PEPNet-Northeast
formerly the Northeast Technical Assistance Center (NETAC)

NETAC Teacher Tipsheet
Job Search

"I am looking for a job." These words can strike terror in the hearts of the most stalwart people. Like buying a house or a car, getting married, or having a baby, looking for a job is a challenge we experience only a few times in our lives.

Nearly every job seeker will experience feelings of frustration, confusion, and the emotional roller coaster of hope and dashed hopes when the inevitable rejection letters appear in the mailbox. Students who are deaf may experience additional frustrations dealing with reluctant employers, who may doubt their abilities, have erroneous stereotypes concerning deafness, and inaccurate information regarding accommodations. However, in spite of the hard work that must go into a successful job search and the accompanying negative emotions, looking for a job can be a rewarding, exciting, and growth-producing experience. Having the right perspective, a positive attitude, and adequate support can make all the difference.

Strategies for a successful job search do not vary for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Therefore, this information will not be repeated here. However, there are some issues that should be considered if the student is going to be successful. These are communication strategies, disclosure as a job seeker who is deaf or hard of hearing, and accommodations.

Communication

This topic has two areas of concern: How will support staff communicate with the student? How will the student choose to communicate with potential employers?

  • Communicating with the student: The best way to settle this dilemma is to ask the student which is his or her preferred form of communication. There is a wide range of communication abilities and preferences among people who are deaf and hard of hearing. Once a mode is decided upon, it is important to remember that eye contact is important. Look at the student while speaking; don't talk while chewing gum or food, or put your hand over your mouth. Sit where the light is on your face, rather than at your back.
  • Communicating with potential employers during the job search: Questions that can be addressed here are: How will employers contact me? How will I contact them? How will I handle the interview? Will I need an interpreter? There is no one set of correct answers as the student's ability to communicate will vary with the individual.

Disclosure

This issue concerns when and if students disclose their hearing loss to potential employers. The choice will be up to the student. However, there are several options: in the cover letter, in the resume, when the employer calls for an interview, at the interview, when a job offer is made, and after the offer is accepted. There are pros and cons to each option. It is often suggested that the student wait to disclose until there is an offer for an interview. More information about this topic can be found in Job Strategies for People with Disabilities by Melanie Witt.

Accommodations

The Americans with Disabilities Act has information that applies to all persons with disabilities. However, it is necessary to disclose the need for accommodation before the employer is obligated to provide it.

On-Campus Resources

  • The Career Services Office can help with resume and cover writing skills, interviewing workshops, job postings, and on-campus recruiting. Some centers offer career counseling, testing, and academic planning. The Counseling Center will offer career and personal counseling. If necessary, take the student and introduce him or her to the staff in these offices.

  • Additional resources (World wide web)
    Sites for employers:
    - NTID's Center on Employment:
    www.rit.edu/NTID/CO/CE

    Sites for people with disabilities:
    - Job Accommodation Network
    www.jan.wvu.edu
    - The President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities www50.pcepd.gov/pcepd/
    - Vocational Rehabilitation
    http://trfn.clpgh.org/srac/state-vr.shtml

    Sites concerning deafness:
    - NTID's Center on Employment
    www.rit.edu/NTID/CO/CE
    - National Deaf Education Network and Clearinghouse www.gallaudet.edu/~nicd/ index.html
    - Job seeking by deaf and hard-of-hearing people
  • Print resources
    - Witt, M.A. (1992). Job Search Strategies for People with Disabilities. Peterson's Guides: Princeton, NJ.
    - Ryan, D.J. (2000). Job search handbook for people with disabilities. JIST: Indianapolis, IN.
    - Tips for Communicating with Deaf and Hard of Hearing People (available from NTID)
    - Let's Communicate: Basic Signs and Tips for Communicating with Deaf People (available from NTID)

  • Vocational rehabilitation: many students who are deaf and hard of hearing have vocational rehabilitation counselors who may be able to assist them in their job search. Check your local phone book for the office nearest you. Look under the heading, "State Government." VR programs may be found under various departments: Education; Labor; Human Services; Rehabilitative Services, etc.