National Technical Institute for the Deaf

Preparing for the interview

• When setting up the interview, ask the candidate how he or she will prefer to communicate during the interview.
• Inform the receptionist that you are expecting a deaf or hard-of-hearing candidate.
• Find a location with good lighting.
• Have a written itinerary and company literature available.

Interviewing with an interpreter

• 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.

Interviewing without an interpreter

• 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.
• Use paper and pencil if necessary.
• Ask the candidate to demonstrate his or her skills during the interview by operating a piece of equipment or software application, etc.
• Resist putting your hands on or near your mouth as you speak.