How ABA May Support Preparing for a Job Interview

Research the role and interview format

Review the employer, job functions, schedule, location, application materials, interview method, participants, expected length, and items to bring. Mark information that still needs confirmation. A clinician can help organize preparation; the employer decides qualifications and hiring.

Prepare examples rather than a perfect script

Choose a few truthful examples about completing work, learning, collaborating, solving a problem, and asking for help. Use a short outline, notes when permitted, speech, writing, sign, or AAC. ASHA guidance supports access to AAC tools. Eye contact, small talk, facial expression, and a particular vocal style should not become universal readiness tests.

Know the federal pre-offer boundary

The EEOC pre-employment page says an employer generally may not ask a job applicant disability-related questions or require a medical examination before an offer. An employer may ask whether and how the applicant can perform the job. The exact rule depends on timing and facts, and state law may add protection.

Plan interview access and disclosure separately

The EEOC accommodation guidance explains that an applicant may request an adjustment for the application process. Decide which access request, if any, the applicant wants to make and which functional detail it needs. A job coach, relative, or clinician should not disclose diagnosis or answer for the applicant without permission.

A practical example

Chloe prepares for six common interview prompts. She has a truthful example for five and marks one for clarification rather than inventing an answer. Preparation coverage is 5 of 6. The interview platform, captioning request, travel plan, and two applicant questions are confirmed separately. Hiring remains an employer decision.

Questions families can use

Ask what the job requires, which examples are truthful, how the person wants to communicate, what access is needed, what stays private, which questions the applicant wants to ask, and how to handle an unclear or impermissible question. ABA job interview preparation should support informed participation, not rehearsed masking.