Make a good first impression

Learn as much as you can about the organization before your interview. This demonstrates to the employer that you have a keen interest in the company and have the ability to “think ahead.” If you have used the company’s services or products and have benefited from them, it is helpful to provide that information during the interview.

• Dress professionally and, if possible, learn about the company’s dress code. If employees wear business attire, then you should too. If you can’t find out about the dress code in advance, it’s best to wear business attire. Do not, however, wear jeans, shorts, or revealing clothing.
• Smile and give the employer a firm, confident handshake. Make sure your application, along with any related paperwork, is filled out accurately and completely.
• Be on time. Because a commute can be unpredictable, it is a good rule of thumb to leave a half hour early, and always carry a cell phone so that you can call the employer if you are delayed.

An interview is a performance, and that performance begins the moment you arrive. Since it is common for a company receptionist to be asked for his or her initial impression of a job applicant, remember to turn your head in the direction of the speaker, maintain eye contact, and exhibit good manners, grooming, and posture.

Try to obtain the secretary’s or receptionist’s name and title so that you can address him or her correctly during your initial meeting and any subsequent callbacks that the employer may require. Don’t forget to bring a pen and a writing guide, in case you are asked to sign your name.

Learn as much as you can about specific job duties

Review your own work and volunteer experience and relate this experience to the job for which you’re applying. Because you’re just starting out, these related work experiences might be connected to school or family activities. Don’t hesitate to bring them up, and point out how these activities can enhance your ability to perform the job.

Discuss your computer skills, past writing assignments, and positions of responsibility you’ve held. Be creative, but accurate, when discussing your background.

Promote yourself and your abilities

You might feel uncomfortable talking about or promoting yourself, but this is not the time to hold back. Remember that you are competing with many other applicants and it’s always best to make yourself “stand out from the crowd.” Convince your potential employer that you’re the best person for the job by discussing your past experiences and achievements and relating them to what you can bring to the job and to the company.

Be prepared to discuss your vision impairment and ways you’ve developed to adapt to the new job

If you use a cane or a dog guide for assistance, let the employer know about your visual condition after you have been granted an interview. By doing so, you help prepare an interviewer rather than surprise him or her.

If the employer asks about your vision, always answer directly and follow up with a question about the job. The use of this technique makes the employer focus on your qualifications for employment instead of on your blindness or low vision. As a general rule, don’t allow a lengthy discussion about your eye condition or vision loss to dominate the interview.

Avoid being defensive when disclosing information about your vision, and anticipate potentially intrusive or inappropriate questions. Take the opportunity to educate the employer, but do it briefly and courteously.

The employer might ask how you plan on getting to work, how you’ll access print or computer information, how you’ll get around the job site, or if you can perform certain job functions independently. Think ahead and be prepared to answer these questions.

Be prepared to demonstrate how you’ve mastered any assistive technology, equipment, or adaptations that may be required for you to do the job, including how you would obtain these adaptations. By demonstrating to the employer that you can address these issues, you further demonstrate your competence and ability to do the work.