Can I get a job with Tinnitus?

The difficulties with applying for jobs and attending interviews with a hearing impairment. Do I tell them?

In my last blog I was harping on about applying for jobs and whether I would tell potential employers I have hearing difficulties and tinnitus. This week I have been able to let two of them know about this problem before possibly being accepted for a job. Lucky me!

The first opportunity presented itself when I completed an online application for an administration role within the local council (yes yes, yawn, I know!). Now, if you have completed as many online applications as I have, you'll know that, generally, the only remotely relevant section to inform them of an impairment would be to state that you have a disability. Personally, I am not willing to class hearing problems as a disability and so this has never been noted on any of my applications. This means I either need to inform them at interview stage or wait until I'm actually doing the job to mention "I can't hear a f*cking thing, sorry". However, in this instance, in addition to the disabilities section, this form gave me another option which they called "specific circumstances/equal opportunities", meaning I was able to mention my use of hearing aids. I did not go into too much detail as I'm curious as to whether it would be brought up in an interview and if I were to make it to one. Given that I have all the experience and skills for the job, as well as working with the same council before with a dazzling reference from a top dog there, I am hopeful to find this out soon. But so far, well done welsh government for even giving me the option to disclose my "impairment".

My second opportunity came today when I attended an interview at a GP surgery for another admin role. I am, in fact, still wearing my interview clothes (a skirt that's too big for me and a formal blouse I had to blow the dust off, as it's been so long since I last dressed smart) at my laptop writing this...

After all the expected questions to find out my strengths (cuddling dogs) and weaknesses (men), I was asked if I had any specific needs to help do my job. Bearing in mind their application did not make room for this information, I had to tell them face to face, right now.

In all honesty, I hesitated. What if I was doing really well (I definitely was) and this one thing would make them question my abilities? Or perhaps they don't have a budget behind them if I need a special assistance telephone? I was momentarily tempted to keep this information to myself and hope for the best as I had done so many times before. Then my 'wonder-woman-girl-power-proud-hearing-aid-wearer-ness' kicked in and I told them. I told them with confidence and certainty that I may need support when it comes to finding a headset or telephone I can use effectively, if the current ones weren't loud or clear enough. Eagerly awaiting how they would respond to this new information...

To my surprise they responded amazingly! They were not phased by it AT ALL! We went on to discuss my needs and they even went as far as to tell me how they would ensure I had any equipment I needed and they even use a company that could provide this for me. Then we just kept chatting about holidays and hobbies and all that jazz as if it was no problem whatsoever. This thing I had previously avoided telling employers and risking not being offered work was being embraced as if it's no issue whatsoever. Hoorah!

So there we have it... there are employers out there that give us the opportunity to discuss potential hearing issues in the work place and hopefully do what they can to create equal opportunities for everyone. If they don't, they're not good enough for you girlfriend!

Have confidence in these circumstances (fake it till you make it, if you need to), as I honestly think if you are sure about what you need and let them know in a matter-of-fact way, they will also have the confidence in you to fulfil the role. Confidence breeds confidence after all, even if it's just an act.

Now I just need to wait to find out if I got the job...

A fine example of me being an excellent employee.