Advertising jobs to reach deaf people and people with hearing loss or tinnitus

1 in 3 people have some form of hearing loss, so make sure your job adverts reach and attract potential candidates from this wide pool of talent.

People who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus may be put off applying for jobs because of concern that their communication needs won’t be met during the interview process. So make sure your job adverts let prospective applicants know that you champion equality and diversity in the workplace and will support people with disabilities to fulfil their potential.

Here are our tips for reaching people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus:

• Sign up for the Disability Confident scheme and include the badge on your advert – this shows potential employees your commitment to supporting people with disabilities.
• Advertise jobs through a variety of channels including Jobcentre Plus or, in Northern Ireland, the Jobs and Benefits Office.
• Reach out to specialist recruitment agencies such as:
  • Evenbreak
  • Disability Jobsite
  • Deaf Unity
  • Jobrapido
  • Deaf UK Jobs
• Brief any recruitment agencies you use on your ambition to recruit a diverse workforce, including people with disabilities, and ensure they are familiar with the content of this guide.
• Offer alternative ways for people to contact you for more information, such as giving an email address as well as a telephone number.
• Use plain English in your job applications. This is useful for everyone and will support people who use British Sign Language (BSL) as their first language.
• Provide all staff with deaf awareness training.
• Provide specialised training to those responsible for recruiting, managing and supporting deaf staff.