Transcript:
Victoria:
Hello, my name is Victoria, Employment Facilitator at the Christchurch office.
Would like to invite a special person here. What is your name?
Nicki:
My name is Nicki (sign name)
Victoria:
Would you like to explain to us your employment journey from start to end?
Nicki:
About last November, I spoke with Victoria about my plan to move to Christchurch from Dunedin as I was looking for a new job and a home.
During this time she updated my CV before the Christmas close down. After the break, we both returned to work together to start looking for a job. We both worked together looking for jobs through online job search websites such as TradeMe and Seek. If I was not sure about the job positions and whether they were suitable, I would check in with Victoria. Together we applied for many jobs. I had 3 or 4 job interviews. These interviews were a challenge and it was great to have Victoria as a support person during these interviews.
Last week, on Wednesday, we went to a cleaning business for an interview – I got the job on the spot! It was great to have Victoria there as a support person. It is great to have a Deaf Aotearoa facilitator there to support me with finding a job – many thanks to Victoria as I am very happy!
Victoria:
A lovely story! Yes, I supported her with updating her CV. I also supported her during the job interview after she applied for the jobs and I made contact with the employers to let them know about our Employment Services, and what support we provide. During the interview, I just sit back and let Nicki have the interview with the employer – it does help to have a support person there, and this is optional. It is your choice to have a support person or not.
Nicki:
Yes, I would recommend you have a support person so that you don’t feel awkward or uncomfortable during the interview. If I am not sure how to responsd to an interview question, I can seek Victoria’s advice. She can paraphrase the question to make me understand what is being asked. The employer did ask a question about equipment and how to keep a Deaf person safe in the workplace. Victoria explained what assistive equipment that Deaf people have access to. It is wonderful to have her as support person
Victoria:
I would like to congratulate Nicki for getting the job and I hope you will enjoy it.
Once someone gets a new job, the Employment Facilitator will continue to support both the employer and employee by keeping in contact as it is important to have that connection to make sure everything goes smooth.
Thank you for being here.