Job Interview

I had a job interview today at a grocery store. I've been in the grocery business since last June. The woman interviewing me asked me how I communicate with customers, I felt that her attitude was insensitive and unfair... My question is do companies have a responsibility towards those with disabilities during interviews?

They have a responsibility for everyone they interview and hire. They have to make sure that they're hiring the right person.

The question might have been asked the wrong way.

What she probably should have done was stated the job responsibilities and then ask if you can do those jobs. If there's a particular part that you cannot do, then it's up to you two to discuss how that issue can be resolved.

For instance, a deaf friend of mine applied for a job at Blockbuster Video. The person interviewing her stated the job responsibilities and then asked if my friend could perform these responsibilities. My friend said that using the phone was one thing she couldn't do. They agreed to let the other employees handle the phone calls. So, the other employees were introduced to her and informed in advance that she doesn't use the phone. That way, if the phone ring and she's standing next to the phone... they know that they need to answer it, not her.

Exactly. Questioning how someone will fulfill the responsibilities of the job is a standard question. It gets asked of hearing people, too. It is not indicative of discrimination. Assuming that an individual could not communicate with customers, and refusing the job on that basis without asking is where the violations occur.

for the example with blockbuster. Would blockbuster be allowed not to hire a deaf person cuz they cant use the phone?

Doug5 said:

for the example with blockbuster. Would blockbuster be allowed not to hire a deaf person cuz they cant use the phone?

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There is always a way to avoid these. Like vampy said earlier in other thread, I don't know which. Like, if this person is hired and is deaf, works at Blockbuster -- Can do other stuff, not related with the phone calls, other staff can take care of it, if the phone rings in front of the deaf person.

Doug5 said:

for the example with blockbuster. Would blockbuster be allowed not to hire a deaf person cuz they cant use the phone?

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If the person can perform all other duties, then no. Accommodations can be made for phone use.

I didn't tell my current employer (been here over 10 yrs). When I got hired in, I told my co horts about my ha's and need for a volume blaster on the phone and was given one. I never tell until after I am hired.

To answer your question-no, not during interviews. Most will accomodate you if you notify them in advance.

I did application at aerostaples and i went to mall at my hometown in NLR,Ar and i talk man and says will call for interview of jobs in next month on late of July but he have my application and i cant wait! but the store of Aerostaples will grand opening on June 16th if you lives in Arkansas you can go to store in MCCain Mall in NLR,Ar or Park Plaza Mall in Little Rock,Ar have Aerostaples.

Be patient! let boss read your application forms if boss hires you or not if you never work at company before or work previous in same company they can transfer same company dont worry about that.

When i found it out that Animal Control officer was opening for only 2 spots. So, i decided give a try, i told them that im HOH (fluntely) in the advance. The more 'pperciated what they get. So, gave them everything what they expected in interview.

2 hours later, they want me to start my exams: drug, excerise and health. So, i ace 'em all. expect one drug text, they found it out that i was on drug. I asked them what it is. They gave me the info and asked me what i do with drug for last two days. I told them i didnt take anything drugs. They decided to ask me more question until i told them i ate poppyseed muffins. They said, ah, thats why. So, they excused me. A week later, i was hired and started academy and training. Ace 'em and here i am.

TheIronQueen said:

I had a job interview today at a grocery store. I've been in the grocery business since last June. The woman interviewing me asked me how I communicate with customers, I felt that her attitude was insensitive and unfair... My question is do companies have a responsibility towards those with disabilities during interviews?

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This line of questioning is illegal. Companies DO have a responsibility to those with disabilities during a job interview. The ADA protects those with disabilities who are interviewing for jobs.

What I would have said to her was, "How do YOU communicate with customers?"

That would have forced her to see the irony and inappropriateness of her question.

What she SHOULD have said was, "This job involves ..... Can you perform these tasks?"

Here is a link to help you understand. This is tricky business. Often, employers of small business (and sometimes large) aren't aware that they are asking illegal questions. My friend went for a job interview and was asked who she would be voting for in the election! Someone from the corporate office was sitting in and had to cite the interviewer. Part of their government funding was pulled!

also see ADA Home Page - ada.gov - Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act and DisabilityInfo.gov: Disability related information and resources from the Federal Government
under the ADA, because there are no affirmative action requirement, they cannot ask you "Are you disabled?". if the question like can you talk on the phone is ask to all applicants (deaf, hearing, etc), then it is ok. if this was single at you, then it is illegal. If you really want the job, you can said, I can do more typing ore more filing and someone can take the calls for me. political questions are a no-no unless you're applying to work at Congress. Religious questions are no-no unless you're applying at a specific church since some have priority hirings.

NorCal20 said:

When i found it out that Animal Control officer was opening for only 2 spots. So, i decided give a try, i told them that im HOH (fluntely) in the advance. The more 'pperciated what they get. So, gave them everything what they expected in interview.

2 hours later, they want me to start my exams: drug, excerise and health. So, i ace 'em all. expect one drug text, they found it out that i was on drug. I asked them what it is. They gave me the info and asked me what i do with drug for last two days. I told them i didnt take anything drugs. They decided to ask me more question until i told them i ate poppyseed muffins. They said, ah, thats why. So, they excused me. A week later, i was hired and started academy and training. Ace 'em and here i am.

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very interesting.
in germany I haven't been getting any questions from my boss about drugs, exercise and health. they are most questions about experience job. that is all!!! I would get a job in america. I am big curious.