Acing the Interview ⁠— Top 10 Tips for All Abilities

Written by Abigail Guerdat, Communications & Grants Associate at Easterseals Northern California

Interviewing for any job can be daunting—from clicking ‘Submit’ on your application to mastering the right grip-strength for your handshakes. But there are plenty of excellent tips and tricks from folks of all abilities who have endured every part of the interview process, and landed the job.

Check out our top 10 tips for acing your next interview:

Tip #1: Be confident

Don’t be afraid to brag about yourself a little! When completing your resume or application, highlight your best work-related attributes.

Tip #2: Practice

Practice possible interview questions and prepare answers beforehand.

Tip #3: Dress to impress

Wear something that makes you feel happy and confident. Make sure it’s clean and appropriate, without any uncomfortable tags or accessories that may distract you.

Tip #4: Research

Do your homework. Make sure you research the company or organization thoroughly and come prepared with at least 3 questions for your interviewer. For example: “What would make a person successful in this role? What’s your favorite part about working here? What new programs might be in the works?”

Tip #5: Look up directions

Look up directions to your interview in advance. Check the traffic the day before for the time of your interview to get an idea of what time you should leave and go for a test drive! If you have a car, it never hurts to bring printed directions with you, just in case your GPS doesn’t work.

Tip #6: Arrive early

Arrive at least 15 minutes early! Showing that you’re punctual and can plan ahead will speak volumes to your interviewer. If you use a wheelchair or walker, consider searching the company’s address beforehand using a street view setting to locate ramps, automatic doors, and disabled parking spots.

Tip #7: Be friendly

Be friendly with your interviewer and the front desk staff. Your interview starts when you enter the building.

Tip #8: Be honest

Come prepared to talk about at least one positive, distinguishing attribute about yourself that’s not on your resume. For example: “I have a daily rating system of my own performance, so I can keep track of my productivity.” Make sure that everything you say about yourself is true.

Tip #9: Maintain eye contact

It can feel uncomfortable sometimes, but making eye contact and shaking hands show your interviewer that you’re interested in the role and engaged in the interview.

Tip #10: Thank the interviewer

At the end of your interview, ask the person you met with if there’s anything else you can answer for them. Thank them with a handshake and follow up with a thank-you email the next day. It’ll make y

In the end, interviewing is a numbers game. You may land the job during your first interview; you may have to come back for more interviews with other people; or you may have to start the process again elsewhere. Look at each interview and application as an opportunity to grow and learn, and remember that you are fully capable of finding the right job in which your skills will make a difference!