Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

I am using some of the techniques I found it your book. Unfortunately I am one of the late bloomers who put the job hunt off until after graduation. I wish had read your book before it's full of tips and it has put job hunting in a new perspective to me. I am sure I will find my dream job in the near future.

Again thank you and I will make sure to let you know if I use new techniques in my job search. Do you have any advise for hearing impaired, college graduate job hunters?

From: Mario A. Romero


ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

Hi Mario -

Glad to hear the book is helping you.

Regarding your question about hearing impaired, to what degree? Are you able to take phone calls with the help of a hearing aid or other amplification device? Or do you need to use TTY service? Is your speech noticably impaired also?

If it is either of the latter two, you may have to do some educating with prospective employers. They may not be knowingly discriminating against you, but rather may react in fear to the unknown. It is your responsibility to clearly communicate to them how your impairment may affect your potential work performance (if at all) and any accommodations you may need. Anything you can do to lessen the impact will increase your chances.

Many employers (including my company, Keane, Inc.) are Affirmative Action employers and will go out of their way to help those that have special needs. But if all I hear on the other end of the phone is someone that is not able to effectively communicate, I may not be aware of the potential need.

Don't be afraid to bring this up in an initial letter and detail specifically what, if any, needs to be done to accommodate the interviewing process. Most employers will respond positively. But please don't lean on your impairment as a crutch. You still need to convince the employer that you can do the job properly.

Best of luck to you, Mario. You have a more difficult challenge, but if you find a company that supports you, it can pave your path for an outstanding future. Remember, all it takes is just one "Yes." It's out there. Keep hunting until you find it.

Your friend,

Do you have a question that you would like to have answered here in this forum? Send your question direct to Brian Krueger.

All job search information at this forum is provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter, the definitive guide for college grad job search. Used by permission of the author.