How to prepare for a job interview when you have dual sensory loss

Preparing for an interview can feel daunting. There are nerves, anxiety, deciding what to wear, remembering what to say, and trying to show why you’re the right person for the job. Interviews aren’t easy for anyone.

For people living with deafblindness, interviews can also bring additional practical and emotional challenges. However, with the right support and preparation in place, interviews can be made accessible and manageable, allowing you to focus on showcasing your skills and experience with confidence.

Here are some practical ways to prepare.

Reasonable adjustments

Before your interview, we recommend letting the employer know that you may need reasonable adjustments. There are many adjustments an employer can make to support you and this ensures the interview is accessible, fair, and allows you to perform at your best. Today’s workforce is increasingly inclusive and recognises that a diverse workforce brings a wide range of valuable skills.

Requesting the adjustments you need can help prevent unnecessary last-minute stress. Interview rooms and lighting can be arranged ahead of time, and if the interview is online, an interpreter or communication support can be put in place.

If you do not feel comfortable going into detail, you can keep your explanation brief. Remember, the focus should be on the practical adjustments you need, not on your disability.

Preparation is key

Preparing in advance can help you feel more confident and in control. While interview questions may vary, they often follow similar themes, so having examples ready will help you respond more easily.

Use examples from your past work, volunteering, or life experiences, and think through a few scenarios ahead of the interview, perhaps gathering facts and figures which give specifics on something you helped achieve or something you have learned. This makes it easier to explain your skills clearly when asked.

Remember to focus on your achievements and strengths, and don’t be afraid to sell yourself. As much as you may feel you really want the job, the employer also really wants the right candidate – so don’t hold back from showing them that, with your skills and experience, you could what they need.

Practice

We have all heard the saying “practice makes perfect,” and it really is true. The more you practice, the more your confidence is likely to grow. Rehearsing your answers and communication strategies can help you feel prepared and in control. Knowing how you will explain your skills and experience can significantly reduce nerves.

Practising also allows you to use your assistive tools, such as an interpreter, speech-to-text support, or braille notes. This can help you anticipate any challenges in expressing yourself clearly. Mock interviews are particularly useful, as they allow you to time your answers and become comfortable with the interview format.

Practice can also highlight what reasonable adjustments you may need and help you explain them clearly. It gives you the chance to test any technology or materials you plan to use during the interview. Finally, try to practise with someone you trust, such as a support worker, job coach, or friend.

Focus on your skills

It is important to highlight your skills. An interview is an opportunity to show what you can do and how you overcome challenges in the workplace. Giving details about your skills helps the employer focus on your abilities, rather than what you can’t do.

Here are some tips you can use before the interview:

1. Prepare your key skills in advance

• Read the job description carefully.
• Pick 3–5 key skills the employer is asking for.
• Think of real examples where you’ve used each skill (work, volunteering, training, or life experience).

2. Use the STAR method to structure your examples

This helps you explain your skills and successes clearly.

• S – Situation: What was happening?
• T – Task: What was your responsibility?
• A – Action: What did you do?
• R – Result: What happened because of your actions? What did you learn?

Disclosure

Lastly, you may be wondering whether you should disclose your deafblindness. This decision is entirely up to you, you are not required to disclose. However, if you request reasonable adjustments, this may lead to disclosure in some form.

If you do decide to disclose, you can frame this positively. There are many benefits to disclosing, including creating a fair and accessible interview, ensuring reasonable adjustments are in place, and setting clear expectations around communication and support.

Putting all of this in place can help ease nerves and anxiety, leading to a smoother, more positive interview experience where you can focus on showcasing your skills and strengths.