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Tips for Going on Job Interviews as a Person With Autism

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You have been looking for a job as someone on the autism spectrum. You got your resume built up of all your education, including your high school and college credentials. If you had jobs before, you listed all of your experience from all the jobs you have ever worked. You listed all your skills on your resume and how many years you’ve had them. They might include customer service, working under pressure, basic math, basic computer skills etc.

The employer who looked at your resume contacts you to come in for an interview. Congratulations! You are on your way to getting a job. But you might be nervous, which is normal for someone on the autism spectrum or anyone interviewing for a job. If you have a job coach, they can help you prepare for the interview. You can also try to arrange for your job coach to go to the interview with you.

Dress nice for the interview. Sometimes the employer will request how you should dress for the interview, but the majority of the time it’s business casual or professional attire. When you get to the interview, ask for the name if you’re know who exactly you’re meeting with or just say you’re here for an interview. Stay calm and wait for the interviewer to come out. When they come out, smile and shake their hand. Walk calmly into the room or area and have a seat. Keep your hands and feet still while making eye contact at all times. This helps the interviewer know you’re eager for the job.

The first thing they might ask you is to tell them about yourself. Tell them your employment history if you have any, where you went to school and stuff like that. Stay calm the entire time, no matter what. They’ll most likely ask you at the end of the interview “Do you have any questions for me?” and if you do, ask them. If you don’t, don’t worry about it too much because I have been offered jobs even if I don’t ask questions. Shake their hand, thank them, tell them it’s a great opportunity and that you’re interested. Be polite when walking out.

Wait for a couple of days or a week. Follow up only once. Within a week or so they should follow up with you, whether you got the job or not. If you get it, congratulations! If you didn’t, work on what you think you can do better the next time. Your job coach can help you if you have one. Good luck on your interviews!

Getty image by Fizkes.

Originally published: October 9, 2019
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