LIBERTY Hearing & Health

Tips for Interviewing Deaf Job Candidates

When I'm not writing blogs or posting to Facebook for Liberty Health Supply, I am writing resumes, cover letters and Linkedin profiles for new grads, professionals and executives.  My process is fairly straightforward and the end result is a blend of what the client has shared with me via phone or written word.

From writing a resume through to receiving a job offer, I would say that my part would be the easiest in working with deaf or hard of hearing candidates.  The most challenging part would have to be the actual interview hands down - challenging from both the candidate and hiring manager perspective.

The worst scenario would have to be that the perfect candidate would not receive a job offer due to lack of information or preparedness from both parties.

What can a deaf or HOH candidate and hiring manager do to best prepare for the meeting?

The National Technical Institute for the Deaf has shared the following tips for both the candidate and the interviewer to make sure the meeting goes smoothly:

If interviewing without an interpreter:

• the candidate should always try to remember that the interviewer is trying their best - perhaps it's their first time ever in contact, one on one, with a deaf/HOH person.
• if possible, share which communication methods you prefer before your meeting:  lip reading, sign language, pen and paper or a combination of all.
• Provide a written copy of the interview questions.
• Speak clearly and slowly.
• Use gestures and facial expressions.
• Maintain eye contact by looking directly at the person.
• Encourage the deaf individual to let you know if your communication is unclear.
• Rephrase things if necessary.
• Ask open-ended questions.
• Resist putting your hands on or near your mouth as you speak.

If interviewing with an interpreter, the following tips will greatly help both parties and ensure a successful meeting:

• Position the interpreter next to the interviewer so the candidate can easily see both individuals.
• Clarify whether the candidate will speak for himself or herself, or whether the interpreter will voice what the candidate signs.
• Make eye contact with the candidate.
• Address your questions directly to the candidate, not the interpreter. (The interpreter is not part of the conversation.)