Why Didn't I Get That Job?
By Cristy Crespin
We all know that the unemployment rate among people who are low vision is 70% or higher. One reason for this unacceptably high rate is due to public ignorance regarding what we can do. Another factor is the lack of accessibility on the web and in the workplace, with equipment, etc. But how much is due to things we inadvertently do to "shoot ourselves in the foot?" Below are some tips and observations.
A woman candidate who is legally blind walked into the lobby with a woman with sight. Is this uncommon? The answer is no. Many people with and without sight travel together. However, read on.
The interviewer called the name of the candidate with low vision, and both women stood. Both women went into the interview room and sat.
Is there something wrong with this picture?
The candidate interviewed well. Her answers showed strength, intelligence and character. However, she did not get the job.
One might ask these questions: Why didn't the candidate get hired since she was clearly qualified? Was the interview panel biased against the candidate? What could the candidate have done to "stand out" in a positive manner?
First, the candidate made a glaring blunder by allowing the companion to enter the interview room. Had there been a special need, this should be addressed ahead of time as an accommodation, prior to the interview.
The second glaring blunder is that the interview panel wondered how she could get the job done, but they could not ask, and she did not tell. By showcasing her tools of the trade, she could have allowed the interview panel to recognize her knowledge, strengths and abilities, and she may have been hired as the best and most competent candidate.
Other considerations include nonverbal communication. Both verbal and nonverbal communication make up the communication process. Verbal communication (what we say) is only 7 percent of the process; nonverbal communication (how we say it) is the remaining 93 percent. This includes tone of voice, posture, grooming and hygiene, gestures, facial expressions, behaviors, etc.
When shaking hands, apply light, but firm pressure. A limp handshake implies weakness and indecisiveness. A bone-crushing handshake implies controlling, domineering behavior. Slouching in the chair with head down implies sloppiness, low self-esteem and uncertainty. Drumming fingers or tapping feet implies impatience, anxiety, or boredom.
What can we do? Practice body posturing and facial expressions with a family member, friend or coach who can work with us to assist us to make a positive impression. Likewise, pay special and close attention to grooming, hygiene, and how we dress. I heard a manager talk about a woman who went to the interview in her house dress. When I have sat in on interviews, I have smelled body odor, too much cologne, mothballs, bad breath, tobacco, and other unidentifiable odors. I have heard sniffs, coughs, snorts, excessive throat-clearing, and mumbling. Remember, our success in the job market depends on the energy and skills we exhibit before, during and after the interview.
