

In-person interview

  • Before the day of your interview arrives, be sure you have done a test run of where you need to go. Find the best route and how long it will take to get there. Locate the building and entrance. When you set up the interview, be sure to ask if you will need to check-in to enter the property, with building security or at a front desk, and if you will have to show any documents, like your ID. Take this into consideration when determining the total time it will take you to get to the interview.
  • Print out two copies of your resume on high-quality white paper.
  • Print out two copies of your references on high-quality white paper.
  • Prepare a list for yourself of all your personal information (example: your address and phone number) that you may have trouble remembering. You will want it available in case you need to fill out an application.
  • Put your documents in a professional folder, briefcase, day planner or handbag. Be sure to pack a form of photo identification, like a driver’s license or state issued I.D.

Video conference interview

  • Make sure you have the appropriate video conference platform and that you can use it. Many are web browser-based but can also be used on a smartphone. Have a friend or family member send you a test invitation so you can check.
  • Make sure you know how to turn the camera on and you can position yourself in the center of it so your full face is seen. Make sure you also know how to turn mute off and turn the volume up.
  • Make sure you have a quiet space inside to do the interview. It should be free of all distractions, including pets, noise, and people entering into the camera view. There should also be no distractions on the wall behind you.
  • You should also have all other programs closed and notifications turned off so that you are not interrupted.

Phone interview

  • Make sure you have a quiet space, preferably inside, to take the call. It should be free of all distractions, including all noise.
  • If you are using a mobile phone, make sure that you have a fully charged battery. You should also have all notifications turned off so that nothing interrupts your call.
  • Because you are not on camera you may be inclined to move around. Be mindful of how this could affect your ability to pay attention or lead to distractions. For instance, if you prefer to walk and talk, make sure you are not leaving a quiet space for a noisy one.

Practice

  • Practice your interviewing skills in advance. Have a friend or support person help you. Have them ask you practice questions. Practice telling your story, your experience and focusing on your abilities, not your disabilities. Tell them about your strengths. Be proud of your accomplishments and share them. Practice ending the interview by thanking your interviewer and reminding them how to contact you. Consider recording the interview so you can listen or watch to learn from what you did well or where you want to improve your answer.

TIP: Many companies that post jobs openings on websites for people with disabilities or work with your VR agency are well-educated on hiring autistic employees. If you have an interview with such a company, you may consider asking for your interview questions in advance, or for interview accommodations. For instance, if you have multiple interviews with different people, you could ask for a break in between them.

  • Make a list of 2-3 questions you have about the position, your potential boss and coworkers, and/or the company. It is ok to ask things such as, how long your potential boss has been with the company, what would be the biggest challenge in your role, and what is one of the company's biggest challenges in their industry.
Workbook activity: Questions to ask during your interview
Come up with some questions to show your interest in the company and your interviewer. Think about anything you’d like to understand better about the workplace, the duties of the job you’re interviewing for, how your skills and experience match the new environment and your prospective employer’s communication and management styles. This workbook can be downloaded here.

On the day of the interview

Dress for success

If your interview is in a professional setting or a company with a strict dress code, business professional attire is required. Business professional clothes should be well-fitted and may be tailored to fit you specifically.

  • Some examples of a professional setting: banking, finance, government, law.
  • Some examples of business professional clothing: tailored dresses, slacks, skirts, dark-colored suits, ties, long-sleeve button-down shirts or blouses, blazers. Shoes include: heels, loafers or flats.

If your interview is in a casual setting or if you are an adolescent (younger than 18), business casual attire is acceptable. You are not expected to wear a suit. But it is still better to be overdressed than underdressed.

  • Some examples of a casual setting: retail, medical or healthcare, industrial or warehouse.
  • Some examples of business casual clothing: skirts, slacks, khakis, trousers, blouses, collared shirts, button-down shirts, sport coats, blazers and sweaters. Shoes include: flats, lifestyle sneakers, Oxfords, loafers, mules, boots or heels.

TIPS:

  • It is ok to ask when you set up the interview about the business setting.
  • If you do not have appropriate job interview clothing there may be nonprofit organizations in your community that can help. Try searching “career clothing donations near me” online.
  • Be sure that you shower, brush your teeth, comb your hair neatly and have your fingernails trimmed. For men without beards, it is a good idea to be cleanly shaven.

Arrive 15 minutes early

It is a good idea to arrive no sooner than 15 minutes before your interview starts. This will make a good first impression and ensure that you are not late. You can wait outside or in the waiting area if you are too early.

Greeting

  • Be polite and friendly to any staff you come into contact with. You might need to tell an employee that you are there for an interview so that your interviewer knows you have arrived. Introduce yourself with: “Hello, my name is ____________ and I am here to see (interviewer’s name) for an interview.”
  • Be prepared to begin your interview by greeting your interviewer with a handshake. Reach out your hand as you introduce yourself with: “Hi, my name is ____________ . Thank you for seeing me.”
  • Your handshake should be firm. Practice this with a friend or family member before the interview. Try practicing making eye contact as you do it. Handshakes should last only 2-3 seconds, then let go.
  • You do not have to initiate a handshake if you don’t want to or if it makes you too uncomfortable. But if the interviewer reaches out his or her hand to you, you must reach out and shake.
  • Wait for the interviewer to sit down first, then you can take your seat (unless he/she insists that you sit down first). Once they sit down, you should sit down too.
  • Hand over a copy of your resume.

Engage in conversation

  • Sit up straight in your chair and face the interviewer. Try your best to sit still as you talk.
  • The interviewer will ask you questions about your resume. Even though the answer might be right on the sheet you just gave them, answer each politely and try to add more information. Be ready for follow-up questions. Some questions may be more about getting to know you, and your likes and dislikes, more than they are about your actual work experience.

Ending the interview

  • The interviewer ends the interview. They may do so by either:
  • Asking you if you have any questions. Remember the ones you prepared in advance and if they were not yet previously answered, ask them. Or you can simply say, "This was a great interview. You already answered all of my questions."
  • Thanking you for coming in.

No matter how the interview went, when it is over you say, “Thank you for meeting with me.”

You can also again express interest in the job by saying, “This seems like a really great place to work. I look forward to hearing from you. You can contact me by (my email or my phone number) listed on my resume.”

Prepare to shake hands before you exit the interview.

After the interview

Within two days after your interview, you should write a thank-you letter or email to your interviewer for meeting with you. Check out career sites like Indeed and CareerBuilder for sample thank you emails.

Basic thank-you email example:

Next comes the hardest part: waiting. You must wait to hear whether you got the job. This may take time as the company may be interviewing several candidates. After two weeks have passed and you have not heard anything, you can email those who interviewed you once again thanking them for their time and saying that you are still interested in the position. Remind them where they can reach you. Most employers will let you know if you are still being considered or if they decided to go in another direction. If you do not hear back at all, you should continue job searching.

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