Published on 12, July, 2020
So I got an interview coming up for a post I applied for a few weeks ago. On the job description it said informal visit advised. So I booked a visit for today. I also said to the hiring manager in an email that I have autism and would love an idea on the structure of the interview so it would help calm my nerves, as this has helped me in the past.
So during my visit today, she did ask about my autism and how she can help which was nice. But also asked me what caused me to seek a diagnosis, there must be something I was struggling with. I felt completely uncomfortable answering that. Then proceeds to ask if I am taking meds for it. I guess the last one threw me off a bit.
How do I answer questions like this?
The interview was with the NHS.
I think she's trying to decipher your coping skills and how they can be supported in the job but it does feel invasive because there will no doubt be so many emotions attached to struggling as an Autistic person to be able to give a succinct answer. In the scenario I'd ask if I can take a note of the questions to process them and email the answers as you need time to process things (if you do?). Interviews are very invasive and scary anyway but it's also about scoping out whether the job and people work for you. If you felt uncomfortable in the interview, maybe that's something to take note of....
Walk away. The NHS is a truly horrible employer.
Next thing you apply for, unless you are a really, really, obvious Autist who cannot mask, then DON'T TELL THEM up front.
Wait until the usual workplace bullying starts, then surprise them with it..
Edit: Iains advice might be a better way to go.
Life is long, employement periods (for us) are often short, heck try anything!
"I don't feel comfortable answering personal questions like that, could I ask why it is relevant?"
Rish said:asked me what caused me to seek a diagnosis, there must be something I was struggling with. I felt completely uncomfortable answering that.
I would say that you noticed your life experiences were different to those around you and someone suggested you may be autistic so you did your research, identified it as a probability and asked your GP to arrange a formal assessent to be certain.
This will show you are observant, analytical, decisive and respectful of other professionals opinions all in order to better understand your situation.
Sounds like a good way to go up in their eyes.
So difficult to answer... In future, personally, I'd just say that sensory things affect you (I'm guessing) - so you'd be looking for permission to wear noise cancelling headphones or things like that, and that you need more structure to your tasks (not chop and change) but when you do work on a task in this way you do a very good job.
Sorry the interview is with the NHS in a couple of days, I just went for a visit. I don't think I will be proceeding with the interview.