By Tamar Asedo Sherman
You never get a second chance to make a first impression, the old saying goes. That’s why you have to prepare for a job interview. Before you even open your mouth to say hello, the interviewer will size you up based on your appearance, so look your best.
That might mean investing in a new suit, whether you’re a man or a woman, in black, gray or navy, with a clean, pressed shirt or blouse and polished shoes. Tone down the makeup, perfume, as well as the jewelry. That also applies to men as well as women, and keep the tattoo under wraps. You don’t want your prospective employer distracted by irrelevant factors such as facial piercings.
A suit is appropriate for most job interviews, even if you would not be expected to wear one on the job, unless it’s a real entry- level position such as bagger or cashier at a supermarket. Then a clean pair of slacks and a button down shirt are appropriate, but never jeans and a T-shirt.
Making eye contact and conveying a sense of confidence through a firm handshake go a long way in making a good impression. If you are unable to extend your right hand due to your disability, then extend the other hand or nod your head. Allow others to touch your hand and realize why you haven’t extended it.
Which leads into the dilemma of whether to announce ahead of time that you use a wheelchair or have a disability. There is no reason to disclose a hidden disability unless you need to ask for an accommodation in order to perform the job, and even if your disability is obvious, the interviewer cannot ask you about it. The only legitimate question is whether you can perform the tasks of the job and to explain or demonstrate how you would do it.
I went on one interview where I disclosed that I use a wheelchair because the office was on the 2nd floor and I couldn’t find an elevator. I phoned from downstairs and explained the situation. There was an elevator, but the office was configured in such a way that I couldn’t get past the receptionist’s desk. The employer came out and we had a stimulating discussion, but I did not get the job!
But assuming you get in the door and meet with the employer, the next step is to give a brief statement that sums up who you are from a professional, not a personal, perspective. Practice a 1- or 2-minute speech stating your work activities and accomplishments and what you hope to do now. Some recruiters call that an “elevator speech”. It’s brief enough to tell someone in an elevator ride up to the office.
Once the employer knows something about you, she can ask for more information about some intriguing point that you mentioned. Giving specific examples of an achievement makes it more memorable, such as quantifying a percentage of increase in sales that resulted from a new approach you took at your last job. Gaps in employment can be attributed to accident or illness with the explanation that you are now ready and able to work.
Research the company’s Web site before going on an interview and prepare a few questions to demonstrate that you have done your homework. It’s a good idea to ask about job responsibilities, what their expectations are of you, and what a typical workday would be like. It’s okay to ask about the hours, but not about vacation time or benefits until you’re offered the job.
Just as the interviewer wants to know if you are a good fit for the job, you can ask the employer some questions to see if the job is a good fit for you. It would be a waste of time for both of you if you took the job and then discovered you really didn’t like the work or your co-workers.
Plus, you might need to know if there is an accessible restroom, if the workstation can accommodate your wheelchair, and if the hours coincide with the hours of operation of the paratransit system you rely on. Remember, you are entitled by law to accommodations that will enable you to perform the job, if you are otherwise qualified, but it is up to you to tell the employer what accommodations you will need.
Always follow up with a thank you note immediately. Very few applicants bother to do that, so it really makes a lasting impression and keeps your name in the forefront.
Tamar Asedo Sherman works as an employment specialist at UCP-Suffolk in Hauppauge, NY. She can be reached at action@unitedspinal.org.
