My Job Interview Message: I'm Disabled But Ready, Willing and Able

Summary:
The job interview can feel like "make or break" time, especially when you have a disability. But it's actually just another networking opportunity. Here are some tips for making the best of an interview situation.

Finding a job is very difficult for any American, but it can be harder for a disabled American. What do we do?

I worked very hard all throughout school. I graduated from high school with the dream of college in my heart. I thought that finding a job would be a cinch because of the wonderful education and skills that I acquired during my years in school.

So I filled out job application after application, each time thinking to myself that this will be "the one:" the job that will challenge me mentally and provide a new outlet for meeting new and interesting people. I foresaw myself climbing the ladder of success in my future company. When I imagined myself climbing that ladder, I did not see my disability hindering my success.

Maureen Crawford-Hentz is an independent career and HR consultant and also author of the article, "Job-Seeking Strategy for Differently-abled Candidates: Address Employer Fears Head On."

In that article, Crawford-Hentz writes: "The single biggest barrier to full employment for the differently-abled is the 'fear of the unknown' of hiring/working with someone different."

I believe this to be true. The employer's main concern is whether the "disabled" person will finish each task in a timely manner and move on to the next one. The employer must concentrate on making his or her company better than it was, not overseeing every step each employee takes.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 says, "ￂ? The nation's proper goals regarding individuals with disabilities are to assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self- sufficiency for such individuals."

And that's all I want: a fair chance to see if I can achieve occupational success.

After many attempts at getting a job interview, I strike gold. An employer actually calls me back in response to my inquiry about a job, and he wants to set up an interview with me! It's my first job interview!

So I set up an appointment with the interviewer. Transportation needs are not a big concern right now. I know that I'll figure something out. I do not have a car. I rely on either my family or accessible public transportation.

I hang up the phone feeling positive. Then I begin to prepare myself for the possible questions that the interviewer might ask me. I practice and memorize my answers to these questions. I am confident that I will impress the interviewer. Any negative thinking at this time will be detrimental to the cause. At least I can try to get a good night's sleep.

I awake the next morning full of hope, and, as I prepare for the interview, I consciously role-play with myself.

But, as the time ticks by, my anxiety level rises and I begin to doubt every piece of encouragement I have received from friends and family. I now begin questioning my abilities as a person.

Finally I arrive at the interview. I prepare myself one last time by checking my appearance in the mirror and giving myself a final pep talk of encouragement and then bravely go into the interview.

You have probably gone through this process many times yourself. I've read that the average non-disabled job seeker needs to go through 25 job interviews to get one job offer. For those of us with disabilities, I expect that ratio is much higher.

Crawford-Hentz recommends, "As differently-abled job searchers go through the process of interviewing, a good strategy may be to address potential concerns directly."

You might ask interviewers if there are concerns. If you find that interviewers usually hesitate or beat around the bush when asked about their concerns, you'll probably need to beef up your efforts to sell yourself.

Reassure your interviewers that you are more than capable of doing the desired job and that you will accomplish each task within a timely manner. Tell them how you will be an asset to them if they hire you. Try to convey to them that there is so much more to you than just your disability.

When the interview has come to an end, thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Ask when the hiring manager is expected to make a decision about the job and when you might hear from them. Shake hands firmly. Gather your belongings as quickly as possible and follow the interviewer or receptionist to the exit. Thank whoever you see last again as you are leaving their office.

Regardless of whether you get the desired position or not, remember that you are a unique individual who will be successful at life, no matter what. Never give up. Continue to strive for everything that you desire.

I've learned, early in my childhood, that I must work hard for what I desire. I learned that perseverance always pays off in the long run.

And, to the employers out there, please take a chance on me. I, for one, promise to work hard and take immense pride in the work that I do.

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