Get a Job As a Deaf or Hard Of Hearing Person

Trying to find a job when deaf or hard of hearing can be really stressful. You may have the perfect job in mind, but may not know how to get through the interview. You have a lot to offer any job. Once you figure out how to approach the job process, you can find the right employment opportunities and go to your interview confident and prepared.

Steps

Finding Employment Opportunities

1. Check job listings. You should look for start by Search-for-Jobs through job listings and job posting boards. When you have decided on the type of job you want, you may look in the newspaper or on business websites for jobs that may be open in your community. You may also Find-a-Job-Online for job postings.
2. Ask others for job recommendations. One good way to find a job is to talk to others. You can ask friends, family, neighbors, and people in organizations you are a member of if they know of any jobs you can apply for.
   • If you want a job in a particular field, try contacting someone you know in that particular field to see if they know of any positions.
3. Contact deaf career centers. Many states and countries offer career centers that specialize in helping deaf and hard of hearing people find employment. These centers offer a variety of services, including help with your resume, help with the job search, training, and support.
   • Try searching online for deaf career centers in your state, or contact your local deaf and hard of hearing services.
4. Get help from rehabilitation counselors. Another service you may find helpful is a rehabilitation counselor, who can usually be contacted through deaf and hard of hearing services. These counselors can help you assess your job skills and provide information about employment opportunities.
   • Many of these rehabilitation services also provide training programs so you can learn job skills, including skills for using assistive technology in the workplace.
5. Find a job through a government agency. You may be able to find jobs through the a government hiring authority. These hiring authorities aid Federal agencies in hiring individuals with disabilities more quickly. This requires a certification letter that you can obtain from the state or local vocational rehabilitation office. You can apply to the selective placement coordinators, which will help you find a job.
   • You will have to fill out an application and send the letter of certification.
   • For example, in the United States, you can apply for a job through Schedule A, which is a hiring authority to help people with disabilities find jobs in Federal organizations.
6. Try an employment agency. You may be able to find a job through an employment agency. Search for an employment agency that has an equal opportunities policy. Talk to them about what you can do and what your skills are. They may be able to place you in a position that is right just for you.
   • If an agency tells you that you can’t do something because of your hearing loss, move on! Find an agency that values your skills and strengths. It may take a few tries, but you will find an agency that can help you find a job.

Applying for Jobs

1. Apply for a job in your area of interest. You may already have an idea about what kind of job you want to get. If so, that is great because it helps you narrow down the job search. Look on job websites or at companies in your area for jobs that you want to apply for. With assistive technology, you can do almost any job. Even without accommodations, there are a lot of jobs you can do.
   • Try computer-based jobs, like programming and IT, or architecture, drafting, and civil engineering. Many people who have hearing impairments also work in office settings. You may also enjoy skilled work, like a carpenter, auto mechanic, plumber, factory worker, or landscaper.
   • Many people with hearing impairments have found rewarding careers in the sciences, including chemistry, conservation, biology, geology, astronomy, and meteorology. Writing jobs can also be great employment opportunities. You can work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or blogs. You can also try jobs working with technical manuals or editing.
2. Apply for jobs that you are qualified for. When you are looking for jobs to apply for, look for jobs where you can perform the essential tasks and functions. These tasks are outlined in the job posting. You can discuss the essential functions during an interview.
   • Essential functions are tasks you will have to perform at your job. These tasks are sometimes based on what others in similar positions do. For example, if other employees in the position don’t take phone calls, it would not be considered an essential function.
   • Employers may look at the essential tasks to determine if it can be removed without changing the job.
3. Follow basic job application guidelines. The basics for applying for Get-a-Job doesn’t change if you are deaf or hard of hearing. You should write a resume and research the job position and company. When you get a call for an interview, you should Dress-to-Impress-at-Your-Interview for an interview.
4. Study your country's disabilities act. Most countries have a disabilities act that makes it so an employer has to make reasonable accommodations for a person who is deaf or hard of hearing. Reasonable accommodations are accommodations that won’t put hardships on the employer, and may include providing accessible worksites, modifying equipment and schedules, restructuring job requirements, or providing assistive technology or interpreters.
   • Knowing your rights can help you be better prepared when you go on the job market.
   • For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is one of a few federal laws that cover the rights of deaf and hard of hearing people in the workplace.

Interviewing for a Job

1. Determine when to reveal your hearing loss. You do not have to reveal your hearing loss during the interview or before you take a job. Many people believe you should not include your hearing loss in the resume or cover letter. When you interview, you can decide whether you want to talk to them about your hearing status.
   • If you have to do a phone interview, you will probably need to tell the employer what assistance you will need to do the phone interview.
   • You will need to tell the employer about your hearing loss if you need accommodations with the interview.
2. Show the employer what you can offer them. You have a lot to offer an employer. The person interviewing you may be skeptical and have concerns about how a person with hearing loss will fit into the position. Impress-an-Interviewer to sell yourself and show them what you can bring to the position.
   • Show them what skills and experience you can bring to the position. You can also provide evidence of your competence and abilities through examples from previous jobs, internships, or volunteer positions.
   • Be personable and show them your personality. Demonstrate that you are a confident, capable person.
   • Have specific examples ready to show your abilities and strengths.
3. Bring your assistive listening device to the interview. If you use an assistive listening device, you should take it with you to the interview. Using the assistive listening device will show your potential employer that you have initiative and take charge, that you can problem solve, and that you manage your condition.
   • This helps give the potential employee a sense of how you can adapt to your job tasks and environment.
4. Talk to the employer about accommodations. If you are going to need any kind of accommodations at the workplace, you should discuss it with your employer during the interview. You don’t want to surprise the employer after they hire you with a list of accommodations. Instead, be upfront about what will be needed to do the job.
   • Bringing a list of accommodations lets the employer know that you are prepared and serious about working. You show that you are prepared, driven, and focused on overcoming any obstacles.
   • You should also show prices for accommodations, especially if they are cheap. Many workplace accommodations can be purchased for low prices.
5. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments to the interview. Setting up the room in the best possible way you can to communicate effectively is important for you to be successful in your interview. Don’t hesitate to ask if people can change seats, if you need to face the windows, or if the blinds need to be closed.
   • Be polite when you ask for these changes, and just explain that these small changes help you communicate better.
6. Avoid apologizing for your hearing loss. You shouldn’t apologize for being deaf or hard of hearing. There is nothing to apologize for because you have a lot to bring to an employer. Try not to talk too much about your hearing loss. Instead, focus on your skills and your assets.
7. Be-Positive. Your attitude going into the interview is really important. If you are positive, you can give off positive vibes to the employer. If you are negative, it could turn the employer off from you. Don’t focus on your hearing loss. Focus on all of your qualifications and good traits.

Acquiring Job Skills

1. Undergo job training. Many deaf and hard of hearing rehabilitation programs offer job training that will help you get a job and better adapt to the workplace. These training opportunities may include communication and problem-solving skills so you can succeed at your job.
   • These services may also cover job-specific skills after assessing what your interests and abilities are.
   • You may also receive training for assistive technology that you can use in a workplace.
2. Take speech reading classes. Learning to read lips and visual clues may help you get a job if you are deaf or hard of hearing. These classes not only help you read lips, but also learn to use the cheeks, tongue, throat, and facial expressions to interpret what people are saying.
   • You may find speech reading  classes in your community. Talk to your audiologist or a local speech and language center to find where you can take classes. You can also search online for speechreading classes in your area.
   • There are some websites and books you can check out that may help give you some information about speechreading.
3. Go back to school if you need more experience or qualifications. If you are having trouble finding a job, you may benefit from going back to school. Getting degrees in a specific area or learning a trade at a technical school may help you find employment opportunities.
   • Many schools offer internships, where you can learn on-the-job experience and meet people who can help you find jobs in the future.
4. Have your job site needs assessed. You can contact a vocational rehabilitation office and find out more about their services for job site assessment. This is especially helpful when you are hard of hearing or late deafened. You can get a communication specialist to come to your workplace and assess your technology needs and perform task analysis.
   • For example, they may determine if you need assistive listening devices or other technology to aid you in your job. They can also provide training for you and your workplace.
   • A communication specialist may be able to provide training for you and your colleagues in communication strategies, support services, and preparation.

References

See also

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• Emotionally Cope With Having Disabilities