On this page:
Preparing for a job interview
Getting to the interview – Orientation and Mobility
Interview skills
Disclosure
Presentation
Preparing for a job interview
You’ve impressed the employer with your cover letter and resume, and secured an interview. Congratulations! Your efforts into your resume and cover letter has paid off. Taking the time to prepare for an interview in advance can help you secure a job offer.
- Research the company – Review their company website and social media platforms, learn about the organisation, their mission and values to demonstrate to the employer you are interested in working for them.
- Reread the job advertisement you applied for, and make notes about how you meet each of the key selection criteria, and what skills you can bring to the organisation to meet the duties set out in the position description.
- Take the time to practice answering potential interview questions that may be asked during a job interview.
- Practice interviewing with a friend or family member ahead of time and it will be much easier when you’re actually in a job interview. If you don’t have someone to practice with, speak your answers to potential interview questions out loud, and do this several times until your answer flows smoothly.
Here is a list of common interview questions that will help you get started.
Getting to the interview – Orientation and Mobility
If the interview will be in person, consider how you will get to the interview, and plan your journey ahead of time. If it is a location you have never been to before it may be beneficial to do a practice run before the interview date.
Interview skills
When you’re in the interview itself, take your time to consider your answers before responding to questions. Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat the question if you didn’t take it all in the first time; some questions are long and complex and it’s good to be clear on exactly what is being asked to ensure you provide all of the required information.
Come prepared with some questions of your own. This will show the employer you are interested and have put thought and consideration into the interview.
Disclosure
Disclosure is the decision to, and the process of, telling someone (in this case an employer or recruiter) about your vision impairment.
When and how to disclose your vision impairment is a personal choice and there is no right or wrong answer. The timing of disclosure will often depend on your level of vision, the inherent requirements of the role, and reasonable workplace adjustments that may be required for the role such as assistive technology. Regardless of the timing of disclosure it is important to highlight your abilities, the skills/mindset you will bring to the organisation, how you will do the role or successfully worked in other roles.
An Eye to the Future discuss disclosure and the job application process in more detail here and more events for job seekers will be facilitated throughout 2023.
Presentation
Suggestion: Preparing for the interview involves more than researching the company and considering answers to possible interview questions, we also need to consider what we will wear, and how we will present ourselves in the workplace.
There are services to assist people with getting dressed for work. Have a look at the links below for information and support
An Eye to The Future discussed the job application process in more detail here. If you would like additional resources to prepare for an upcoming job interview, please register here and a project officer from An Eye to the Future will be in contact with you.