Module 5: ARISE AI-Assisted Tools

6. AI-assisted interview preparation

Interview preparation reduces uncertainty and helps learners select evidence before they are under pressure. AI-assisted mock interviews can provide repeated practice, but automated feedback may not fairly interpret every communication style, disability, or use of assistive technology.

6. a. Before the interview

• Research the organisation and role.

• Review the job advertisement and identify the main requirements.

• Prepare examples that demonstrate relevant skills.

• Prepare questions to ask the employer.

• Confirm the interview format, time, location and technology.

• Plan transport and access arrangements.

• Request a reasonable accommodation where needed.

6. b. Disability disclosure and accommodation

A learner may request an adjustment by explaining the support required. In many cases, detailed medical or diagnostic information is not necessary. The learner should decide what to disclose, when to disclose it, and to whom, taking into account national rules and available professional advice.

6. c. Using the STAR method

STAR is a simple structure for answering competency-based questions:

6. d. Interpreting AI feedback critically

AI-generated feedback can be useful, but it is not always accurate, fair or appropriate for every learner. AI systems are trained on existing data and may reflect assumptions about communication, behaviour or workplace expectations. Learners should use AI feedback as guidance rather than as a final judgement of their abilities.

Why should AI feedback be reviewed critically?

AI feedback may:

• focus on common communication patterns rather than individual strengths;

• misunderstand disability-related communication styles;

• encourage generic or overly standardised responses;

• overlook the value of assistive technologies or reasonable accommodations;

• occasionally produce inaccurate or irrelevant suggestions.

For these reasons, learners should always review AI-generated feedback before deciding whether to use it.

Good practices when reviewing AI feedback

• Give greater weight to feedback about content, relevance and structure.

• Treat feedback about eye contact, facial expression, pace, tone or body language with caution.

• Ignore suggestions that encourage you to hide or change an authentic disability-related communication style.

• Discuss unclear or conflicting feedback with a career counsellor, trainer or trusted person.

• Remember that the goal is to communicate your experience clearly—not to appear "perfect".

Reflection

• Which AI feedback would help you improve the content of your answer?

• Which suggestions might not suit your own communication style?

• How can you decide whether an AI recommendation is useful for you?

6. e. Preparing for an accessible and effective interview

Preparing in advance can reduce uncertainty and help you communicate relevant evidence about your skills and experience. The aim is not to produce a “perfect” performance, but to participate in the interview in a way that is accurate, accessible and authentic.

Research the organisation and the role.

Before the interview:

• Review the organisation’s main activities, values and services.

• Read the job advertisement again and identify the essential requirements.

• Prepare examples showing how your skills and experience relate to the role.

• Write down any questions you would like to ask the employer.

• Check the interview format, location, time and expected duration.

• Use reliable sources such as the organisation’s official website, the original job advertisement and verified professional profiles. AI tools may help organise publicly available information, but important details should be checked against the source.

Plan for accessibility

Consider whether any barriers could affect your participation in the interview. These may relate to:

• the physical location;

• transport or building access;

• the interview platform or digital technology;

• communication format;

• written or timed activities;

• sensory conditions;

• the need for breaks, assistive technology or additional time.

Where appropriate, contact the employer in advance and describe the adjustment you require. You do not normally need to provide more personal or medical information than is necessary to explain the practical support required.

During the interview

• Listen to or review each question carefully.

• Ask for clarification or repetition when needed.

• Take time to think before answering.

• Use specific and truthful examples.

• Use the communication method or assistive technology that supports you.

• Explain what you personally did and what the outcome was.

• Ask your prepared questions at the end of the interview.

• Do not feel pressured to follow advice that conflicts with your access needs or authentic communication style.

Disability disclosure remains a personal decision.

Disclosure should not be treated as a standard interview requirement. The learner decides whether, when, and how to disclose disability-related information, taking into account the role, the support required, national legislation, and trusted professional advice.

When requesting an accommodation, it is often sufficient to focus on the barrier and the practical adjustment.

6. f. Practising with the ARISE Interview Simulator

The ARISE Interview Simulator supports structured interview practice linked to a selected role. A typical practice process may include:

• Review or update your skills-first Portfolio Profile.

• Select a job role or provide the relevant job requirements.

• Choose an available practice format that meets your access needs.

• Practise one interview question at a time.

• Review feedback primarily on the relevance, evidence and structure of your answer.

• Identify useful suggestions and reject those that are inaccurate, inappropriate or inconsistent with your communication style.

• Revise the answer without changing the facts.

• Save useful notes where this option is available.

• Repeat the practice when helpful and take breaks when needed.

Working together with a career counsellor

The ARISE Career Guidance Toolkit is designed to support—not replace—career counsellors. With the learner's permission, selected information may be shared with a counsellor to provide more personalised guidance and discuss future career decisions.