5 Tips to Ace the Interview by Reham Jadallah

by Reham Jadallah

Interviews can be stressful for anyone. However, for individuals living with disability or mental health barriers, the word anxiety often does not fully capture the challenges they experience. 

At Gateway Association, we work one-on-one with our participants to help them recognize their strengths, build confidence, and approach the interview process with greater ease. 

Whether you are new to interviews or have prior experience, there are five key tips that can help you make a strong and lasting impression on your interviewer. 

1. Dress for Success

Many people believe that dressing comfortably means dressing casually for an interview. However, being comfortable does not mean you can’t look professional. How you dress shows your ability to represent the company in a positive and professional way, and it reflects how you take care of yourself and your personal image. 

Remember to: 

Choose clean, well-fitted clothing made from materials that are not wrinkled or damaged. 

Avoid wearing jeans, as they may give the impression that you are not fully prepared for the interview. 

Stay away from clothing that is too tight or revealing. 

Make sure you are clean and well-groomed before the interview. 

Avoid strong colognes or perfumes, as some people may be sensitive or allergic to strong scents. 

Keep makeup and jewelry simple and professional. 

2. MaintainGood Eye Contact 

In some cultures, making eye contact can be considered rude. However, in Canadian workplace culture, appropriate eye contact is seen as a sign of respect and confidence. It shows the interviewer that you are engaged and comfortable speaking about your skills and experiences. 

During a panel interview, try to include everyone by briefly looking at each interviewer while answering questions. This helps all panel members feel acknowledged and respected. 

Practicing eye contact is especially important if your disability makes direct eye contact challenging. A helpful strategy is to look at the interviewer’s nose or forehead; this creates the appearance of eye contact without causing discomfort.

3. Prepare and Practice Your Answers

Preparing your answers ahead of time is key to feeling confident during an interview. 

    Practice responding to common interview questions and prepare examples that relate to different situations. This will help you sound more natural and identify areas for improvement before the interview. 

    Practicing in front of a mirror or recording your voice can help you recognize common mistakes and work on correcting them. The more you practice, the less anxious you are likely to feel. 

    Remember to: 

    • Practice giving examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). 
    • When answering the “What is your weakness?” question, choose a weakness that is not directly related to the job and explain the steps you are taking to improve it. 
    • Practice with someone you trust and who can provide constructive feedback, not discouraging or harsh comments. 
    • Avoid saying “I don’t know.” Instead, take a moment to think before answering. 

     

    4. Watch Your Body Language

    Research shows that body language and tone of voice make up more than 70% of how we communicate, while spoken words account for only about 30%. This is why it is important to be aware of your body language during an interview. 

    Remember to: 

    • Sit up straight with good posture. 
    • Limit excessive hand gestures and avoid crossing your arms. 
    • Avoid touching your face or playing with your hair while speaking. 
    • Try not to fidget or move too much. 

    You may bring a pen and paper to the interview and use them if it helps keep your hands steady. There are also discreet fidget tools, such as a wire fidget ring, that can help reduce anxiety without being noticeable. 

    5. Sound Confident

    Regardless of your disability, using positive and confident language is essential in an interview. 

    Remember to: 

    • Avoid negative phrases such as “I don’t know,” “I’m not good at,” or “I can’t do.” 
    • Keep your voice clear and steady. Avoid raising your pitch at the end of sentences, as this can sound like you are unsure. 
    • If you stutter, focus on breathing and on what you want to say rather than the stutter itself. 
    • If verbal communication is challenging, use confident body language and smile when appropriate. 
    • Be honest and speak genuinely from the heart.