Rebecca A Withey: Should you mention the word ‘deaf’ in job applications? (BSL)

When I was in my late teens, I applied for a job with the National Trust.

I’d passed the online tests and felt quietly optimistic. A few days later, however, I received an email saying they had reviewed my application and wouldn’t be taking it any further.

I remember feeling confused. Had I done something wrong? Was there something missing from my application? Why had I not even been invited to interview?

The only thing that stood out to me was that I’d mentioned I was deaf and a British Sign Language (BSL) user.

Of course, I have no way of knowing whether that played any part in their decision. But it planted a question in my mind that has stayed with me ever since.

A little while later, I applied for a different job in a newspaper office and this time, I made a different decision.

I decided to leave out any mention of being deaf or using BSL in my covering letter or application. 

My thinking was simple: if I was invited to interview, I could explain my communication needs then. I wanted the employer to focus first on my qualifications, experience and writing ability.

And guess what – it worked. I was shortlisted and invited to interview, where an interpreter was arranged.

But during the interview, I was asked why I hadn’t mentioned my deafness in my application. 

I remember feeling caught off guard and I tried to explain that I didn’t think the information was relevant to my achievements or ability to do the job. But I still left feeling as though I’d hidden something important and I felt guilty about that.

In the end, I was offered a work placement with the newspaper, although I chose not to accept it as my career took a different direction.

Yet those two experiences have stayed with me for years. So, recently, using my social media pages I asked deaf people the same question:

Should you mention you’re deaf on a job application?

The answers I received with highly varied! Some said yes, some said no, a lot weren’t sure! 

It’s one of those situations where there probably isn’t a right or wrong answer – just individual ways of approaching the same situation.  

Hayley, from Manchester, told me she would never include the word deaf on a job application.

For her, the application is about her skills, qualifications and experience. She wants employers to focus on what she can offer, not on assumptions they might make about deafness.

Hayley worries that some employers may see the word deaf and immediately begin thinking about barriers, communication or extra support, instead of recognising the value she could bring to the role.

Hayley describes herself as fiercely independent. Once she has secured an interview or a job, she has no problem explaining the adjustments she needs or advocating for herself. But she wants employers to get to know her as a capable employee first.

As she puts it, her deafness isn’t the most important thing about her. Her work ethic, knowledge and ability to do the job come first.

Tom, from London, sees things very differently.

Tom believes being deaf is an important part of who he is and he doesn’t want to hide it. He prefers to be open from the very beginning so that employers understand what support or communication adjustments may be needed throughout the recruitment process.

For Tom, mentioning his deafness early helps avoid awkward conversations later. It also allows employers to arrange reasonable adjustments for interviews and assessments, giving him the best opportunity to demonstrate his abilities.

Tom also feels that being open about his deafness sends a positive message. Rather than something to hide, it’s simply part of his identity and actually helps him to do his best work. 

Reading all of the views I received made me realise there probably isn’t one correct answer.

Some people feel more comfortable leading with their skills and discussing their deafness later. Others feel it’s better to be open from the start and ensure support is in place throughout the application process.

Perhaps the real question isn’t whether you should mention you’re deaf. It’s whether mentioning it helps you present yourself in the way that feels right for you.

After all, every deaf person is different. Our communication preferences, confidence, experiences and feelings about our deaf identity all vary. What works well for one person may not feel right for another.

So, if you’re applying for jobs and wondering whether to include the word deaf, remember there isn’t a universal rule. Choose the approach that gives you the confidence to show an employer what you have to offer.

What do you think? Do you mention you’re Deaf on job applications, or do you prefer to discuss it later? Let us know in the comments.

By Rebecca A Withey

Rebecca A Withey is the Assistant Editor for The Limping Chicken. She is also a freelance writer, BSL consultant and creative artist based in the Midlands. Rebecca is a Deaf, bilingual BSL user.

You can find her on Facebook here and on Instagram @terpsichoreansmuse