Hi DNetwork Friends!
An inclusive job interview isn’t just about accepting applicants from diverse backgrounds — it’s about ensuring every step of the hiring process is fair and accessible, especially for persons with disabilities. Here are 6 practical tips for HR teams to create a more inclusive and meaningful interview experience:

1️⃣ Understand the Disability and Access Needs
Before the interview, learn about the applicant’s type of disability so you can prepare the right support — such as a wheelchair-accessible space, a guide, or assistive communication tools. If you're unsure, don’t hesitate to ask the applicant directly about their access needs.

2️⃣ Focus on Skills, Not Physical Conditions
Assess the applicant based on their competencies, experience, and potential — not their disability. People with disabilities have the same abilities and potential as others if given an equal opportunity.

3️⃣ Use Accessible Communication Channels
Send interview invitations using platforms that are easy to access. Use clear, concise language to ensure understanding — especially for applicants with cognitive, sensory, or visual impairments.

4️⃣ Prepare an Accessible and Friendly Interview Location
Choose a venue that is free from physical barriers — such as step-free access, wheelchair paths, guiding blocks, or ground-floor rooms. Provide assistance or interpreters when needed, especially for Deaf or blind candidates.

5️⃣ Address Concerns Directly During the Interview
If you have any concerns about how the applicant would perform in the role, talk about it openly during the interview. Give them a chance to explain how they work and the support tools they typically use.

6️⃣ Conduct a Simple Skill Test If Needed
If you still have doubts, provide a short, relevant task or test to directly assess the applicant's abilities. Make sure the test is also accessible and supports assistive technologies if required.

By applying these steps, companies can build a fairer and more inclusive hiring process that respects diversity.
Need more guidance? Feel free to contact DNetwork for support in building a more inclusive recruitment process 💙

 

Hello DNetwork friends!

Job interviews are very important. They can decide if you get the job or not.

Your CV and cover letter are important. But how you talk in the interview is just as important. In the interview, the company wants to know:

  • Who are you?

  • Can you communicate well?

  • Are you ready to work?

For persons with disabilities, interviews may feel hard. But don’t worry! If you prepare and feel confident, you can do it!

Here are simple tips to help you do better in a job interview:


1. Join Job Interview Training

Training helps you get ready. There are many trainings for persons with disabilities, including from DNetwork. You can learn:

  • How to answer questions

  • How to be more confident

  • Practice interviews


2. Practice Common Questions

Some questions are very common. For example:

  • “Tell me about yourself.”

  • “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

  • “Why do you want to work here?”

Practice answering these. Speak clearly, briefly, and with confidence.


3. Wear Neat and Formal Clothes

First impressions matter. Wear clean, formal, and comfortable clothes. It shows you respect the interview.


4. Be Confident

Try to stay calm and confident. If you're nervous, take a deep breath. Remember: the interview is also your chance to see if the company fits you.


5. Focus on Your Skills

Don't feel shy because of your disability. What matters is:

  • You have skills

  • You have work spirit

  • You can contribute

Talk more about what you can do, not your disability.


6. Share Your Experiences

Use the interview to tell stories about:

  • Past jobs

  • Trainings you joined

  • Projects you worked on

This helps the interviewer understand your abilities.


7. Explain How You Work

If the interviewer doesn't understand your disability, it’s okay to explain. Tell them:

  • How you work

  • What assistive tools you use (screen reader, cane, wheelchair, etc.)

This helps the company know how to support you better.


Conclusion

Job interviews can feel scary. But they are also a big opportunity. Show them:

  • You are ready

  • You believe in yourself

  • You have great skills

You have strong potential. Don’t be afraid. Keep learning and go for your dreams!


Join DNetwork!
We have training programs, CV consultations, and job info for persons with disabilities.

Hey DNetwork friends! 👋 Have you ever wondered if the job vacancy information we share is inclusive for everyone? Let's make sure no one misses an opportunity just because they can't access the information. One group that is often overlooked is people with disabilities. In fact, they also deserve equal opportunities in the workforce. So, how can we make sure our job information is accessible to everyone? Check out these tips!

  1. Raise Awareness: Everyone Has Equal Rights
    It's important to realize that everyone, without exception, has the right to access information and opportunities. People with disabilities also deserve to know about job openings. We need to make sure the information we create is accessible to them.

  2. Check If Everyone Can Access the Information
    Before we share job vacancy information, make sure it's easy for everyone, including people with disabilities, to access. If there are any obstacles, we can find solutions to make it more inclusive.

  3. Find Out How People with Disabilities Access Information
    People with disabilities may face specific challenges when accessing information. So, try asking people with disabilities or disability organizations like DNetwork for guidance on how to make information accessible to them.

  4. Use Simple and Easy-to-Understand Language
    When writing job vacancy content, try to use simple, clear, and easy-to-understand sentences. Avoid using long or complex words, so those who struggle with reading can still get the information easily.

  5. Add Infographics or Sign Language for Deaf Friends
    If possible, we can add visual elements like infographics or images with sign language (such as a sign language interpretation) in the content. This will help our deaf friends understand the information better.

  6. Make Sure Job Vacancy Posters Are Accessible to Blind Friends
    Besides text, job vacancy posters or images should be accessible to blind people. Ensure the text on the posters can be read by screen readers and that the images have clear descriptions.

  7. Accessible Websites for Everyone
    If the job information is on a website, make sure it includes features that allow people with visual impairments to adjust the display, like enlarging the text size or changing the contrast to make it easier to read. If possible, use bright colors on important text to make it more visible for those with low vision.

  8. Simple and Clear Application Forms
    Avoid making application forms too long and complicated. Create simple and easy-to-understand forms. People with difficulty understanding the questions will find it easier to fill out a concise and clear form.

  9. Ensure Application Forms Are Accessible to Everyone
    In addition to being simple, make sure the application forms are accessible to everyone, including screen reader users. This will ensure everyone can apply without barriers.

  10. Ask If You're Unsure
    If you're unsure whether the job information you created is truly inclusive and accessible to everyone, don’t hesitate to ask people with disabilities or disability organizations like DNetwork for feedback. This way, you can get advice before the information is published.

With a little attention and effort, we can create a more inclusive workforce and provide equal opportunities for everyone. So, let’s start creating job vacancy information that’s accessible to all, including people with disabilities! 🌟

Join DNetwork to make your job vacancies more inclusive.

Hey, DNetwork Friends! 🌟
Looking for a job can be a big challenge, but with proper preparation and the right steps, you can definitely achieve success! Here are some tips and tricks to make your job search easier and more effective:

Stay Confident and Sharpen Your Skills

Confidence is key! Keep improving your skills and abilities because the job market always demands up-to-date expertise. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be to face new challenges in the professional world.

Prepare an Impressive CV

Make sure your CV is always ready and looks attractive. Tailor it to the job you're applying for, and don’t forget to highlight relevant skills and experiences. A well-crafted CV will create a great first impression!

Expand Your Knowledge on Job Interviews and Preparation

Don’t just stop at preparing your CV—get yourself ready for interviews too. Learn interview strategies, from common questions to how to answer confidently. The better prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel during your interview!

Build Your Network

Networking is crucial! Especially when it comes to getting information about job openings. Don’t hesitate to connect with friends, colleagues, or experienced professionals in your target field.

Connect with the Disability Community

For friends with disabilities, it’s important to stay connected with communities that provide information about inclusive job opportunities. They also frequently share updates on policies and job opportunities that align with disability rights.

Actively Search for Jobs on Job Platforms

Don’t be lazy when it comes to job hunting! Use job search platforms that are disability-friendly. This way, you’ll have more opportunities that match your skills and abilities.

Look for Inclusive Companies

Many companies now offer opportunities for people with disabilities. Try researching companies that promote inclusivity and have policies that support workplace diversity.

Leverage Technology for a More Effective Job Search

In today's digital world, technology can be your best friend. Make sure your devices and apps help you access your CV and stay updated on job openings with ease.

So, DNetwork friends, don’t be afraid to try and keep learning! With good preparation, the job opportunities you dream of will be within reach. Keep up the spirit in your job search! 💼🚀

Want to make your job search even more successful? Join DNetwork to get updates on job openings that are inclusive for people with disabilities.

#DNetwork #JobSearch #CareerTips #DisabilityCommunity #InclusiveWorkplace

Photo caption: Screenshot from one of the Aku Mampu webinar series.

 

The “I Can” program initiated by DNetwork - the Disability Network focuses on helping people with disabilities to develop skills according to current career opportunities. Through “I Can”, we want to ensure that participants are qualified to get quality jobs, more resilient in the face of an ever-changing job market, and have the entrepreneurial mindset and creativity to survive in all situations.

Supported by the Australian Direct Aid Program since 2018 and also the Inspirasia Foundation, the “I Can” program series consists of mindset training, skill training (English, Digital Business, Content Writing), and entrepreneurial training and support in Aku Cab Do Business. More than 200 people with disabilities also participated in the I Can program series which was carried out from January to May 2022. Among them there are 6 businesses that have also been given training and capital through I Can Do Bussiness.

I Can Digital Marketing
As part of Digital Marketing, we decided to adapt the training to focus on digital business consultants. This intensive training is part of the priority in the education program. The goal is that the selected training participants can take part in internship after completing the training program. As it leads to a hands-on internship program, this is in line with our mission to increase employment rates for people with disabilities.


We also held a webinar for MSMEs to acknowledge them by “Hiring Their First Disabled Employee” and tell them that we are running a Digital Business program for people with disabilities and can be invited to contribute and give them experience in their own company. A total of 7 participants were selected for internships in companies to become their digital business consultants.


Each session was attended by approximately 40 participants and they were very enthusiastic, shown by the way they asked questions, shared experiences, etc. At the end of the session, we also shared their internship experiences and we created a shareable module which contains a summary of the entire training session. This is done to ensure the sustainability of the impact of our program; we want knowledge to reach more people than just those who attend training sessions on Zoom.

I Can Speak English
The number of applicants for this program is quite large; more than 100 people. We have 20 participants selected for a three-month English course, which is taught by a certified English teacher in Indonesia from After School English. The participants were placed in three different groups, each group consisting of participants with the same type of disability and the same level of understanding of English. This is done to ensure the effectiveness of the whole learning process. Participants are required to take an English test before the session starts and at the end of the program they will do it again, so that we can see the improvement in their English skills. Due to the high demand for special classes for Deaf Friends, we decided to open one and provide Sign Language Translator for all sessions.

I Can Write Content
This training starts in April 2022 and we need friends with disabilities. In this training, we focus more on citizen journalism training where the trainees can write journalistic articles that are not only creative and informative but also have economic value. In this training, we collaborated with BaleBengong.com, Bali's leading citizen journalism platform. From this training, participants also get the opportunity to become freelance contributors both on the BaleBengong platform and also as freelance contributors for DNetwork.

I Can Work in the Digital Age
This training is provided to support the ability of friends with disabilities to be able to compete in the digital job market. The material we provide is related to Job Potential as a Freelancer, Applying Basic Communication Skills, Self-Management and Improving Professional Attitudes, Exploring Equal Rights of Workers, and Preparing Job Applications and Interview Tests.

We believe that if friends with disabilities can be given training that suits the needs of today's companies, their potential to be absorbed in the job market will also be greater. This will certainly be a good starting line, both in understanding the requirements to enter the workforce and deciding to become a freelancer. In this activity, DNetwork hopes that the training participants will have high hopes and enthusiasm for creativity.

I Can Do Business
To accommodate the need to improve the entrepreneurial skills of business owners with disabilities, we held a series of entrepreneurship support sessions. The response from the community was very positive. We have over 100 applicants and we held four sessions with BEDO (Bali Export Development Organization), an Indonesian organization focused on maximizing local Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, to discuss the following themes:
Entrepreneurial Mindset, Business Planning and Prototyping, Brand and Product Development, Marketing 101, Financial Literacy

After getting the five workshops, the training participants were assigned to make a financial business plan and the best 6 were selected to get seed funding. A total of 6 selected people received business capital assistance/seed funding of Rp. 2,000,000 who can develop their business for the better. Not only that, the participants were also given mentoring sessions to finalize their business plans to be more effective and sustainable.