Finally got a job (managed to bypass the interview)

Firstly a brief overview of things to now. Left school due to bullying without sitting GCSE exams. I sought advice from Connexions, who looked at notes from my school and tactfully hinted they thought I was not academically bright enough to do GCSEs. They suggested vocational training courses, which the Government were pushing at that time, and I gave them a try. These had mixed end results. The first I was referred back due to difficulties securing a placement due to the interviews. The second the assessor was off long-term sick, I could not see any progression and quit. Another was in IT which I quit as it was not challenging and quite boring, with no feedback or support offered. It was just a case of if you had a problem, they would help, otherwise you were left to it. My skills were well beyond the introductory exercises. The other was another IT one and I didn't bother turning up as I could tell it would be like the other I left. It's worth bearing in mind my mental state at this time, bullying and other life events led me to be rather depressed

Eventually I went to college, did GCSEs then A levels, then went to university and achieved a first class honours degree in 2005. In the hope it would help me get somewhere in terms of finding work, I studied for a masters for which I graduated in 2008. Unfortunately this only left me with a Career Development Loan that I was unable to pay off. I was only formally diagnosed about the time I started GCSEs.

My only experience of work to date has been voluntarily for two organisations, and a paid job in a cake factory manually pressing a mould onto icing. There was no interview for this, just a check you were a human being and eligible to work in the UK etc. I left as I found the work very tiring, I was getting repetitive strain injury, and the line manager seemed to take a dislike to me, so I left after 2 weeks. At present I am 32, and the above pretty much covers all my employment and education history.

Well I had an interview for a job within Civil Service some months ago. I was unsuccessful, and feedback indicated this was mostly due to lack of evidence of team work skills, and in managing work. Both manifestations of my disability, in addition to the difficulties this poses in 'selling myself' at interview.

I wrote an email to the Diversity Officer in the organisation, in short saying the above, and asking if work experience might be possible. Some time later I was offered work experience on an unpaid basis for 4 weeks. It seems I managed to sufficiently impress, and I have been offered a one year contract. From what I can tell the Diversity Officer has a great deal of influence, and has contacts with people in various departments who are positive about disability. The contract is at a lower level than I had interviewed for, but there are initial discussions on the possibility of taking the assessment without the interview process. I can't believe how positive things seem to be turning out to be honest, as the only concessions they would give for the original interview were extra time and to not have to complete the group-work assessment.

It's strange to know that past experience shows me I don't stand a chance at interview for most minimum wage jobs out there, because of my difficulties at interview. Yet OTOH I have managed to secure a relatively skilled job, with an adequate wage which will see my student loan begin to be paid off. Furthermore the job itself I enjoy, even if I find interactions within the office itself somewhat taxing, and the buzz from the fluorescent lighting somewhat irritating at times. I genuinely can't imagine me enjoying anything more. It seems the email paid off.

I have been to numerous places to seek assistance in my quest to secure employment. Primarily including the JCP Disability Employment Advisor and Remploy. I found one of the Remploy staff had a somewhat dismissive and discriminatory attitude, which quite surprised me. The whole set-up seemed like a Work Programme, with a little more impetus behind it due to companies approaching them specifically to recruit people with disabilities. Unfortunately this provided only some practical help in terms of filling in application forms for other jobs, and considering interview questions and the like. The last thing the DEA suggested was a residential training course, which I personally did not consider appropriate, but to be fair to her I think she was struggling for ideas and had little resources available to her.

I guess there needs to be some caution with my approach though. If people with AS suddenly start sending emails of complaint as a response to failure to secure a job after interview, this will undoubtedly make the majority of employers think negatively about AS in general and not want to bother with people with the condition. Why bother with people who are going to complain and make life difficult at the first possible opportunity?! It might also be possible to get a black mark next to your name. This approach can definitely work against, as well as potentially for you. Sadly I suspect it's most likely to work against.

I wish I could do more to help those who are struggling, but all I can do is share my own experience. Thanks for reading. Hopefully I can last out the contract and beyond.