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Struggling to find work

Blue

I’ve been struggling to find a job. I know I’m capable of doing the roles I apply for—and doing them well—but I don’t tend to shine well in interviews. My employment specialist has always advised me to disclose my conditions, but I’m not sure that’s actually helping. At the same time, I feel pressured to disclose them because otherwise I don’t receive the reasonable adjustments I need for the interview. I’ve now been out of work for almost two years , and I’ve even applied for some voluntary roles. I feel so guilty not working when I know I am capable of working!

  • in reply to Blue

    You could research GP surgeries in the area you can commute to and write to them, emphasise your experience in the area and ask if they have any vacancies.

    Maybe part time or job sharing could be an option you can ask about too.

  • in reply to Iain

    I’m not sure about reception work full time  , but I have done it, and a lot of administrative work that involved booking appointments, calling patients. But most my jobs were temporary and heavy on data entry. I am looking for something similar. But I think you’re right about AI taking over some of these roles.  

  • in reply to Blue

    I think they like to avoid giving the questions in advance as they want to see how you can react to unexpected things - especially as these are often a part of the job.

    You often see the phrase "dynamic" used in the job description as they know there will often be unexpected challenges to deal with or things that are outside the everyday tasks.

    If the work you do is straightforward enough to be done by procedures then it is something that will probably be replaced by AI at some point in the near future - or at least a sizable chunk of it.

    I know the NHS is quite cash strapped at the moment so there probably isn't a lot of positions available there - but how about GP surgeries? Could you handle the reception / admin work there? It would involve a lot of interpersonal communication (often with language or learning challenges) plus being around sick people who can have low hygiene standards.

    Do you have any expertise in any medical areas? Is that something you would be interested in persuing to make yourself attractive to certain departments as opposed to being a generalist?

  • in reply to Iain

    I generally ask for more time to answer questions or if possible questions in advance. I have over 10 years experience in administration mostly within healthcare. I’m trying to broaden my job search by even applying for peer support work. 

  • Blue said:
    My employment specialist has always advised me to disclose my conditions, but I’m not sure that’s actually helping.

    I think it is seen by most recruiters as a red flag unfortunately. They are not allowed legally to discriminate against you but they can mark you down in areas you did well in so that you fall out of contention.

    From the recruiters perspective their experience is often that autists have higher absence rates, lower retention rates and are less likely to be a good "team fit" than neurotypicals, so it is little wonder they do this.

    Blue said:
    I feel pressured to disclose them because otherwise I don’t receive the reasonable adjustments I need for the interview.

    Can I ask what you request as the adjustments please?

    What line of work are you going for? We may be able to come up with some suggestions for you.