Introduction
Walking into a job interview can feel intimidating, especially when you’re unsure how to communicate your unique abilities. At Blessing and Assets, we’ve helped hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities navigate this process successfully. The key? Shifting the focus from perceived limitations to the incredible strengths you bring to the workplace. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical strategies to prepare for, participate in, and follow up after interviews with confidence.
Discovering Your Unique Strengths
Before you can showcase your abilities, you need to identify them clearly. Here’s how:
- Self-Assessment Tools: Use simple worksheets (like our “Skills Inventory”) to list tasks you enjoy and excel at. Example: “I’m great at organizing shelves neatly” or “I always arrive on time.”
- Feedback from Others: Ask teachers, family, or past supervisors what they see as your top three strengths.
- Past Success Stories: Recall a time you solved a problem or helped someone. What skills did you use?
Section 2: Preparing Your Interview Toolkit
- STAR Method: Practice structuring answers using:
- Situation: “At my volunteer job at the food bank…”
- Task: “I was asked to sort donations by expiration date…”
- Action: “I created a color-coded system…”
- Result: “The team could find items 50% faster!”
- Visual Aids: Bring a “brag book” with photos of projects, certificates, or reference letters.
- Mock Interviews: Schedule practice sessions with our job coaches to refine your delivery.
During the Interview
- Body Language: Smile, make eye contact (or focus on the interviewer’s forehead if eye contact is challenging).
- Answering Tough Questions:
- “What’s your weakness?” → “I sometimes take longer to learn new tasks, but I use checklists to stay on track.”
- Questions to Ask Employers:
- “What does a typical day look like in this role?”
- “How do you support employees’ growth?”
Post-Interview Follow-Up
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours (we provide templates!). Example:
“Dear [Name], Thank you for discussing the [Job] role. I’m excited about the chance to contribute my organizational skills to your team. Best, [Your Name].”
Remember, interviews are about finding the right fit—for you and the employer. Need personalized coaching? Contact us to schedule a session!