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Job interview coaching

NAS74377

Hello, I am a mother of 21 year old daughter who is struggling to land a first job in software development. Long story, she has had several interviews and can clearly do the job as she passes through the technical interview stage but then she fails at the general competency such as team work, feedback etc. She is reluctant to tell the interviewers about her autism diagnosis. She can come across short, does not smile and only asks technical questions when prompted thus seems not interested in the team and the softer elements of job. She has just had the latest rejection, the feedback was the employer thought that the other candidate would work better in the team. I am so sad for my daughter. We just had a chat, I suggested to we look for a coach to help her prepare for the interview next time. Can anyone recommend a coach? Thank you, Dasha  

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  • It's awful really how employers seem to want someone who can reel off a script of perfected answers, rather than just be real. The problem with coaching is that it's like masking, you can excel at the interview but then can't keep it up in the workplace. I do feel like being honest about her diagnosis will be the best way forward, then she can be her real self, which is what she will be when she gets job anyway. Masking (pretending to be neurotypical to fit in) does get easier as you get older, but it's honestly draining and leaves you burnt out. I'm always honest with people now so they know what to expect. Make sure she explains her qualities - attention to detail, very focused, hardworking, will put in 100%, that sort of thing. 

  • in reply to Cloud44

    Personally, I don't generally "brand" my oddities with any label - I simply explain that I do some things, and see some things - differently to most [and that generally means differently to ALL people btw!]

    I think it is infinitely easier when you are an old git like me - who has experience and demonstrable competencies in my field.  If I am honest, I MASKED THE F out of my life when I was younger and thinking that I must/should rapidly crawl up a ladder?!  I have subsequently come to learn that I like to "place" my own ladders, in my own "places."

    I think  is showing wisdom and politeness toward me with her response to me below.  I admire that, and it also lets me know that her daughter is in safe parental hands.  This makes me feel happy.

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  • in reply to Cloud44

    Personally, I don't generally "brand" my oddities with any label - I simply explain that I do some things, and see some things - differently to most [and that generally means differently to ALL people btw!]

    I think it is infinitely easier when you are an old git like me - who has experience and demonstrable competencies in my field.  If I am honest, I MASKED THE F out of my life when I was younger and thinking that I must/should rapidly crawl up a ladder?!  I have subsequently come to learn that I like to "place" my own ladders, in my own "places."

    I think  is showing wisdom and politeness toward me with her response to me below.  I admire that, and it also lets me know that her daughter is in safe parental hands.  This makes me feel happy.

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