Deafroots

Once your CV has impressed your new potential employer you must go through an interview. Don’t worry your not alone; we have all gone through it at least once.

Once you have secured you interview, the real fun begins! But be careful how you start out don’t just send an email saying “I’m Deaf. I’ll need an interpreter”. Remember not all employers probably know much about deafness. The best way to start is to say something like “I am really pleased to have the opportunity for this job. However, I am Deaf. To interview effectively, I need the assistance of a Sign Language Interpreter”

Do’s and Don’ts

Most of this advice seems like good common sense, and we would like to think that we would remember most if not all of it. You can be surprised; with the nerves you get on finally securing an interview for your ideal job, how many we really forget so we have listed them for you. Just don’t forget to read them before you go to your interview.

Do’s:

• Find out where the interview will take place and find out how to get there and how long it takes. Do a practise or ‘dry’ run a day or week before so you can familiarise yourself with the route.
• Get your outfit ready the night before. Be organised is what we really mean here. If your organised your better prepared. Check the weather report for the next day. Find out if there are any delays on the tube or the bus on the morning of the interview.
• Prepare some good intelligent though through questions to ask; you can do this by examining the person specification and your CV/application form. You may also think about answers for the big questions every employer asks, for example: why do you want the job, what are your strengths and weaknesses, what are the main tasks of the job.
• Dress smartly, look bright and attentive, and speak clearly and confidently. Don’t forget that first impressions count. The success of you interview will depend on you how you look, act and sound.
• Brush your teeth before you leave your house, you want those pearly whites to shine when your smiling.
• Greet the receptionist or the assistant with courtesy. This is where you can make your all important first impression. Remember, first impressions don’t just count they last.
• Shake hands firmly. No one ever wants to feel a limp or clammy handshake. Always wait until you are offered a chair before sitting.
• Turn your mobile off. Treat the interviewers with respect and give them your undivided attention.
• Make good eye contact with the person/people interviewing them. It not only shows interest but shows you’re engaging and you will always come across as factual and sincere which are always what employers are looking for.
• Be confident, remember your employer wants to know what you can do, and not want you can’t do. Always talk as if your determined that you will get the job you’re discussing.
• Show enthusiasm in the position and more importantly the company. It shows professionalism and interest and can help you out. Mention that you are really interested in the job and you want it.
• Your homework, research the company and if you know who your interviewer will be look them up too. Prepare some questions you want to ask – this is your chance to find out more about the role and the company. It shows to the company that you have interest you’re keen and professional. Now, who wouldn’t hire a person like that?
• Use real examples of when you have used your skills – just mentioning you have a skill is not enough. Try to avoid giving one word or one sentence answers.
• Sell yourself; No-one else is going to! Look at the interview as an exciting way of getting to do something you really love. Remember to stress your achievements. Especially if they are skills your are going to be using regularly for this job. Be careful, don’t show off, simply remind them you have these skills and you are proficient in them.
• Take your time answering the questions. Make sure you understand the question fully and take time if you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask to repeat the question. Always focus the answer on what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.
• Get a point of contact for them. A card or email address something to that affect. You never know if you might need to contact them again.

Don’t:

• Be late. Not a great start, if you can’t be on time for an interview how are you going to be on time for work.
• Forget to smile, you will be surprised on how many people don’t do this, even people who smile regularly forget to, during an interview.
• Swear or use slang words. Don’t use poor language like “um” or “uh”.
• Look disinterested. Sit up straight take a real interest in everything that is being said.
• Smoke, even if the interviewer offers you a cigarette. Never smoke beforehand you will not smell good or engage in any other habit that can be seen as annoying. It will really put the interviewer off and can result in you not getting hired.
• Discuss money or any benefits. You should know this information from the job advert. If it isn’t mentioned for some reason, then alsways let the employer bring up the subject first
• Lie!Not a good idea, if at anytime the employer finds out after you have secured the job they can fire you. Remember to answer questions truthfully, frankly and concisely.
• Respond to an unexpected question with a long pause. Try to either respond by repeating the question aloud to give you more time or ask for the question to be repeated. Always be alert.
• Answer questions with a “yes” or “no”. Go into detail, talk about your skills and showcase your achievements and talents.
• Be nervous, easier said than done right. Remember nerves are normal; use these nerves to your advantage to get you through the interview. Use breathing exercises to help you with your nerves.
• Be Arrogant or make assumptions of any kind. You won’t get the job by acting disrespectful and over confident. Remember the people interviewing you may end up working directly with you or may even be your boss.
• Be Overly aggressive While it’s ok to be confident, if you’re too over confident it can come out in the wrong way. Just remember to know your limits and stick to them.
• Appear desperate in any way. This is just an interview, at the end of the day it’s a reflection of you more so than your skills. Keep that in mind when answering questions.
• Say anything negative about yourself, personally or professionally. Remember to keep the conversation on the positive track of what the job is and how your skills match up to the job and how keen and excited you are about the job.
• Say anything negative about former colleagues and especially employers; it makes you look untrustworthy. Diplomacy and Loyalty are much sought after traits. If you can show this you won’t fail in getting the job. Remember you want to leave them with a good professional impression.
• Tell jokes. You might think that it’s ok but it’s not a good way to break the ice. Just remind yourself where you are and why you are there.
• Discuss controversial topics like religion or politics.
• Argue with the interviewer, no matter what. Remember to keep things positive!

As long as you remember these tips and go into the interview with the right attitude you haven’t failed. If for some reason you haven’t secured the job, always get feedback so you don’t make the same mistake. If you can’t get hold of them to talk to then send them a thank you email or letter. That way what ever happens you will be remembered.

Remember, your trying to leave a good impression, whether you’re successful in the interview or not. The company might have another vacancy. Also, companies share information, so the place you interview might recommend you to another company.

What ever happens we hope we have been of some help to you. As always we wish you good luck with all your interviews.