Job Interview Tips for Adult NDIS Participants: Resources and Strategies

Why Job Interview Support Matters

Job interviews can be overwhelming, especially for people with disabilities who may face barriers in communication, accessibility, or confidence. Preparation and support play a huge role in creating a positive experience.

The NDIS funds a variety of services designed to help participants gain employment. This includes Psychology Services, Behaviour Therapy, and structured Finding and Keeping a Job programs. These programs can help support adults with meaningful work-life skills such as:

• Preparing a resume
• Role-playing interview questions
• Daily living skills e.g., personal grooming, travel planning and budgeting
• Recognising social cues
• Building confidence in workplace communication

At Freedom Therapy Services, we believe every adult deserves to feel prepared and supported in achieving their goals.

Step-by-Step Interview Preparation

Plan Ahead

• Review the interview location and plan your travel.
• Arrive early to reduce stress.
• Bring any necessary documents or identification.

Dress for Confidence

Wearing clean, comfortable clothes that make you feel confident is key. Consider asking a trusted person for advice on professional outfits.

Practice Common Questions

Rehearsing answers to common interview questions can reduce nerves.

You might practice with:

• A support worker
• A psychologist
• A job coach

Some common interview questions may include:

1. “Tell me about yourself.”: Keep it short and relevant. Include your personal hobbies, values and relevant past achievements.
2. “Why do you want to work here?”: Show that you’ve researched the company, understand its values, and connect them to your goals and past experience if applicable.
3. “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”: Choose 2–3 strengths that suit the role you are interviewing for and back them up with examples. Pick a real but non-critical weakness and show what you’re doing to improve.

Use a Social Story

Visual tools like the Job Interview Social Story simplify the process into clear steps. These resources are ideal for individuals who feel anxious or overwhelmed by unfamiliar situations.

Coping Strategies During the Interview

Managing Anxiety

It’s okay to feel nervous. Techniques such as deep breathing or asking for a moment to think before answering help you stay calm.

Positive Communication

Introduce yourself, smile, and maintain open body language. Small gestures, like thanking the interviewer, leave a positive impression.

How NDIS Can Help with Employment Goals

The NDIS Capacity Building budget provides funding for services that help participants prepare for work. These may include:

• Psychology Services for confidence, anxiety, and self-esteem
• Behaviour Therapy for communication and social skills
• Functional Assessments to identify strengths and supports
• Finding and Keeping a Job for structured, goal-focused job readiness
• Parent and Carer Coaching to empower families and support networks

Learn more about these services on our:

• Behaviour Support page
• Psychology Services page

Building Confidence Beyond the Interview

Job interviews are one step on your employment journey. Building daily living skills, communication strategies, and mental health support makes a big difference in achieving independence.

Freedom Therapy Services provides ongoing resources and workshops to support adults with disability. Explore our full Adult Resources page to find practical guides, social stories, and skill-building tools.

External Support and Resources

Here are additional resources for career development:

• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – Learn about employment-related supports.
• JobAccess – Workplace support for people with disability.

FAQ

How can therapy help me prepare for a job interview?

Therapy can help you develop confidence, manage anxiety, and practice communication strategies. Psychologists and Behaviour Therapists can guide you through mock interviews and build your self-esteem.

Can NDIS funding cover job interview preparation?

Yes. The NDIS often funds therapy and skill-building programs to support employment goals. Speak with your support coordinator to see what’s included in your plan.