Picture this, you’re out and about doing whatever you do with your day and then, bang, you’re hit with an email, text or call asking you to interview for that role you really, really want. What do you do next? In truth, there’s no right answer for what to do in the moment but, what comes after, is concrete. It’s time to prepare.
Before the interview
In most cases, when it comes to the actual interview stage, you will already know a fair bit about the company in question. However, given that most interviews usually start with the question ‘What do you know about the business?’ now is not the time to stop.
As with everything so far, having solid facts, statistics and evidence will put you in good standing here. So, when researching about the business try learning things such as:
- The company’s values
- The company’s products
- The size of the company
- Important dates for the company e.g. when it was founded and who by
- Recent news relating to the company e.g. have they recently made any charitable donations?
But research shouldn’t stop at the company as, in most circumstances, an offer to interview will contain the names of those who will be interviewing you and, guess what? It’s time to research them too.
Now I know what you’re thinking and, yes, this does seem creepy and borderline-stalking at first. Yet, to make yourself memorable it always helps to know your interviewer and be prepared with facts that you can relate to them. However, be warned, it may not be appropriate to mention any/all of them, depending on the style of the interview.
As is to be expected by now, LinkedIn will be your best friend here but if the company website has a ‘Meet The Team’ section, then this is always a good spot t0o (as most organisations love to make these personal and, therefore, there may be more information you can relate to).
Finally, as any commute to and from a location brings with it a whole slew of variable autism hazards, for many people in our community, testing the journey out before the day of the interview is a must. This will let you know if any precautions are needed i.e. including a 10min retox if the journey involves a particularly busy bus route and it can also mean that, on the day, you can focus on what’s to come rather than what’s currently going on.
Now, all you need is a good night’s sleep and you’ll be ready to get going
On the day of the interview
When it comes to the day of the interview, there are many classic tips that you will want to act on before getting to the main event. These range from the standard ‘Making sure to have a full meal beforehand’ to ensuring that you arrive early with your clothes ironed and looking presentable. Yet, one thing that I think is crucial for autistic people to know is that superstitions mean nothing.
I know this may sound odd to those outside looking in but, in times of stress, autistic people can really cling to ideas as our overloaded minds replay everything to make sense out of every action. This can present problems for our community though as, if we just miss a train or even walk under a ladder we may consider that our whole day is tainted and this negative mindset follows us into the day.
The solution to this is easier said than done but, if you can prepare props in advance which can shake this mindset then you should be good to go. Packing a fidget toy, headphones or any other anxiety-relieving device can be the step forward here but, if you do spot a black cat along the way then quickly find something else to lock your mind onto before you become obsessed and wind up smashing into a mirror, after crossing the stairs with someone and inadvertently spilling all the salt shakers on a table.
During the interview
When it comes to the actual interview, there are very few pieces of advice that don’t sound clichéd and patronising. However, while this usually makes me want to stick to the standard ‘Just do your best’, there is something oddly soothing and exceptionally true in the classic comment ‘it’s just as much about you selecting them as it is them selecting you’.
This is because, while you may see the interviewers as arbiters of your fate, at this stage of the process it’s safe to say you have got most of the skills for the role and so all that is left to find out is how your values and personality gel with theirs. By its very nature, this isn’t a one-way process either and, so, if you find the interviewer unkind and unpleasant, then they are likely to be a representation of the bigger business behind them (and you should take note of these alarm bells, as your gut feeling is usually right).
Furthermore, for those who are worried that they might not have everything required for a position, it’s important to consider that any opportunity you are looking at is a step on your career path and not the whole pavement. As such, if you don’t know the answer to a question, be honest but demonstrate how eager you are to learn with examples. If they are a good company, who want to see their employees grow with them, this will be seen in a positive.
Of course, even if a company is good, sometimes it can be quite difficult to make a connection with an interviewer, especially when, in our community, it is particularly tough to gauge responses. Thankfully, there is a solution. When it comes to the questions try to get them to share the story of their involvement with the business (and maybe pull from your LinkedIn research of them earlier).
As Jordan states, people love to talk about themselves and, somewhat ironically, that can make you more memorable by showing an interest in them. It can subsequently result in special connections, and makes you seem like someone they could envision on their team. Obviously, don’t bring up every iota of their lives though and, for the love of the Lord, do not mention salaries.
As most of us know too well, sometimes these things don’t always work out, through no fault of our own. So, if you do find yourself at the end of this process still without a new role, then take a step back, consider what you’ve learnt from the experience and then get ready to throw yourself back in it until you find the success you deserve.
Disclosing autism
I think the biggest question anyone in our community will ask themselves during the hiring process is when and when not to disclose. For example, you could disclose at the interview, but then fear that everything you say will be clouded by prejudgements, or you could disclose in your application, but then personally worry that the many new disability employment guidelines mean that, if you are selected, it was because you had to be and not because you deserved it (yes, this is a very real concern).
As someone who has ‘founder of an autistic site’ situated front and centre on his CV, choosing when and when not to disclose isn’t exactly a luxury I can have. However, if I did, I think it would be that at this stage that I would make the choice: right between the interview and application (so when you have received an offer to interview).
This is because, while the interview stage is tough for the best of us, it can be a lot more challenging for autistic people; where a lack of eye to eye contact can be misconstrued or harsh office lights can make what is already a stressful situation even tenser. That’s why when the offer of an interview comes with the question ‘Are there any measures which may need to be taken to improve your experience’ (or something similar)?’, it’s best that we speak out to level the playing field.
This is also a great opportunity to see how the company is making adjustments for its neurodivergent colleagues as, if a company doesn’t even ask if you require any adjustments, then you should certainly see that as a red flag and speak up.
Nevertheless, if you choose not to disclose your autism at this time, that doesn’t mean you have to live your entire career behind a mask, as there are always plenty of opportunities to make your diagnosis known as explained in this post: Should I tell my boss I’m autistic?
More information
This article is part of James’ ‘Complete guide to autism and employment.’ Also featured in the series are:
