Reveal disability for interview?

LegacyUser

Hi Guys

I have this interview ahead overseas and I am wondering should I reveal my hearing impairment or not at any stage? I met a agency who recruits for this company today and apparently he was full of praise for me and said this company are keen on seeing me and told me what the next steps are etc.

Thanks for the help

Victor

Is it relevant?

Don't lie.

Overheal

Hearing Aids are always an option: unless its something terribly relevant, like a Sonar Operator, its hardly a major issue. Or is it?

http://www.hearingaids55.com/

brendansmith

Victor wrote: »

Is it relevant?

Don't lie.

+1

dudara

Be open and honest. Unless the job depends on having accurate hearing, then it is legally not an issue.

Madame Razz

If it is not relevant to the job I wouldn't mention it. Mentioning it now means that you, vs the other candidates, are not starting with a clean slate. Mention it at final interview stage, or when you have been offered the job, or during your medical, soem times its best to explain this to a medic rather than a layperson; they will understand the level of your hearing difficulty better than your potential employer.

Unless of course, it will affect your actual interview; in which case it would be wise to make them aware that they need to speak louder/more clearly, otherwise you could come across badly.

Personally, I have a bad back. I have never made potential employers aware of this at interview stage, as it doesn't interfere with my work, or my ability to do my work. Yes, It gets painful, but this is usually in the evenings whne my working day is finished, and a good nights rest usually does the trick. I have only ever flagged this in an employment medical, as I do feel it is important for the employer to know, but I want to be able to explain the problem properly, as opposed to being thought of as somebody who will miss loads of time from work becuase of it etc. I have explained to the GP exactly what happened, what the nature of the injury is, and they have always been very understanding, and have realised that this won't affect the job in question.

Basically OP its your call. But it might be wise to box clever on this one, and get thru the interviews first before saying anything. Its not being dishonest, first and second interviews are generally more professional and austere, whereas third interviews and job offers tend to be less formal and more personal, so it may be a more appropriate time to mention it.

However, If it will affect your ability to do your work, you should make then aware asap.

Good luck with the interview!!

JDLK

You should always let your employer know about any medical issues, impairments, disabilities you have now or in your past. In fact I think they are legally obliged to ask you, it usually appears as a section on the application form- if you lie or withhold information you could be sacked- you cannot however be refused employment because of a disability (discrimination)

They only need to know from an insurance/liability point of view- it cant be used to rule you out of the job- there are obvious exceptions where public safety may be at risk- ie a pilot must have 20/20 vision etc

Otacon

I have acute hearing loss in my left ear. During the preliminary interview for my current job, I can't remember how, but it came up and I just explained it exactly as it was (I contracted mumps when I was thirteen months old and lost my hearing in one ear). They asked me once I was offered the job if I would like some provisions like proper speakers for my PC and such. They were great about it...

I don't see any harm in saying it, if it comes up.

Redpunto

I'd say it'd be a thing of them knowing only as to provide you with aids to enhance your ability to work, take it as it comes, if an opportunity arises where you think it would be appropraite to bring it up then do so

From a legal standpoint I dont know if you have to tell them.

Good luck with the interview.

pwd

is there a law in the uk that states that a company with more than a certain number of employees must have a certain percentage of disabled employees?
I heard something about that before not sure if it correct.
I think you should not tell them personally, unless they actually need to know for some reason.

Marksie

pwd wrote: »

is there a law in the uk that states that a company with more than a certain number of employees must have a certain percentage of disabled employees?
I heard something about that before not sure if it correct.
I think you should not tell them personally, unless they actually need to know for some reason.

The work an jobs forum can sort that out. But i believe under the equality act here there is something similar..

LegacyUser

Hi, Have worn a hearing aid for over 20 years started in firm in Sales became MD, came across a number of people who needed hearing aids but were ashamed to admit it. It never impeded my work actually helped me once or twice - in pretty nasty negotiations with unions was asked was i deaf or what to which I replied yes I am actually and put union official on the back foot.

Be totally upfront but explain that it does not impede you in any way at all form performing your role

Victor

JDLK wrote: »

You should always let your employer know about any medical issues, impairments, disabilities you have now or in your past.

Ther eis a difference between letting them know when you have the job and saying it first thing in an interview.

While some employers can empathise, others will only look at it as a difficulty - the very reason for this legislation in the first place.