RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

Top tips for interviews

Below are some general tips on good interview technique and what kind of questions you may be asked. Your local employment adviser can support you with confidence building and mock interviews as well as talking to the company that is interviewing you to make sure it understands your needs.

  • If you are using an interpreter or lipspeaker, be sure to tell the interviewer in advance. It may affect the way the seating is arranged, the time allowed for the interview and the preparation of questions.
  • Before the interview starts, make sure the interviewer is sitting where you can lipread and see his or her facial expressions.
  • Have your list of questions ready. 
  • Give a copy of your questions to the interpreter so he or she knows what topics you want to cover.
  • Leave a column at the side of your questions for the answers and for your notes.
  • Take your own notepad and pen.
  • Take your time - don't worry if you have to ask the interviewer to repeat something or say it differently. It's far better to take more time and be sure of your facts, rather than to give or receive the wrong information.

If you can, ask for some written information to take home, for example a staff guide, marketing leaflet, chart or diagram. You can then read this more carefully at home.

Spend time after the interview with the interpreter checking the information you have both gathered.