Introduction

I did not post on my blog last week because I was very busy. I attended a virtual conference over 4 days. I learned quite a bit and received a number of resources which I anticipate will be useful in my job. Conference attendees were required to hear two videos, one of which I will discuss here. In this article, I will summarize a video focused on an individual with a disability and share my reflections.

Blake’s Summary of “The Interviewer”

The approximately 13 minutes video, available on YouTube, is entitled

“The Interviewer”.

Update, March 17, 2026: The online version of “The Interviewer” which I heard in 2020 had audio description, verbal explanation of visual elements. I discovered today that particular years-old YouTube video I had previously linked to is currently a private video. Consequently, I have now deleted that link from this article. The version I link to now is publicly available without audio description of visuals. Being completely blind, I don’t know if this version of “The Interviewer” without audio description includes captions or not. My summary of the audio-described version of this production, which I heard in 2020, follows.

A man comes in for a job interview. he is surprised to encounter an individual with a disability. An interview is conducted in the employee break room. At first the interviewer’s questions and comments do not focus on the interview, but this is not the end of the story.

Eventually, the person with a disability gets down to business. He is impressed by the interviewee’s resumé, and asks why he chose to change employers. Then the supervisor walks in, and it becomes clear interviewing is not one of the employee’s duties. However, the interview is encouraged to continue because the interviewee and interviewer are impressed by what the other person has said. It is clear the boss is also eventually impressed because the interviewer is allowed to interview a second job applicant. I will now reflect on the video.

Blake’s Reflection

I don’t know if the video dramatizes real or fictional events. Regardless, a powerful message is evident. The person being interviewed is clearly uncomfortable at first with the person who has a disability. However, through interaction he is eventually impressed enough with the individual to encourage the interview to continue after the boss walks in. Although the boss is upset by his employee’s decision to interview someone, he is impressed by the list of prepared questions. Both the boss and interviewee become open to the person with a disability continuing to interview. To me, the video demonstrates that people with disabilities can thrive and exceed expectations. Additionally, interacting with people who have disabilities can be a learning experience. I encourage readers to access the video to form your own conclusions.

Question for readers

How do you exceed expectations? I will return next week with another article.