Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello everyone I think I found a way how to solve our problem with going through the interview in order to get a job. I tested it on 2 occassions, I mean I attended 2 interviews applying that method, one was successful and I have a job Store Assistant at Lidl, and I had some fun and were joking during interview, first time ever for me. 2nd was not, but they called me to say it, and they were very nice, I did not get some googled-up version ssaying ‘no’ send via email. So, I had an inmpression that there really was someone better, especially that I was not suitable candidate, I have never worked in that field before, and my skills were only overlapping, from the range that could be called office skills, it was HR Apprentice job.
I have never before suceeded if there was an interview. I was trying to approach it using classical approach, that is created for non-autistic, with my masking on, so I would try to avoid disclosing some facts, unless I was forced to tell it with direct question, when I do not see a way to dodge it with white lie.
Why it did not work:
After 5 years of slowly sinkling to the bottom, while my life falling to pieces, with no plan, I managed to put myself together 2 months ago, with help of many here on a forum, hellbent on never going through that again, to the point I started to practise it in front of mirror 3 weeks ago, ‘No,no way, never again’, week ago my mind started doing it on its own, I found out trying to prepare for first interview and interrupting every thought that would be about following classical approach.
That is how I came up with a radikal idea, if I cannot play by the classical rules, requiring ommision of facts, exaggerating, or lying if you could, I will play by my rules without telling anybody, no concealing of anything, 100% honest, without hesitation answering personal questions, if those that are making us uncomrtable to disclose, that I left last job because I was harrased by manager, that I do not like when someone is standing over me ‘breathing in my ear’ etc.
So, facing an autistic conundrum which is an impossible choice superimposed on Shroedinger cat paradox in a form of classical approach ‘’I lie I lose and I do not lie and still lose’’, we are stuck unable to get a job.
But there is 3rd invisible choice we never see, change the rules, to work it requires that mental aptitude saying no. I will start tests from now, to see if it can be applied on every autistic conundrum.
I wish you good luck trying, only for the brave, that’s not easy, 4 weeks ago I wouldn’t believe it myself. Let me know how it went. Together we can make our lives better.
Hi Mariusz, I'm glad to hear that you're managing better and that you're getting through to interview stage. I don't know if you're aware that we've got quite a lot of information on the website that may be useful to you at this phase of your job hunting.
Firstly, our ‘Finding Work’ handbook aims to support autistic job seekers to find work. This digital workbook is designed to help autistic adults prepare themselves for employment. Topics include understanding autism better, choosing a suitable role, applying for roles, preparing for and getting through interviews, finding work experience, working on communication and social skills, managing anxiety and preparing for the workplace. It can be downloaded for free here: https://www.autism.org.uk/shop/products/books-and-resources/finding-work-interactive-ebook
We have also made available a free online learning module designed to help autistic job seekers entering the job market in understanding their strengths and what next steps they could take towards gaining meaningful employment or work: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/professional-development/training-and-conferences/employment/finding-employment
Additionally, it could be worthwhile looking at the Evenbreak website for listed job vacancies (http://www.evenbreak.co.uk/). Even break matches disabled job seekers with employers looking to build a diverse workforce.
The British Association of Supported Employment, who have a database of supported employment agencies, so you can search for one in your local area: www.base-uk.org
Remploy is an organisation which supports people with disabilities and those experiencing complex barriers to work, into mainstream employment: www.remploy.co.uk
I have also included a link to our job-page: https://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/work-for-us
Within this page you can click on our job and volunteering page to find out about our current employment and volunteering opportunities with The National Autistic Society. We particularly welcome applications from autistic people.
Finally, you can find more information about seeking a job, and about your rights in work here: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/employment
I know there is a lot of information here, but I hope it can be useful.
Best wishes,
Anna Mod