How can you prepare a person with visual impairment for a video interview?

1 Test your technology

Before the interview, make sure you have a reliable device, internet connection, and software to conduct the video interview. You might need to use assistive technology such as screen readers, magnifiers, or speech recognition software to access the video platform. Test your technology in advance and familiarize yourself with the features and settings of the video platform. You can also ask a friend or a career counselor to do a mock interview with you and give you feedback on your audio and video quality.

2 Choose a suitable location

Find a quiet, well-lit, and distraction-free location to do your video interview. You might want to use a plain or neutral background to avoid visual clutter. You can also adjust the lighting, contrast, and brightness of your screen and camera to suit your needs and preferences. If you need to use any notes or documents during the interview, make sure they are accessible and organized. You can also inform your interviewer in advance if you need any accommodations or adjustments for the video interview.

3 Dress professionally and comfortably

Dress as you would for an in-person interview, even if you are not fully visible on the screen. Choose clothes that are appropriate for the job and the company culture, and that make you feel confident and comfortable. Avoid wearing anything that might interfere with your assistive technology or your vision, such as sunglasses, hats, or headphones. You can also check your appearance on the screen before the interview and make any adjustments if needed.

4 Communicate effectively

During the video interview, try to communicate clearly and confidently with your interviewer. You can use verbal cues and feedback to show your interest and engagement, such as nodding, smiling, or saying "yes" or "I see". You can also ask for clarification or repetition if you miss or misunderstand anything. If you need to look away from the screen or use any assistive technology, you can explain what you are doing and why. You can also highlight your strengths, skills, and achievements that are relevant for the job and the company.

5 Follow up after the interview

After the video interview, you can send a thank-you email to your interviewer and restate your interest and enthusiasm for the job. You can also mention any points that you forgot or want to emphasize from the interview. You can also ask about the next steps in the hiring process and when you can expect to hear back from them. Following up after the interview can show your professionalism and courtesy, and can also help you stand out from other candidates.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?