Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello all,
Today marks a year of unemployment for me since my last paid role at an internship for a market research agency. It has been a truly difficult year to say the least....sometimes I wonder how I'm still alive after going through countless rejections for jobs. I made a recent post a little bit more about myself and my situation, so feel free to have a read just so you can understand with some context.
I feel as though I just cannot seem to gain unemployment...it seems so unattainable, especially with recruiting processes set up mainly for the neurotypical world. For most of the jobs I applied for, I managed to get past the CV stage, but the rejection almost seems to occur at the interview stage or if there is an assessment that requires you to record a video of yourself answering a question. I'll be honest, interviews are not my strength at all - basically anything that requires you to speak or sell yourself - I just cannot thrive in such areas, even having made an attempt to improve on these skills. I could only sell myself through my work and skills - let the work do the talking for you.
Does anyone have any advice on how to tackle unemployment with interviews not being a strong suit? Could you just request for an alternative way of assessment such as a trial shift or portfolio rather than an interview?
Sorry about that. This is why you do not disclose your diagnosis until you passed probation.
In one job I was sacked while I was still officially in my six month probationary period. So I had less rights and being permanent was subject to satisfactory progress while on probation.
The managers openly lied about my progress and mistakes. So it was their word against mine. Can't prove discrimination.
if you have an official diagnosis you can sue for discrimination
There was another post like this recently and I said there that, remember, the job market right now is horrendous. Lots of people, autistic or otherwise, are struggling to get into work. It's just the nature of capitalism, the system can't provide.
Perseverance is key right now and remember it's not your fault.
The best bet is to keep yourself busy in your spare time. If you're struggling to get into work, fill your work history with things such as freelancing or volunteering. Show that you're trying to get into work, not just sitting around.
Literally, volunteer at local charities. The local library, pet shelter, charity shops. Anything, really, just to show your enthusiasm for getting into work.
You can also mention before interviews you're autistic. Under the Equality Act 2010 you can request reasonable adjustments. That's up to you whether you want to bring it up, but many employers are welcoming about it. For example, if they're trying to make you do a psychometric test they'll have to get something more appropriate.
But mentioning it pre-interview will explain to the interviewer why some of your responses may be bungled (I have this issue in interviews, sometimes I forget what they've just asked me straight away and it looks odd without context).
Also, make sure you're on LinkedIn, write a good profile, and get testimonials on there from past employers and managers (if you can). Create a portfolio of work (if it's relevant to whatever role you're looking for).
Another option is to run a blog or YouTube channel in your spare time. Make it about your work experience, so when you apply you can flag this up as your level of expertise.
And DON'T lie about your work history. That's a really not a good idea (as someone on this forum is suggesting people do). Even if it lands you a job in future it can come back at a later date to haunt you.
Remember, many employers will carry out a background check or want references. If you've been lying away it'll instantly be obvious.
There was another post like this recently and I said there that, remember, the job market right now is horrendous. Lots of people, autistic or otherwise, are struggling to get into work. It's just the joys of modern capitalism. the system can't provide. Perseverance is key right now and remember it's not your fault.
And DON'T lie about your work history. That's a really bad thing to do (as someone on this forum is suggesting people do).
Yes, it's extremely unwise to lie on your CV and about your unemployment history. They may well check and many do. Any hint of bogus claims and you can land yourself in trouble.
I don't walk out of jobs because I need the money, instead the employers realise within days that there is something different/wrong with me and they try to get rid of me.
Me too Robert. Last job Oct 22. Applied for loads of jobs since then and had no luck. Weirdly, I usually enjoy interviews but hate the jobs and end up walking out within days.
My last employer checked very carefully my references and all employers covering the previous five years. They even demanded references covering my periods of unemployment. It was all over the top. I had problems because I couldn't give a reference for Dec 2019. I got a phone call that one employer stated that I was working for them in Nov 2019 and another in Jan 2020. But what about Dec 2019? Was I unemployed? I said yes, they insisted that the job centre confirm all my gaps in employment.
The employer was Brook Street and I was working at the department of transport through them.
you have to lie on your cv... any job gaps the employers dont like... currently unemployed? no they dont like that, you have to claim your still currently working with your previous employer... its ok they dont check, all they do is ask you about your notice period and then question that when you say you can start instantly. but its ok, they dont really care lol they do want your cv to claim your currently working, and to have no gaps at all... i think thats how i got a job, after like 16 years or so unemployed i decided to stretch times to cover employment gaps and also change my end date of the last job from a end date to "present". i dont care if people say its wrong, its literally the only way you get picked for a job and survive...and survival is all that matters.
LOL forget about getting an alternate assessment, there is an entire caste of people earning their living by doing interviews.
Try to work for the government, the NHS or an university. They cater a lot to disabled people, way more than private employee.
I am still looking but I get depressed when I see the jobs that I got rejected from still being advertised.
Exactly the same. Are you still looking for work?
I'm in a similar situation, my last job ended October 2022 and since then I've lost count how many jobs I've applied for, I usually pass the initial stages, tests on numeracy and literacy are a doddle, then I fail the interviews or tests involving situational judgements.
So I emphasize.