Hello, my name is Christina Schneyder, and I warmly welcome to you in our video series “Tips and Tricks for Companies When Hiring People with Disabilities.” I am the Managing Director at the Austrian Federation for Vocational Inclusion. Our goal is to support both companies on their journey towards an inclusive workplace and individuals with disabilities in their search for employment.

This time, we are focusing on the topic of job interviews and invitations.

Imagine you have a job vacancy and would like to invite some of the applicants to an interview.

In the best case, every applicant feels welcome and comfortable during the interview.

At times, due to your job posting, you may have received an application from someone who has already mentioned in their application materials that they have a disability. Keep in mind the following 3 simple rules when inviting this person to an interview.

Simple Rule #1: When extending the invitation, ask the following: Is there anything we can prepare or should be aware of for the interview with you?

In turn, make sure to explain what the applicant can expect during the interview.

Simple Rule No. 2: Schedule the interviews in a meeting room at your company that is (ideally) easily accessible, and greet your applicants at the entrance.

Provide clear directions on how to get there.

Simple Rule #3: “Pay attention to your language.”

By following these three simple rules, you not only make people with disabilities feel welcome but also show that you value their interest in your company!

Let’s talk about the third rule – “Pay attention to your language.”
Simple and clear language supports a successful conversation with all candidates, regardless of their disability. You should consider the following points:
Use short sentences and direct language!
Speak slowly and clearly!
Avoid using metaphors!
Ask your questions about one topic at a time! Focus on the essentials!
Give the candidate time to respond! Repeat a question if your counterpart didn’t understand it!
Summarize the answer briefly to confirm if you understood your counterpart correctly!
Briefly describe the interview process at the beginning of the conversation!

These tips will help you conduct a successful job interview and learn as much as possible about your candidates, whether they have disabilities or not.
One final recommendation, if diversity and inclusion are important to you: Contact the NEBA Business Service in your federal state. It supports you with all questions and topics related to vocational inclusion!
If you want to learn more, be sure to check out our other short videos with helpful tips!