Practical tips and resources to help you prepare, communicate your strengths, and answer interview questions with confidence.
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but they aren't a test where you have to be perfect. An interview is an opportunity to tell the employer about yourself, show how your skills fit the job, and share what kind of worker you would be.
Before the Interview
Taking a few small steps before your interview can help you feel more prepared, build confidence, and reduce anxiety.
Research the Company
Research the company before your interview. Find out what type of work they do, where they are located, and what services or products they provide. Learning a little about the employer can help you feel more prepared and show that you are interested in the job.
Review the Job Posting
Reread the job posting carefully before your interview. Pay attention to the skills, responsibilities, and qualifications the employer is looking for. Write down any questions you would like to ask the interviewer so you are ready to discuss the position.
Familiarize Yourself with the Location
Find out where the interview will take place. If possible, drive by the location before your interview. Find the entrance and determine where you will park. Knowing what to expect when you arrive can help you feel more comfortable, confident, and at ease.
Practice Your Answers
Like many things, interviews become easier with practice. Try answering common interview questions in front of a mirror. Practice making eye contact, speaking clearly, and avoiding filler words such as "um" and "uh."
Common interview questions include:
Tell me about yourself.
Why are you interested in this position?
What are your strengths?
Ask a friend, family member, or employment specialist to conduct a mock interview with you. Practicing with another person can help you become more comfortable answering questions and give you an opportunity to receive helpful feedback.
Once you've done some preparation, the next step is to think about what you might be asked during the interview. You don't need to memorize perfect answers. Instead, think about your experiences, skills, and strengths and how you can share them with the interviewer.
Below are some common interview questions, along with tips to help you think about your answers and examples of what you could say.
What is the interviewer trying to learn?
They want to get to know you and learn about your skills, experience, and interests.
How to think about your answer:
Talk about what you are doing now, what you are good at, and why you are interested in the job.
Example:
“I like working with people and helping others. I’m dependable and I like learning new things. I’m interested in this job because I think I would be good at this kind of work.”
What is the interviewer trying to learn?
They want to know why you want the job and what interests you about the work.
How to think about your answer:
Think about what caught your attention about the job. Maybe you like the type of work, want to learn something new, or enjoy helping people.
Example:
“I’m interested in this job because I like working with people. I think I would enjoy the work, and I’m interested in learning more about the job.”
What is the interviewer trying to learn?
They want to know what you do well.
How to think about your answer:
Think about something you are good at that would help you do the job.
Example:
“I’m dependable. If I say I’m going to do something, I do it. I also work well with other people.”
What is the interviewer trying to learn?
They want to know if you can recognize something you want to improve and are willing to learn.
How to think about your answer:
Pick something you are working on. Talk about what you are doing to get better.
Example:
“Sometimes I get nervous when I have to speak in front of people. I’ve been practicing so I can feel more comfortable.”
What is the interviewer trying to learn?
They want to know how you handle problems.
How to think about your answer:
Think of a time when something was difficult. What did you do? Who did you ask for help?
Example:
“At my last job, we had a very busy day and were short-staffed. I stayed calm, asked what needed to be done first, and helped where I was needed.”
What is the interviewer trying to learn?
They want to know what you can bring to the job.
How to think about your answer:
Think about two or three things you can offer, such as being dependable, working hard, getting along with others, or being willing to learn.
Example:
“I’m dependable, I work hard, and I’m willing to learn. I may need some training at first, but I’m ready to learn and do my best.”
An accommodation is a change or adjustment that can help a person with a disability participate in the hiring process or do their job successfully.
Most accommodations cost very little or nothing at all. They can be as simple as adjusting work hours, providing extra short breaks when needed, or making small changes to the work environment or the way information is provided.
Some accommodations can make the interview process easier to understand and prepare for:
Share the interview format and questions ahead of time to reduce anxiety.
Provide a map or photos of the building and, when appropriate, a picture of the interviewer.
Allow a job coach, support worker, or family member to attend when appropriate.
An interviewer can also make simple changes to help a candidate communicate what they know and can do:
Ask one question at a time and use clear, simple language.
Allow extra time for the person to process the question and respond.
Use written or visual prompts instead of only spoken questions.
Offer a working interview or practical skills demonstration instead of relying only on a traditional question-and-answer format.
Knowing what you need to be successful is an important part of self-advocacy. An accommodation can help ensure you have an equal opportunity to participate in the interview and show an employer what you can do.
Accommodations aren't just for interviews. Some people may need an accommodation to perform certain job duties or to be successful in the workplace.
Workplace accommodations can look different for everyone. They might include changes to the way information is provided, adjustments to the work environment, changes to how a task is completed, or assistive technology.
Remember: An accommodation doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes a small change can make a big difference in helping someone learn, communicate, perform their job, and be successful at work.
You don't have to prepare for an interview alone. Employment specialists, job coaches, and workforce professionals can help you practice answering questions, learn about employers, and feel more confident.
In Cheyenne, help may be available through:
Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) — Employment counseling, job search and placement assistance, and interview preparation
Magic City Enterprises — Community employment and employment support for people with disabilities.
Cheyenne Workforce Center — Resume help, interview skills, job search, and job placement assistance.
Career Quick Guides
Practical resources to help you navigate the job search, prepare for employment, and build confidence along the way.
Managing Job Search Anxiety:
7 Tips for Success
Myth vs Reality:
Workplace Accommodations
Words We Can Retire:
Choosing Strength-Based Language