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Job interviews? What do you do?
By jjpuorro | August 28, 2008
So, last week I was contacted by a job recruiter from out of state via E-mail about a job opening in my area with a well known company. So, I give the recruiter a call, but before doing so…I request a male VRSÂ interpreter and tell the interpreter TO NOT ANNOUNCE that it is a relay call. During the call, the recruiter tells me that it is a six month temp position because the current worker is going on a maternity leave. I tell the recruiter my experience set and my qualifications. The recruiter seems to like me and tells me that I would receive an E-mail in a few days with an update. Sure enough, the recruiter got back to me with an interview scheduled for next week.
Keep in mind…this recruiter DOES NOT KNOW that I am deaf and that I do not communicate verbally other than, “Nice to meet you”, “Hi”, “Yes”, “No”, and a few swear words :-).
Questions:
a.) Should I respond to the recruiter via E-mail thanking him/her for setting up everything, that I will be there for the interview, and that I am deaf?
My thoughts: If I tell the recruiter that I am deaf, he/she may call ahead and inform the people that I am interviewing with and they will form some preconceived opinions…possibly negative before I even show up. If I do not tell her, they will be surprised, but also realize that I can make outgoing calls to subsidiaries and/or vendors without them knowing that I am deaf. (outgoing calls are something I have had to do on the job in the past) But, if they are surprised…they may give the recruiter a call…and he/she could be pissed at me? But he/she is out of state? In the past, I have told recruiters that I was deaf beforehand..but that only was because I met them in PERSON beforehand. Also, I am now thinking that because I am deaf…all of my other recruiters go out of their way describing my communication limitations to potential employers and that’s why I hardly ever get any interviews via recruiters? (Ratio interviews set up by myself to recruiter interviews is something like 10 to 1)
b.) Should I bring an interpreter to the interview? Or just go on my own?
I have had many interviews over the past year (15+ and counting), I have both used an interpreter and gone on my own. When using an interpreter…I believe it makes me look more DISABLED because it makes them wonder how I would function day to day without an interpreter. Also, an interpreter could be late or not dressed appropriately and thus putting me at their mercy. Going on my own has been successful to a degree (I got two second round interviews this way), but it is a bit problematic because I use a laptop with MS Word or Notepad (with LARGE fonts) to communicate. Some people aren’t too accommodating and keep talking to me instead of typing…or it is a panel type of interview where they are on the other side of a large table……and when typing occurs I need to watch the screen and that does not allow me to maintain eye contact which is important. Tough call….
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I have been having mixed results and decided to ask the deaf community on Deafread what yall think I should do? What were your experiences and etc??? Thanks in advance….oh and please keep it clean this time..I really do not like to moderate comments.
Topics: Uncategorized |
August 28th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Sorry guys, this is a re-post…I forgot to enable comments in the original post…and WP wouldn’t let me to do so…so I copied/pasted this new one.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Great post, JJ
I’ve wondered the same thing many years ago and asked several career counselors at Gallaudet. They all firmly said the same thing: let the prospective employer know in advance that you are deaf. That was the pre ADA days.
With ADA, we are not to be treated differently. Hearing people don’t announce that they can hear. White people don’t declare the color of their skin. So why should we?
I guess basically it boils down to our comfort level if we want to tell the interview in advance or not. Personally I won’t bother telling the person in advance because it may prejudice the person against me without having the opportunity to meet me in person where I can demonstrate my capabilities.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
interviewer, not interview.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Honestly, if people aren’t comfortable working with you, would you feel comfortable working with them?
August 28th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
That’s it precisely: tough call. I feel that we need to respond differently to each company/recruiter but more than not, we don’t know what to expect. That’s frustrating.
I usually prefer to let them know of my deafness, but also that I don’t require an interpreter. I say using an interpreter is fine ONLY if they want one. If there is one at the interview, it’s because they wanted one, not me. I’m fine with using a laptop. This way, I am showing my skills (typing and writing English, which is required by most all jobs these days)
I think it’s fair to let them know of your deafness. It gives them a chance to adjust their interview as needed (if at all) — and if they back out based on this information, then you do not want to be employed with them. Their attitude is going to make your job a living hell.
Most likely, even though you didn’t identify yourself as a deaf person during the VRS call, the recruiter knows something is up. Be upfront and honest. You’ll score with them. Don’t be scant on details. Explain exactly what you can and can’t do as far as your deafness goes.
I hate job hunting. It is one time that we’re constantly reminded of our deafness and how quickly others will judge us based on that. I’m currently apartment hunting, and I’m too being constantly reminded of my deafness (although when the apt manager learns of my deafness, they dont care. All they care about is my credit score). I can’t just drop by an apt building and make a phone call (calling via pager/IM is too slow). Many of the phone numbers I call ask that I leave my phone number. How are they supposed to know how to call me? Most of them get scared away.
In any case, good luck with your job interview! I’ll be checking back on the comments here to see if anyone else has a brilliant suggestion.
August 28th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
It is imperative that you let them know you are deaf in the first place. And to explain them of your communication/accommodation needs (dont go into too much details because they may feel overwhelmed…), they will feel comfortable knowing you are flexible…go gentle and they will like you.
Good luck and do keep us posted of your job!
August 28th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Tayler, “constantly reminded of my deafness”? I don’t think so. Deaf people with positive attitude about their being Deaf don’t use the word, “deafness”. We are constantly reminded of their (hearing people) ignorance, not of our “deafness” like you said. You may want to talk to Ella about deafness as a medical view. We need to avoid using the word “deafness”. If you must, say “being Deaf”.
August 28th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Keep us up to date. I am very curious about the stories - how employers react to deaf interviewees.
August 28th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Reminded of my being Deaf..happens when I make phone calls and get the infernal message machine or blankety-blank phone tree directory…I don’t leave messages, period, but perhaps will when the new 10 digit direct phone numbers are in general use.
Some relay services will let you program the opening message the way you want it, or have no opening relay message at all.
The easiest and best way to land jobs is by contacts inside the company…other Deaf people, their supervisors, relatives, employers who have employed Deaf before (ask your local VR or college) rather than by cold calling. Too much work is involved in teaching the uninitiated employer about Deaf for the average job seeker who needs to conserve his time and energy.
There is a gap here…if any enterprising Deaf wants to start a job placement agency that involves public education and personal advocacy, there may be government grants available.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
One last thing about not wanting to be employed with a company who’s unaccommodating. Turn the tables and look at it as you’re taking the opportunity to screen THEM out. I know that’s not easy when there’s bills to be paid though..
August 29th, 2008 at 1:38 am
Our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services has a job placement specialist on staff. She keeps busy!
But so busy, I really haven’t been able to talk to her much about it. I think that there may be need for a hearing advocate to prep the companies on the laws, requirements of employing the deaf, things that a deaf person might need for reasonable accommodation.
I am certain many more jobs are easily workable than hearing people first think. With voice to text voicemail, and most companies using email so heavily, there are workarounds for most activities.
How are company meetings handled though? Does an employer have to hire an interpreter for everytime? Can a written copy of the materials suffice?
August 29th, 2008 at 4:40 am
I know of one deaf man, he has been successful in finding high end jobs in big companies, I asked him how he was able to do it, he said that he hires a headhunter to help him locate jobs that match his resumes. He doesn’t have good speech but has good interpersonal skills when it comes in communicating with hearing people and makes them feel comfortable so he gets hired easily and makes good money. I think that’s the key to the secret is to make people feel comfortable with you, have a good sense of humor and show them what you can do so they are constantly impressed with you.
August 29th, 2008 at 6:39 am
During my job search, I always make it clear on my resume that I’m Deaf. If someone is going to discriminate, I’d rather they not waste my time wtih an interview and contacting back and forth before they reject me.
That said, I do know of one person who goes to interviews with no interpreter, just writes back and forth. You can show them that this is how you would normally work and communicate, and that you won’t need to rely on an interpreter all day.
Do you have VR? If so, they (or another local deaf support organization) may be able to provide an interpreter for you so you and the company do not have to pay. I always request the interpreter be there 30 minutes early to “preconference” and go through any questions and make sure the interpreter can understand me. This helps me sound good, because if the interpreter knows my personality and chats with me for a while, they sound more confident with their voicing.
August 29th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Thanks for all the responses.
I have been experimenting with both methods. I think going without an interpreter is better because I can control things on my own.
-As for staff meetings, at my old company what we did was set up a laptop for me with notepad or word opened up…and a keyboard plugged in the PS/2 or the USB slot..and a co-worker would volunteer to type things..only summaries..and when it was time to ask me a question..the co worker would type more. This was effective because our staff meetings were only 15 minutes long to go over the month end closing check list and seeing where everyone was. Sometimes I did not use a laptop, but wrote my comments on a post-it-note and handed it to a co worker when the boss said, “J.J.?”. For long meetings with auditors I brought in an interpreter or company wide meetings too…
I am not too concerned about the day to day stuff because I know once I get “in” I will be fine.
I am concerned about the interviewing stage….
As for making it clear that I am deaf on my resume…I cannot do that..did that before and NO CALLS….not being clear = a lot of calls. Very telling….
I just think there’s no right or wrong way to do things…just gotta play it by ear..
I have read some interview tips in books and on the Internet…but the problem is that they are written for hearing people.
My job search has been an adventure to say the least…albeit frustrating at times…but must.remain.positive.
Will let you all know what happens…I have decided to just walk in and surprise them all because it is something that I have never done before and the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over. Wish me luck
August 29th, 2008 at 10:01 am
You know what JJ? Interview tips for the deaf is an EXCELLENT idea. I’ll see if our service has any - that definitely is an topic worth exploring and discussing!
August 29th, 2008 at 11:25 am
I have done it both ways. For one counseling job that I pursued at a local community college, I was upfront about being deaf and focused on my abilities. I learned through the grapevine later, that the staff asked other people about my ability to talk and how I would communicate with the hearing students.
On another job, I eliminated all info that would indicate that I was deaf. The person was so excited in the email response and it seemed like I was going to get the job easily. As soon as he learned that I was deaf, he changed his tune.
Today, I am always upfront about being deaf. My philosophy is that if I’m comfortable with it, there’s gotta be an employer out there that will get comfy with it too.
Besides, once anyone googles my name today, it’s impossible for them not to know that I’m deaf.
August 29th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Karen, lol. You have an excellent point there
Many vloggers/bloggers/commenters need to be mindful that any prospective employer can check them out, not just at DeafRead and DVTV, but also myspace and facebook. Don’t leave any comment that may come back and bite you later.
August 29th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Bill,
I’d like to see tips on interviewing for deaf people someday.
Putz,
Yeah, but my thinking is that if they have a problem with me being deaf…it doesn’t matter if I tell them upfront or not in the first place.
As for googling…if they did their homework..they’d be able to find my posts here on DR. I am very careful about what I type on the Internet. I routinely google myself from time to time…
August 29th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
a guy put a vlog on DVTV recently about CSDIO….he seemed to say that CSD charges less for job interviews $50 bucks for an interpreting session for an interview ??
August 29th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I get interpreters for free from the state of CA. They have a EDD (Employment Development Department)…so it is not a problem as long as I give an advance notice. Going rate out here in CA is about $70 for a 2 hour minimum.
August 30th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Found this online… One way not to have to deal with the whole “Surprise, I’m Deaf!” situation is to look for companies with a track record of hiring deaf and disabled. Don’t know if the disaboom.com people are good (it is a for-profit, disability-related company), but when I saw it, I thought of your situation and thought you should at least know that they are hiring. Best of luck in your job search!
—————- cut here ——————
Disaboom Inc. has several plans for informing the millions of disabled Americans about its Web site.
One is a program to put Disaboom high on search-engine results, said J.W. Roth, chairman and chief executive officer of the new company. Paralympian Muffy Davis, meanwhile, will serve as the face of Disaboom and spread the word at meetings across the country with groups of people with disabilities.
Disaboom is also starting a Colorado Springs-based marketing division with plans to hire 10 to 15 “Web strategists” to do viral marketing.
“The whole goal of that team is to flood the Internet with Disaboom ,” Roth said. The company is looking for Internet-savvy people with disabilities to fill those jobs.
“We want to practice what we preach, and part of that is hiring people that have these disabilities,” Roth said.
For more information, call (720) 279-2549.
August 30th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Thanks for the disaboom angle…will check it out even if viral marketing isn’t exactly what my career path is (accounting & finance)….then again I could always have a different career…