Recruiter's Glossary

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Keyboard Navigation

Term from Accessibility Consulting industry explained for recruiters

Keyboard Navigation refers to making websites and software usable for people who can't or don't use a mouse. It's a crucial part of making technology accessible to everyone, including those with mobility challenges or visual impairments. When job candidates mention this skill, they're showing they know how to ensure that all website features can be used with just a keyboard - like using tab keys to move between elements, enter to select items, and arrow keys to navigate menus. This is similar to making sure a building has both stairs and ramps - it's about making sure everyone can use the technology, regardless of how they interact with it.

Examples in Resumes

Improved Keyboard Navigation across company's main website, increasing accessibility compliance by 40%

Conducted audits of Keyboard Navigation and Keyboard Access patterns across client applications

Trained development team on implementing proper Keyboard Navigation and Keyboard-Only Access standards

Typical job title: "Accessibility Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Accessibility Consultant Digital Accessibility Specialist Web Accessibility Engineer UX Accessibility Designer Accessibility Analyst WCAG Specialist

Where to Find Accessibility Specialists

Online Communities

• WebAIM Discussion List
• A11Y Slack Community
• Accessibility Professionals on LinkedIn

Professional Organizations

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you implement keyboard navigation in a complex web application with multiple dynamic elements?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should explain how they would ensure all interactive elements are reachable by keyboard, maintain a logical tab order, and provide visible focus indicators. They should mention handling dynamic content updates and modal dialogs properly.

Q: How do you handle keyboard navigation in single-page applications?

Expected Answer: The candidate should discuss managing focus when content changes, ensuring proper heading structure, and implementing skip links. They should also mention handling browser history and route changes accessibly.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the essential keyboard shortcuts that should work on any accessible website?

Expected Answer: Should mention Tab for navigation, Enter for activation, Space for buttons, Arrow keys for menus and selecting options, and Escape for closing dialogs. Should also discuss the importance of not overriding standard keyboard behaviors.

Q: How do you test keyboard navigation on a website?

Expected Answer: Should describe the process of testing without a mouse, checking for visible focus indicators, ensuring logical tab order, and verifying all interactive elements are reachable and operable by keyboard.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Why is keyboard navigation important for accessibility?

Expected Answer: Should explain that many users rely on keyboards due to mobility issues, visual impairments, or personal preference. Should mention it's a fundamental requirement for accessibility compliance.

Q: What is a focus indicator and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a visual indicator showing which element is currently selected by keyboard, helping users track their position on the page. Should mention it's crucial for keyboard navigation usability.