For Job Seekers

DeafGROW is dedicated to providing deaf and hard-of-hearing job seekers with the latest, most comprehensive online employment-related resources. Deaf and hard-of-hearing job seekers who have been impacted by job loss, want to re-enter the job market, or those who have experienced limited access to employment opportunities and skills training are encouraged to take advantage of our valuable employment resources (i.e.company research, interview,  resume/cover letter writing, job application, reference list…etc.) needed for gainful employment. 

 

Communication & Accommodations

One-to-One Communication Strategies

Effective communication is a joint responsibility of hearing and deaf people. When you communicate face-to-face, repeating the information can confirm that the message is understood; that is one strategy both can use. Also, you can provide some communication strategies to the employer to make the message clearer.

Ask them to:

• Look directly at you when communicating.
• State the topic of discussion.
• Speak slowly and clearly.
• First, repeat, then try to rephrase the statement.
• Use gestures, body language, and facial expressions as non-verbal ways to help communication.
• Avoid standing in front of a light source when speaking.
• Take advantage of current technology, such as email, instant messaging, texting, and apps on your computer or smartphone.

Communication in a Group

Various communication strategies can be used in group situations, such as department meetings or at work.

• Explain that round or semicircular tables will allow you to see everyone’s face.
• Explain that you may need to sit next to or across from the speaker so you can see the speaker’s face.
• Make sure only one person speaks at a time and have the person indicate when they are communicating.
• Use visual aids and ask for time to read the information before the person starts speaking.
• Take advantage of current technology, such as email, instant messaging, texting, and apps on your computer or smartphone. For small group situations, apps such as ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition), group chat, or video communication can be helpful.
• Ask that an agenda of the topics to be discussed at the meeting be handed out ahead of time and ask that notes be taken to distribute after the meeting.
• Assign a notetaker to record and distribute the information discussed in meetings.

 

Job Search Strategies

Researching Companies & Jobs

It is important to take the time to research a company to learn more about an employer you are interested in working for. The more you know about a company, the better prepared you will be when you ask about employment opportunities and interview with the company.

The information you collect about a company will help you determine:

• If the company hires people with your job skills.
• If it is a type of business you want to work for.
• What to say in your cover letter, calls, and company visits.
• What questions to ask during an interview.

When researching a company, you will want to know:

• Company name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
• If the company hires people with your job skills.
• Name (job title) of the position you’re interested in and what qualifications are needed for the position.
• Product or service provided by the company.
• The company’s target customers.
• Of how long the company has been in business and if there is more than one location.
• Stability of the company (is business growing or shrinking?).
• The number of people who work for the company.
• Specific name(s) of:
  • Manager of the department you want to work in.
  • Person to contact about possible job openings.

Resources that can be used to research companies and jobs:

• Company’s website.
• Company’s annual reports, product or service pamphlets, and employment brochures.
• Library reference books, magazines, newspapers.
• Internet search engines (Google, Yahoo, etc.).
• Career service office.
• Family and friends who know or work at the company.

Tips for Researching:

• Use a variety of resources.
• Keep records of what you find out about the company.
• Continue researching because a company’s business model is always changing.

 

Contacting Employers

Contacting Employers through an Email or by Phone

Ensure you have all of the following information ready:

• Name of the companies/businesses you are contacting.
• Name and contact information of the people or departments you want to contact.
• A file of your resume.
• Your calendar.

What is the goal of your conversation?

• Inquiring about a co-op or permanent position
• Following up on a job that was advertised
• Following up on a resume that you sent

Who is the best person to communicate with?

• The person you sent your resume to
• Department manager
• Human Resources contact person

What is the best way for someone to contact you in the future?

• E-mail or Phone

What do you want to say? (script)

• Introduce yourself: “Hello, my name is _____. I am a second-year student majoring in _____ at “name of your college.”
• Explain why you are contacting them: “I sent you a resume recently. I am seeking an employment opportunity in _____.”
• Ask about job openings: “I was wondering if you expect to have any openings in my field?”

If the person wants to meet with you,

• Be prepared to schedule a date and time.
• Ask for specific directions.
• Confirm the information.
• Thank the person for their time.

If there are no job openings,

• Ask for other suggestions (networking): “Could you suggest other people or places I can contact in your area about a possible job?,” “Do you know of any open positions somewhere else?”
• Thank the person for their time.

Important Tips

• Keep a list of all contacts (phone, mail, e-mail).
• Be familiar with your resume and script.
• Avoid calling on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons.
• Be professional, enthusiastic, and friendly.
• Keep your emails or calls short and simple.
• Don’t sit back and wait for them to contact you! Follow up one more time in a week.

Visiting Employers

Dress professionally to match the work environment.

Below are some things you can say when you visit. You can type this information and bring a printout with you to the employer location. It saves time writing there and shows you came prepared.

Applying

During your job search, you may decide to apply by going to the employer’s location and giving your resume to someone there. You can make a good impression in person and learn more about the employer by seeing the workplace and getting more information. There may be company brochures you can take, and they might have a paper application you can complete. Job descriptions may be posted on a bulletin board.

To the receptionist:
“I would like to apply for a summer (or permanent) job. Can you please tell me where to go to do that?”

To the person in Human Resources:
“Hello, my name is _______, and I am a student at “name of college”. I am working on an associate degree in (major). I am looking for a summer (or permanent job) in (type of work). Here is my resume.

I am wondering if you will have that kind of work available.

Thank you for your time and consideration.”

Interviewing

When you go to the employer location for an interview, you may have to see a receptionist, and sometimes a secretary, before you meet the interviewer. Here is an introduction example:

“I am Mary Smith. I have a 10:00 appointment with the Human Resources Manager, Mr. Lockley, in the Business Resources Division.”

 

Networking and Hidden Job Market

One of the best ways to find employment opportunities is through networking; asking people you know to help you with your job search. Your network can help you find job openings and make contact with employers. Many jobs are not advertised to the general public and may only be known by the company’s employees. These jobs, called the hidden job market, are often found through networking.

What is networking?

• Making contact with people you know and informing them that you are looking for a job
• Asking people in your network for contact information for employers or other people they know who might be able to help you find a job

Why network?

• To make others aware of your job search to see if they can give you information about possible job openings
• To find out about jobs that are in the hidden job market
• To make new employer contacts

Who should you network with?

• Everyone!
• Family members
• Friends and neighbors
• Former supervisors and co-workers
• Former or current teachers, coaches, and classmates
• Members of your place of worship, community groups, and gym

How do you network?

• Contact people you know, and let them know you are looking for a job.
• Describe the kind of work you are looking for.
• Ask if they know of any companies that are hiring or if they know of any companies where you could apply for a job.
• Ask them for the names of other people you can contact who would be willing to help you and be part of your network.
• Give your resume to people in your network to share with employers whenever they see job opportunities for you.
• Make professional connections through LinkedIn.

 

Career & Job Fair Tips

• Research the employers attending the fair.
• Make a list of employers that you want to see.
• Dress professionally.
• Bring copies of your resume.
• Smile and make eye contact when you approach the recruiter.
• Introduce yourself and shake hands.
• Introduce the interpreter if one is with you.
• Explain your field and the type of job you are seeking.
• Give the recruiter your resume.
• Ask about the types of positions the company is looking to fill.
• Be prepared to discuss communication strategies.
• Ask for a business card.
• Thank the recruiter for their time.
• Make notes after speaking to each employer.
• Follow up by calling or sending a message within 7-10 days.
• Keep a record of all contacts with employers.

 

Re-entering the Job Market

Transferable Skills

If you’re wondering what skills you have that would interest a potential employer, you are not alone. Many college seniors feel that four (or more) years of college haven’t sufficiently prepared them to begin work after graduation. Like these students, you may have carefully reviewed your work history (along with your campus and civic involvement), and you may still have a difficult time seeing how the skills you learned in college will transfer to the workplace.

But keep in mind that you’ve been acquiring skills since childhood. Whether you learned the value of teamwork by playing sports, developed editing skills working on your high school newspaper, or developed countless skills while completing your coursework, each of your experiences has laid the groundwork for building additional skills.

What Are Transferable Skills?

A transferable skill is a “portable skill” that you deliberately (or inadvertently, if you haven’t identified them yet) take to other life experiences with you.

Your transferable skills are often:

• acquired through a class (e.g., an English major who is taught technical writing)
• acquired through experience (e.g., the student government representative who develops strong motivation and consensus-building skills)

Transferable skills supplement your degree. They provide an employer with concrete evidence of your readiness and qualifications for a position. Identifying and communicating your transferable skills to potential employers will greatly increase your success during the job search.

Remember that it is impossible to complete college without acquiring transferable skills. Campus and community activities, class projects and assignments, athletic activities, internships, and summer/part-time jobs have provided countless experiences where you’ve acquired many skills—many that you may take for granted.

Identifying Transferable Skills

While very closely related (and with some overlap), transferable skills can be divided into three subsets:

• Working With People
• Working With Things
• Working With Data/ Information

For example, some transferable skills can be used in every workplace setting (e.g., organizing or public speaking) while some are more applicable to specific settings (e.g., drafting or accounting).

The following are examples of skills often acquired through the classroom, jobs, athletics, and other activities. Use these examples to help you develop your own list of the transferable skills you’ve acquired.

Easy Steps to Identify Your Transferable Skills

Now that you know what transferable skills are, let’s put together a list of your transferable skills. You may want to work with someone in your career services office to help you identify as many transferable skills as possible.

Step 1. Make a list of every job title you’ve held (part-time, full-time, and internships), along with volunteer, sports, and other affiliations since starting college. (Be sure to record officer positions and other leadership roles.)

Step 2. Using your transcript, list the classes in your major field of study along

Step 3. Write a sentence for each job title, campus activity, and class you’ve just recorded, and then underline the action taken. (Avoid stating that you learned or gained experience in any skill. Instead, present your skill more directly as a verifiable qualification.)

“While working for Jones Engineering, I performed 3D modeling and drafting.”

NOT “While working for Jones Engineering, I gained experience in 3D modeling and drafting.”

“As a member of the Caribbean Students Association, I developed and coordinated the marketing of club events.”

NOT “As a member of the Caribbean Students Association, I learned how to market events.”

Step 4. List the skills/experiences you’ve identified for future reference during your job search.

Using Transferable Skills in the Job Search

Your success in finding the position right for you will depend on your ability to showcase your innate talents and skills. You will also need to demonstrate how to apply these skills at an employer’s place of business. Consult the staff at your career services office to help you further identify relevant transferable skills and incorporate them on your resume and during your interviews. During each interview, be sure to emphasize only those skills that would be of particular interest to a specific employer.

Transferable skills are the foundation upon which you will build additional, more complex skills as your career unfolds. Start making your list of skills, and you’ll discover that you have more to offer than you had imagined!

Additional Tips to Help Identify Your Transferable Skills

1. Review your list of transferable skills with someone in your field(s) of interest to help you identify any additional skills you may want to include.
2. Using a major job posting website, print out descriptions of jobs that interest you to help you identify skills being sought. (Use these postings as guides for terminology on your resume.)
3. Attend career fairs and company information sessions to learn about the skills valued by specific companies and industries.

Written by Rosita Smith.
Smith, R. (2002). Transferable skills. Diversity Career Opportunities & Insights, 4(3), 26.

 

Job Search Documents

Resumes

The resume is a job search tool that provides an employer with a brief description of your education, job skills, and work experience. A well-organized resume with no spelling or grammar mistakes will help you get an interview with an employer.

To view resume samples for various fields of study, please view our NTID’s examples.

Remember to:

• Have someone with good spelling and grammar skills proofread the resume
• Print the resume on high quality paper (resume paper)
• Make sure the resume is professional looking and easy to read
• List education and jobs in reverse order starting with the most recent
• Keep the information on the resume brief, one page is best

Note: People who have been working for a while since college should move the education section under the job skills and work experience sections.

Letters

All letters/email messages sent to employers should be professional in appearance and language to make a good impression. Have someone with good writing, spelling, and grammar skills proofread each letter before it is sent.

The samples of the Cover Letters, Application Letter, Follow-Up Letters, Thank-You Notes, References, Letters to Accept/Decline a job offer, Writing Business Emails, and Portfolio are available on the NCCC’s website.

 

The Interview Process

Telephone Interview

Many companies screen applicants over the telephone. How well you do will depend on your preparation for such calls and the impression you make. Here are some tips:

1. Any telephone or videophone calls during your job search could be an employer. Answer the phone appropriately every time; first impressions are important.
   
   
2. Some employers may e-mail you to set up a specific time for a telephone interview.  There are a few ways you can handle this:
   • Now might be a good time to inform the employer that you are deaf or hard of hearing if the employer does not already know.
   • You can give the employer representative your phone or VP number and let them call you if you prefer.
   • We recommend that you ask the representative for a phone number so you can initiate the call. The advantages to this are that you can take time to become comfortable with the interpreter, tell the interpreter it is a real interview situation, consider getting a same-sex interpreter, discuss technical vocabulary, and allow the interpreter to become accustomed to your signing so the interpreter can represent you well.
     
     
3. Keep the following items next to your telephone, computer, or videophone: paper, pen, copy of your resume, date book, a log of companies you have contacted, your own course schedule including major exams/projects,  a copy of the job description and questions ready to ask based on your research.
   
   
4. Use your response to express energy and enthusiasm.
   
   
5. It’s okay to take a little bit of time to think about what you will answer or ask next.
   
   
6. Don’t hang up before you know the next step, and thank the interviewer for the interview.
   
   
7. Be sure to get the interviewer’s title and other contact information for follow-up.

Dress Professionally

The first impression from the employer is made in the first 30 seconds. It is important to dress for success. If you dress too casually (blue jeans, sneakers, t-shirt), the employer may think you are not serious about working. What you wear should look professional for interviews, employer visits, and job fairs.

IMPORTANT TIPS:

• General
  • Look clean and neat. Make sure that your hair is done appropriately.
  • Do not wear strong-smelling perfume or cologne, as many people are allergic.
  • Cover any tattoos and remove any visible body piercings. Conservative earrings are acceptable.
    
    
• For Women
  • Wear a professional suit, simple dress, or slacks with a jacket.
  • Avoid wearing clothes that are tight, revealing, or trendy. It may be the latest fashion, but it will not impress the employer.
    
    
• For Men
  • Wear a suit or sports jacket with color-coordinated trousers. 
  • Wear a tie, even if you will never wear one after you get the job.
  • Shoes should be cleaned and polished – black or brown are best.
  • Head and facial hair should be neatly trimmed.

Even after you are successful in getting the job, you should continue to pay attention to your wardrobe. You should regularly add pieces made of high-quality, long-wearing fabrics. It is best to buy separates that you can mix and match with the existing pieces.

Interview Process

Preparing for an Interview

Communication During the Interview

Both videos were developed in agreement between the Research to Practice Division, Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education Grant Award #H326D060001 and #H326D060002, and the Postsecondary Education Programs Network (PEPNet). Additional information and resources about the PEPNET’s “Getting a Job!” can be found at this website.

Interviewing With and Without an Interpreter

Interviewing with an Interpreter

• As soon as you know your interview’s date, time, and location, ask the company to provide an interpreter.  Make sure you request an interpreter who is knowledgeable in your career area.
• Meet with the interpreter before the interview (20 – 30 minutes) to discuss your communication preferences and to review technical sign vocabulary.
• Take responsibility for effective communication by introducing the interpreter to the interviewer and briefly explaining his/her role.
• “Hello, I’m John Smith. Kathy Jones is here to facilitate our communication. She will communicate everything that is said or signed. Would you mind if she sits next to you so I could see you both at the same time? Thank you.”

Interviewing without an Interpreter

• Prepare an introduction for the receptionist/secretary/staff assistant:
• “I am Mary Smith. I have a 10:00 appointment with the manager, Mr. Man, of the marketing department.”
• Bring your resume and examples of your work. You can use these to help answer questions by referring to them.
• Make eye contact with the interviewer. Ask the interviewer to look directly at you when she/he speaks.
• Make sure you understand the questions the interviewer asks you. If you are not sure you understand the question, ask the interviewer to repeat or write down the question.
• When writing, keep your answers short and to the point and use proper grammar. Be as accurate with the technical information as possible and know the names of equipment and software you can use.
• Explain the best way for the interviewer to contact you (e-mail, text number, etc.).

Examples of Interview Questions

No two interviews are the same. Here is a list of questions to give you an idea of what the interviewer could ask.  Please review your answers with your professor or someone knowledgeable in your field.

Possible interview questions:

• Did you have any trouble finding the office?
• Tell me a little about yourself.
• What job are you applying for?
• Do you have a resume for me?
• Why did you decide to attend (name of your college or trade school?
• Why are you interested in this kind of work?
• What skills do you have in this field?
• What do you like doing the most in this field?
• What do you like doing the least?
• Why are you interested in our organization?
• What are some of your strengths?
• What are some of your weaknesses?
• Tell me a problem or a challenge you recently had, and how did you solve it?
• How do you work under pressure?
• Give me an example of when you had to do a lot of extra work to help finish a project.
• Do you like to work alone or as part of a team?
• Tell me about a time when you influenced a team to get something done.
• What have you learned from your past work experience?
• How do you/will you communicate with other workers?
• Have you ever worked with someone who was hard to get along with, and how did you handle that?
• Why should I hire you and not the other people who are applying for this job?
• What do you see yourself doing five years from now, and where?
• Using one word, how would you describe yourself?
• Do you have any questions for me?
• Do you have a list of references?
• What is the best way to contact you?

Below are questions designed to learn about an applicant’s behavior in the following categories and suggestions on how to prepare your own answers:

Leadership

• Give an example of your ability to build motivation in your co-workers, classmates, and even if on a volunteer committee.
• What is the toughest group that you have had to get cooperation from? Describe how you handled it. What was the outcome?
• Have you ever been a member of a group where two of the members did not work well together? What did you do to get them to do so?

Motivation

• Give an example of a time when you went above and beyond the call of duty.
• Tell me about an important goal that you set in the past. Were you successful? Why?
• Describe a situation when you were able to have a positive influence on the actions of others.
• How would you define “success” for someone in your chosen career?

Planning and Organization

• What have you done in order to be effective with your organization and planning?
• How do you schedule your time? Set priorities? How do you handle doing twenty things at once?
• What do you do when your time schedule or project plan is upset by unforeseen circumstances? Give an example.
• Describe how you develop a project team’s goals and project plan?

Decision-Making

• Give an example of a time when you had to be relatively quick in coming to a decision.
• What was your most difficult decision in the last six months? What made it difficult?
• What kind of decisions do you make rapidly? What kind takes more time? Give examples.

Communication

• Tell me about a situation when you had to speak up (be assertive) in order to get a point across that was important to you.
• Describe the most significant written document, report, or presentation you had to complete.
• Give me an example of a time when you successfully communicated with another person, even when that individual may not have personally liked you.
• Have you had to “sell” an idea to your co-workers, classmates, or group? How did you do it? Did they “buy” it?

Interpersonal Skills

• Describe a situation in which you were able to effectively “read” another person and guide your actions by your understanding of their needs and values.
• What have you done in past situations to contribute toward a teamwork environment?
• Describe a recent unpopular decision you made and what the result was.
• Tell me about the most difficult or frustrating individual you’ve ever worked with, and how you managed to work with them.

Initiative

• Give me an example of when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.
• Give me examples of projects/tasks you started on your own.
• Give some instances in which you anticipated problems and were able to influence a new direction.

Teamwork

• Describe the types of teams you’ve been involved with. What were your roles?
• Describe a team experience you found rewarding.
• Describe a team experience you found disappointing. What would you have done to prevent this?

Concluding the Interview

Professional Etiquette

Your academic knowledge and skills may be spectacular, but do you have the social skills needed to be successful in the workplace? Good professional etiquette indicates to potential employers that you are a mature, responsible adult who can aptly represent their company. Not knowing proper etiquette could damage your image, prevent you from getting a job and jeopardize personal and business relationships.

Meeting and Greeting

Etiquette begins with meeting and greeting. Terry Cobb, human resource director at Wachovia Corporation in South Carolina’s Palmetto region, emphasizes the importance of making a good first impression—beginning with the handshake. A firm shake, he says, indicates to employers that you’re confident and assertive. A limp handshake, on the other hand, sends the message that you’re not interested or qualified for the job. Dave Owenby, human resources manager for North and South Carolina at Sherwin Williams, believes, “Good social skills include having a firm handshake, smiling, making eye contact, and closing the meeting with a handshake.”

The following basic rules will help you get ahead in the workplace:

• Always rise when introducing or being introduced to someone.
• Provide information when making introductions—you are responsible for keeping the conversation going. “Joe, please meet Ms. Crawford, CEO at American Enterprise, Inc., in Cleveland.” “Mr. Jones, this is Kate Smith, a senior majoring in computer information systems at Northwestern University.”
• Unless given permission, always address someone by his or her title and last name.
• Practice a firm handshake. Make eye contact while shaking hands.

Virtual Interview Tips Webinar

Webinar is coming soon.

 

The Job Offer

Job Offer Negotiations

An area of the job search that often receives little attention is the art of negotiating. Once you have been offered a job, you have the opportunity to discuss the terms of your employment. Negotiations may be uncomfortable or unsatisfying because we tend to approach them with a winner-take-all attitude that is counterproductive to the concept of negotiations.

Negotiating with your potential employer can make your job one that best meets your own needs as well as those of your employer. To ensure successful negotiations, it is important to understand the basic components. The definition of negotiation as it relates to employment is: a series of communications (either oral or in writing) that reach a satisfying conclusion for all concerned parties, most often between the new employee and the hiring organization.

Negotiation is a planned series of events that requires strategy, presentation, and patience. Preparation is probably the single most important part of successful negotiations. Any good trial attorney will tell you the key to presenting a good case in the courtroom is the hours of preparation that happen beforehand. The same is true for negotiating. A good case will literally present itself. What follows are some suggestions that will help you prepare for successful negotiating.

Research

Gather as much factual information as you can to back up the case you want to make. For example, if most entering employees cannot negotiate salary, you may be jeopardizing the offer by focusing on that aspect of the package. Turn your attention to other parts of the offer such as their health plan, dental plan, retirement package, the type of schedule you prefer, etc.

Psychological Preparation

Chances are that you will not know the person with whom you will be negotiating. If you are lucky enough to be acquainted, spend some time reviewing what you know about this person’s communication style and decision-making behavior.

In most cases, however, this person will be a stranger. Since most people find the unknown a bit scary, you’ll want to ask yourself what approach to negotiating you find most comfortable. How will you psyche yourself up to feel confident enough to ask for what you want? How will you respond to counteroffers? What are your alternatives? What’s your bottom line? In short, plan your strategy.

Be sure you know exactly what you want. This does not mean you will get exactly that, but having the information clear in your head will help you determine what you are willing to concede. Unless you know what you want, you won’t be able to tell somebody else. Clarity improves communication, which is the conduit for effective negotiations.

Practice

Rehearse the presentation in advance using another person as the employer. If you make mistakes in rehearsal, chances are that you will not repeat them during the actual negotiations. A friend can critique your reasoning and help you prepare for questions. If this all seems like a lot of work, remember that if something is worth negotiating for, it is worth preparing for.

Dollars and Sense

Always begin by expressing genuine interest in the position and the organization, emphasizing the areas of agreement but allowing “wiggle room” to compromise on other areas. Be prepared to support your points of disagreement, outlining the parts you would like to alter, your suggestions on how this can be done and why it would serve the company’s best interests to accommodate your request.

Be prepared to defend your proposal. Back up your reasons for wanting to change the offer with meaningful, work-related skills and positive benefits to the employer. Requesting a salary increase because you are a fast learner or have a high GPA are usually not justifiable reasons in the eyes of the employer. Meaningful work experience or internships that have demonstrated or tested your professional skills are things that will make an employer stop and take notice.

It is sometimes more comfortable for job-seekers to make this initial request in writing and plan to meet later to hash out the differences. You will need to be fairly direct and assertive at this point even though you may feel extremely vulnerable. Keep in mind that the employer has chosen you from a pool of qualified applicants, so you are not as powerless as you think.

Sometimes the employer will bristle at the suggestions that there is room to negotiate. Stand firm, but encourage the employer to think about it for a day or two at which time you will discuss the details of your proposal with him/her. Do not rush the process because you are uncomfortable. The employer may be counting on this discomfort and use it to derail the negotiations. Remember, this is a series of volleys and lobs, tradeoffs and compromises that occur over a period of time. It is a process- not a singular event!

Once you have reached a conclusion with which you are both relatively comfortable, present in writing your interpretation of the agreement so that if there is any question, it will be addressed immediately. Negotiation, by definition, implies that each side will give. Do not perceive it as an ultimatum.

If the employer chooses not to grant any of your requests – and realistically, he or she can do that – you will still have the option of accepting the original offer provided you have maintained a positive, productive, and friendly atmosphere during your exchanges. You can always reenter negotiations after you have demonstrated your worth to the organization.

Money Isn’t Everything

There are many things you can negotiate besides salary. For example, benefits can add thousands of dollars to the compensation package. Benefits can range from paid personal leave to discounts on the company’s products and services. They constitute more than just icing on the cake; they may be better than the cake itself. Traditional benefit packages include health insurance, paid vacation and personal/sick days. Companies may offer such benefits as child care, elder car, or use of the company jet for family emergencies. Other lucrative benefits could include disability and life insurance and a variety of retirement plans. Some organizations offer investment and stock options as well as relocation reimbursement and tuition credits for continued education.

Written by Lily Maestas, Counseling and Career Services, University of California, Santa Barbara.

Attitude and Skills

Watch Video

This video was developed in agreement between the Research to Practice Division, Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education Grant Award #H326D060001 and #H326D060002 and the Postsecondary Education Programs Network (PEPNet). Additional information about the PEPNET’s “Getting a Job!” can be found at this website.

Evaluating Job Offers

You’ve just been offered a job, now what? Evaluating an offer to make sure it is the right job for you is important. Besides the salary, there are many things to consider before you accept a job offer, such as career growth, networking and gaining experience. Remember that one job can lead to another opportunity in the future.

What to consider when evaluating an offer:

• is the job content or nature of work something you want to do
• is the work environment and location acceptable to you
• does the salary and benefits (medical, dental, retirement, vacation, etc.) meet your needs
• is the typical work week and hours per day acceptable to you
• does the employer offer training or tuition assistance programs to employees
• does the employer offer opportunities to advance on the job
• are there employee groups at work that you may be interested in joining

Tips to remember:

• know what the typical salary range is for the job (salary range information is available through the internet, Bureau of Labor Statistics, trade magazines)
• develop a monthly budget listing all of your real and anticipated expenses to figure out what your salary requirement is
• benefits an employer offers can add as much as 30-40% to your actual salary
• you do not need to accept any offer immediately, you can ask the employer for a little time to carefully think about the offer before you make your decision

In addition to salary, an employer may offer:

• medical insurance
• dental insurance
• retirement plan, pension, 401K
• tuition assistance
• vacation, holiday, personal time off
• sick leave
• relocation expenses
• company car
• stock purchases
• bonus
• flexible work schedule
• child care reimbursement or service
• membership in professional associations and related travel

Procedures for Accepting or Declining a Job Offer

After you evaluate a job offer, you decide whether to accept it or decline. If you think you might receive another offer, contact the other employer first before you make a decision. Once you decide, there are some procedures to follow.

Example letters are in the Letters to Accept/Decline section of the Job Search Documents.

• Discuss offers thoroughly with employers so you understand the terms and reach a mutually acceptable date to respond to their offer.
• Request more time from employers if you need to consider other opportunities. Do not ignore deadline dates you have agreed upon.
• Notify employers that you are accepting or rejecting an offer as soon as you make your decision – never later than the arranged date.
• Once you accept a job offer, immediately inform other employers who are considering you. Your acceptance of an offer is a commitment you made to the employer.
• Cancel any other scheduled interviews or on-site visits.

 

Starting a New Job

When you have a new job, there are some things you can do to help you be successful.

Before you begin work

• If you don’t have a job description, ask for it, so you can see how your duties are explained and prioritized.
• Look at the organizational chart of the employer, so you can see how work groups are arranged, and where you fit in.
• Large employers have organizational handbooks, newsletters, and employee Websites that will help you understand policies, procedures and values of the workplace.
• Discuss accommodations you will need with your supervisor, including a request for an interpreter for orientation and training.

Starting the job

• Dress professionally to make a good impression.
• Explain to people the best way to communicate with you.
• Show enthusiasm and respect for the employer’s way of doing things.
• Ask what is expected from you and how to accomplish work goals.
• Take notes to help you remember what to do.
• Keep benefits documents you receive for future information.

On the job

• Arrive on time, or even a little early, to the workplace and meetings.
• Be friendly and positive.
• Fit in with the work culture and follow rules
• Find out what your supervisor’s expectations are, and do things the way he/she wants them done.
• Understand your role on team projects and your responsibilities.
• Learn from observing and asking others for clarification and advice.
• Try to work out solutions to problems, but request help when needed.
• Complete your assignments by the deadline.
• When you are done with your work, inform your supervisor, and offer to help others.
• Keep up with changes in technology.
• Take workshops or classes offered by the employer to learn more.
• Join professional associations and attend events to network and help others.
• Ask your supervisor for a performance evaluation after working six months, to see what you are doing well, and what you can do to improve.

GOOD LUCK!

 

Disclosing a Disability

Disclosure Questions and Answers: Telling Interviewers or Employers that You Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

When you are looking for employment, one of the things you need to consider is when or if you inform an employer that you are deaf or hard of hearing. There is not one right or wrong way. Each applicant should make a personal decision on this issue, for example, to inform on a resume or cover letter or to wait until invited for an interview. Some employers have reported that they appreciate knowing your communication preferences before the interview so they can make appropriate arrangements for communication.

Q: Whose responsibility is it to bring up accommodations?

A: It is your responsibility to tell the employer if you need accommodations to do the job. If you do not tell the employer you need an accommodation, they are not responsible to provide one. Have several accommodation options ready (for example, interpreter, writing, laptop, speechreading), because your preference may not be possible or available.

Q: What steps shall I take if the employer wants to do the interview (or just the first interview) by telephone?

A: Many companies today routinely interview (screen) applicants briefly by telephone first, then decide if they will interview them in person. If the employer prefers a telephone interview, consider what technology ( instant messaging, video conferencing, automatic speech recognition) will be best for you. Reply quickly to an employer’s request for a telephone interview. Be ready to suggest what will best fit your needs, and explain how and why that will work.

Q: What do I need to do to make sure we have good communication for a face-to-face interview?

A: The interview is an important time to have several accommodation options ready (for example, interpreter, writing, laptop, speechreading, apps), because your preference may not be possible or available.

If you want to have a sign language interpreter, it is a good idea to be ready to provide the employer with contact information for interpreter/referral agencies in the area that can provide that service. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle all aspects of communication on the job–meetings, telephone contacts and conversation.

Q: If I have other disabilities do I need to inform my employer?

A: If you have other disabilities and do not need any accommodations to do the job, there is no reason to inform your employer. For example, if you have a learning disability that is not related to your ability to do the job, then you do not have to share this with a potential employer.

If you have other disabilities and do need accommodations for the interview, or to do the job, it is your responsibility to tell them. If you do not tell the employer you need an accommodation, they are not responsible to provide one.

Q: If I have questions about disclosing my hearing loss or deafness to an employer, who should I talk to?

A: You can talk about disclosure and accommodations with your professor or a representative from DeafGROW.