Published on 12, July, 2020
When it comes to interviews, I believe that I require assistance but I don't really know the options as to who can assist me in my interviews, and what it's even like to have someone assist you in an interview. My mum has said she would be willing to assist me, but I don't know how long she'd be up to it for? I probably will be fine to do interviews on my own in the future but for now, I don't know.
I also want to ask anyone that has previously had or currently has assistance in interviews; what it is like?
I don't have experience of asking for assistance help in interviews, just on asking for adjustments to be made.
I read somewhere that people who have difficulty interpreting neurotypical questions with lots of inferences can benefit from having someone there to do the interpreting for them. In effect a translator from the question to something that will make sense to you.
The alternative might be to ask for precise, literal questions (which is what I'm trying at the moment).
You don't have to use the same strategy for all interviews, or even different interviews with the same employers, as most appreciate that needs will depend on assessment methods for each role and how you are at the time. Try different things out with different interviews to see what you feel comfortable with.
You are trying to get the best out of you, so if they need to do things slightly differently, most will be delighted that you know what you need (or want to try this time round) as self-awareness is important. If it is free or cheap (like posting questions in the chat in an online interview so you can read them) there is little reason for them to refuse.
I'm also wondering; if I was to get an interview, when do I ask for the precise, literal questions? I'm guessing it would be when I walk into the interview room and take a seat? Not really sure.
Thank you for your detailed responses. You've been very helpful (:
lynn0520 said:when do I ask for the precise, literal questions?
It varies from employer to employer. I mostly apply to NHS these days, and they have a standard page on their web application form for any adjustments that would help at interview. This gets flagged up to the recruiting manager, and if you get past the 'shortlisting' process and offered an interview, HR pass on the adjustment request. The manager then gets in touch to clarify the interview format and what adjustments you require, what they can provide.
For the businesses I used to work in, it would be when I confirm attendance at the interview, by email or letter. Phone can be unpredictable as you are relying on someone taking a message and passing it on. Forwarding email or letter is easier. Note you do not have to disclose a disability to ask for adjustments. Many people who could be labelled as disabled choose not to be, as is their right, but I just always say which labels they can apply to me.
Remember it is OK to tell them during the interview if you don't understand a question. And yes, you can say at the start of the interview (but it would be better to let them prepare in case they have difficulty thinking of the literal question they are asking!) Try to soften the blow though! "I'm not sure what you mean by X, I can think of when I've done A, B and C which meet that... can you be more specific which would be best" "When I hear the word M I realise it has many different meanings and interpretations depending on the context. I wonder, could you say which definition suits what you are looking for?"