What they are really asking

Some interviewers still ask this, so it helps to be ready. But know this first: in the US and many other countries, an employer usually isn't allowed to ask about your health or a disability in general. What they can normally ask is whether you're able to do the main tasks of the job, such as lifting boxes, standing for a shift or driving, with or without some support. The rules differ from country to country, so check the ones where you live.

So the fair version of the question is about the work, not your body. That gives you a polite way to answer. You talk about the tasks you can do, and you don't have to share any medical details. If you need a change to do the job well, like a chair at a counter or a screen reader, you can choose when to mention it, and many people wait until after an offer.

A shape that works

Answer the job, not the question. Say clearly that you can do the main duties, naming one or two from the job description so it sounds real. If you want to mention an adjustment, describe the adjustment, not the condition. Keep your tone calm and positive. You aren't being difficult; you're answering the part of the question that matters for the job.

Model answers

Listen to how each answer is built, then make it yours.

Answer 1: a warehouse worker in Chicago
Answer 2: a cashier in Toronto who needs one adjustment
Answer 3: an office manager in Mumbai who keeps it private

Check yourself

1In many countries, what is an employer usually allowed to ask?
2How does Answer 3 protect the candidate's privacy and stay positive?
3If you need an adjustment, what does the lesson suggest you describe?

Practice · 3 min

Choose a job description you're interested in and pick two physical or practical tasks from it. Record a short answer, under forty-five seconds, that says you can do the main duties and names those two tasks. If you'd need an adjustment, add one sentence that describes it without naming any condition. Listen back: does it sound calm and confident?

Your recording stays on this device. Nothing is uploaded.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.