Prepare Your Targeted Stories
Based on Your Research Answer:
- What is important to the employer?
- What is required by the position?
- What are your skills, education, experiences, and interests which match those?
- What specific examples in your background demonstrate those matches?
Outline Your Examples Including:
- Skills, knowledge, and strengths used
- How you acquired those skills, knowledge, and strengths
- How you will use them in the position
Outline Your Message Including:
- What interests you in the organization and position
- Your motivations for pursuing the type of work and industry
- Your professional strength
Practice Your Interview Skills
Interviewing is not natural for most people. Therefore, people often experience stress before an interview. Practicing your interview skills as you begin to apply for positions can help manage your nerves. You can practice on your own, but to experience an interview and get feedback on your interviewing skills, take advantage of the services and resources available to you through Career Services:
Mock Interviews with a Career Coach/Advisor and/or a mentor allow you to practice answering interview questions and get feedback on your ability to present yourself and your qualifications persuasively and confidently.
Big Interview is an online tool that allows you to practice and record yourself answering interview questions. Go to go.unl.edu/biginterview to utilize the Big Interview resource.
Requesting Accomodations
Under the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA), job applicants with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations during the hiring process. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces this right to ensure equal opportunity in employment.
When to Request
You can request accomodation at any stage. When you’re contacted for an interview, during the interview itself, or even afterward, if further assesments are required.
How to Request
You don’t need to mention the ADA or use specific legal terms. A simple statement like, “I have a medical condition that requires [specific accommodation] for the interview” is enough. Make your request to the person coordinating the interview, such as the HR representative or recruiter.
Examples of Accommodations
- Extended time for written tests
- A sign language interpreter
- Wheelchair-accessible interview location
- Modified interview format (e.g., written instead of verbal)
Keep In Mind
Accomodations must not cause undue hardship to the employer, but should meet your access needs to the extent possible.
Employers cannot leagally discriminate against you for requesting an accommodation. If you believe your rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with the EEOC. For more information, visit: www.eeoc.gov
TIP:
The more you know about the organization the better. Research the mission, values, customers/clients, competitors, etc. using their website and social media platforms.