Interviewing
Courtesies
for Effective Communication
Interviewers need to
know whether or not the job site is accessible and should be prepared to
answer accessibility-related questions.
Interviewing a person using Mobility
Aids
Enable people who use crutches, canes or
wheelchairs to keep them within reach.
Be aware that some wheelchair users may
choose to transfer themselves out of their wheelchairs (into an office
chair, for example) for the duration of the interview.
Here again, when speaking to a person
in a wheelchair or on crutches for more than a few minutes, sit in a
chair. Place yourself at that person's eye level to facilitate
conversation.
When greeting a person with a vision
impairment always identify yourself and introduce anyone else who might
be present.
If the person does not extend their
hand to shake hands, verbally extend a welcome.
When offering seating, place the person's
hand on the back or arm of the seat. A verbal cue is helpful as well.
Let the person know if you move or need
to end the conversation.
Allow people who use crutches, canes or
wheelchairs to keep them within reach.
Give your whole attention with interest
when talking to a person who has a speech impairment.
Ask short questions that require short
answers or a nod of the head.
Do not pretend to understand if you do
not. Try rephrasing what you wish to communicate, or ask the person to
repeat what you do not understand.
Do not raise your voice. Most speech
impaired persons can hear and understand.
If you need to attract the attention of a
person who is deaf or hearing impaired, touch him or her lightly on the
shoulder.
If the interviewee lip-reads, look
directly at him or her. Speak clearly at a normal pace. Do not
exaggerate your lip movements or shout. Speak expressively because the
person will rely on your facial expressions, gestures and eye contact.
(Note: It is estimated that only four out of ten spoken words are
visible on the lips.)
Place yourself placing the light source
and keep your hands, cigarettes and food away from your mouth when
speaking.
Shouting does not help and can be
detrimental. Only raise your voice when requested. Brief, concise
written notes may be helpful.
In the United States most deaf people
use American Sign Language (ASL.) ASL is not a universal language. ASL
is a language with its own syntax and grammatical structure. When
scheduling an interpreter for a non-English speaking person, be certain
to retain an interpreter that speaks and interprets in the language of
the person.
If an interpreter is present, it is
commonplace for the interpreter to be seated beside the interviewer,
across from the interviewee.
Interpreters facilitate communication.
They should not be consulted or regarded as a reference for the
interview.
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