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Whetherspoons Work Trial, first ever work trial... help!!!!

Samwin

Hello

I am hoping to get some advice, I am currently studying at college on my level 3 course on Health and Social Care however in order to do the second year, I need to get a secure part time job. I have been applying to various job positions for months, only recently had some success. This week, I have managed to get signed off at college (which took some doing) so my mum told me to go sign on at the job centre... I have done so, had a really gruelling interview there (she did NOT understand Asperger's Syndrome at all... and got snappy with me as I was really nervous,though I did explain I have social anxiety and Aspergers)....

Anyway, after a sheer number of rejections, I got two interviews; one was unsuccessful (but wasn't too unhappy, as it was a door to door sales job for the council) -.- the other was yesterday, for a cleaning job at the local Whetherspoons. Somehow the interview went well enough for her to give me a work trial! I am so nervous though, I got so tounge tied that I forgot to ask her when she'd be in touch for the work trial....

Can tell me how long it would be before she'd get in contact? Also, does anyone know what I would be expected to do? (other than clean... obviously) just so very nervous, and do not want to let anyone down,... I really want to get this job, so I can support my family, and prove that I am not useless... but the whole thing is so uncharted for me :/

  • My Dear Samwin,

       Welcome and congratulations on your trial. This is not a glib comment, but stay as calm as you can. Anxiety, is common for many when they first get a job or trial, so you are not alone, but i'm only too aware that anxiety levels are way higher for those on the spectrum.

    Incidentally, I'm sorry your experience was so traumatic at the job centre and i'm sad to say that you are not alone in your poor experience with them. Clearly, they need some pretty thorough Autism Awareness Training.

    Can i suggest the following. 1st write down the questions you want to ask on a small cue card or piece of paper. Start with her name, (I always forget that the moment I start to speak) then the date she wants you and then ask if their will be any additional duties on top of your cleaning work or any other questions you can think of. When you have written them down you can do one of two things. You can call her and talk over the phone (some people don't feel comfortable doing this) or you could pop in and ask her. Does she know you have Aspergers?

    When we start working their is a lot to learn, so if you find it easier it maybe helpful if she could write down a list of the things she'd like you to do. That way you could probably check off the list as you go and after a few times you will be able to remember.

    Even people that don't have Aspergers get worried about their first trial or days work. Their is lots to learn. Again, write it down if that helps.

    Lastly, can I just say because you have Aspergers, that doesn't make you useless. Many like you are very dedicated and if the employer doesn't see the potential in your dedication, then it will be their loss. You have done so well to get the job trial in the first place. Well done!

    Take each day at a time and try and enjoy it. I wish you all the luck and hope it pans out for you.

    Kind Regards

    CoogyBear