Navigating the Interpreted Interview: A Comprehensive Guide for Inclusive Employers

In today’s competitive global economy, diversity is not just a value, it's a strategic advantage. At Riziki Source, we connect exceptional talent from the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) community with visionary employers.

For many hiring managers, the first interaction with a Sign Language Interpreter (SLI) occurs during a job interview. Without guidance, it can feel unfamiliar, but with proper preparation, the focus can remain on the candidate’s skills, experience, and potential.

This guide provides practical strategies for managing interpreted interviews with professionalism, clarity, and ease.

1. Understanding the Role of the Sign Language Interpreter

The interpreter acts as a trained, neutral communication bridge, translating spoken languages or dialects, such as English, Swahili, or any others specified, into Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) and vice versa in real time.

Key points to remember:

• Neutrality: The interpreter does not offer opinions, evaluate the candidate, or participate in the interview.
• Confidentiality: Professional interpreters adhere to a strict code of ethics regarding privacy.
• The Conduit: Everything said in the room is interpreted. Avoid side conversations or private remarks that you would not want the candidate to hear.

By understanding the interpreter’s role, employers can focus on assessing talent rather than managing communication logistics.

2. The Golden Rule: Direct Engagement

A common mistake is addressing questions to the interpreter rather than the candidate.

• Speak directly to the candidate: Maintain natural eye contact with the interviewee, as you would with any other applicant.
• Use first-person language: For example, say, “Tell me about your previous role,” rather than directing the interpreter to ask the candidate.
• Build rapport: Engaging directly allows you to observe facial expressions, body language, and other cues critical for evaluating cultural fit and personality.

Direct engagement fosters a more authentic and comfortable interview environment.

3. Setting the Stage: Seating and Lighting

The physical setup of the interview room can significantly affect communication flow.

• The Triangle of Sight: Position the interpreter slightly behind and to one side of the interviewer. This allows the candidate to see both the interviewer and interpreter comfortably.
• Lighting: Ensure the room is well-lit. Avoid sitting with your back to a window, which can silhouette the interpreter and make signs hard to read.
• Clear view: Remove large laptops, papers, or water bottles or any other barrier that may obstruct the line of sight between the candidate and the interpreter.

A well-prepared space enhances visual communication and reduces fatigue for the candidate.

4. Pacing and Clarity

You do not need to alter your voice or simplify sentences unnaturally.

• Natural speech: Speak at a normal, steady pace.
• Processing pause: Allow a few seconds after asking a question for the interpreter to complete the translation before expecting a response.
• One voice at a time: In panel interviews, avoid overlapping dialogue. Multiple simultaneous speakers cannot be interpreted accurately.

Proper pacing ensures the candidate can fully understand the question and respond thoughtfully.

5. Managing Technical Jargon

Many industries use technical terms, acronyms, or sector-specific language (e.g., NSSF, SHIF, UI/UX, Cloud Architecture).

• Provide a glossary: Sharing a brief list of these terms with the interpreter 30 minutes before the interview ensures accurate, precise interpretation.

This preparation prevents miscommunication and allows candidates to demonstrate their expertise effectively.

Conclusion: Focus on Talent

It is noble to know that the interpreter’s role is to make communication seamless, allowing the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and potential to take center stage.

Once seating, pacing, and etiquette are in place, the process of interpretation fades into the background, and the interview can focus on what truly matters:the candidate’s talent.

Interpreters transform interviews into equitable opportunities, ensuring deaf candidates thrive. Riziki Source exemplifies this by embedding KSL conduits in summits and onboarding, like recent interns succeeding via accessible processes.

Advance your inclusive hiring by partnering with Riziki Source to integrate accessible interviews at our upcoming Disability Employment Summit or explore collaboration opportunities. Together, we bridge gaps for persons with disabilities.