Do you have questions about job hunting and interviewing and how your hearing loss will play out in the mix? Don’t let hearing loss make your job search more stressful than it has be. We are here with helpful tips to help you navigate the way through applying for and interviewing for a new job.
Don’t Talk about Your Hearing Loss Right Away
The first thing to know is that you are not required by law to let a potential employer about your hearing loss and they are not allowed to ask you about it. You should not include anything about your hearing loss in your resume or cover letter.
Show Confidence
Rather than focusing on your hearing loss, focus on your skills and the advantages you have that make you the best person for the job. List your strengths and show why you are perfect for the position you are applying for; but remember that your hearing loss is not a weakness. Draw on your experiences and remain confident in your abilities.
Preparing for Interviews Ahead of Time
If you have a phone interview before an in person interview, there are a few things that you can do ahead of time to prepare. First, before either a phone or in person interview, do your homework about the job and the company. Of course, this makes sense for anyone applying for any job, but you might have a few additional things to research. Look for a list of what the job requires and make your own list of answers to how you will complete the requirements. You might also make a list of questions to ask if you think you might need any accommodations.
Tips for a Phone Interview
Before your phone interview, be sure to test your hearing aids and any connections you have to your phone. After you have ensured that all of them are working properly, run a test call just prior to your phone interview. Make sure that you are in a quiet area with no distractions during your phone call. If you are using a captioned telephone, you might decide to explain at that time to your employer since there will likely be delays while you use the software.
Tips for an In Person Interview
During a face-to-face interview, set yourself up for success. Make sure to position yourself where you can see and hear the interviewer best. This will help you with visual queues and read lips if you need to. If the room is noisy, ask to move to a quieter location. Just as with a phone interview, test your hearing aids and listening devices ahead of time to make sure they are set up correctly.
Share When the Time is Right
You will know when the time is right to share with your potential or new employer about your hearing loss. Remember to focus on the positives instead of sounding like it is a negative situation. Explain about the listening devices and hearing aids you use and perhaps even set up a demonstration for your boss. You can also talk about what types of solutions have worked for you in the past. Always remain confident and put a positive spin on everything. You can be very convincing to a potential employee when you explain how your hearing loss won’t be a problem and you are the best person for the position and a team player.
Consult with the Hearing Experts at Kenwood Hearing Center
We help you deal with hearing loss during all aspects of your life and we are also here to help ensure that your hearing health can be the best it can be. You might want to come in before your interview to ensure that your hearing aids and listening devices are all performing optimally. Please contact us today and schedule an appointment. The experts at Kenwood Hearing Center are trained to help you and your family through all aspects of hearing loss and optimizing your hearing health.