• Replies 10 replies
  • Subscribers 9 subscribers
  • Views 375 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Stressing over first job interview

Pru

Hi. I’m Pru and I have Autism and ADHD. I’m 18 and I’m stressing so much because I have a job interview coming up. This is my first interview and I’m feeling so much anxiety over it. I didn’t finish school because of anxiety and my mental health, which at the time was awful. With no grades I feel like I have nothing to really offer and this is also stressing me out, though they did contact me so they’ve obviously got interests in me but I can’t figure out why. I’ve not been to an interview before so I’m unsure what exactly will happen. I worry I’ll have a meltdown or a panic attack. This is my biggest worry. If that happens then I can definitely kiss the job goodbye and then I might not find another job again for a long time.

I put my autism diagnosis on my CV. I wasn’t sure if I should or not but I did and I added ‘I hope this won’t be a problem’ and then the woman who replied to me who I think is the manager said ‘Being autistic is absolutely fine!’ So this has given me a little bit of a confidence boost but now I’m worried I’ll mess the interview up with a meltdown or panic attack. The interview is Friday and it’s meant to be 31 degrees here then and I’m worried in case I get too hot. But I’m trying not to over think it. I would be grateful for any tips and advice you might be able to offer.

TIA Hugging x

Parents

  • Hi Pru! I think I might be able to help a little bit, since my job is helping people with disabilities find employment.

    Here’s some tips:

    1. Typically I would advise not to put your diagnosis on the CV, but it sounds like that worked just fine for this interview! Maybe in the future leave that off the CV and inform them in the interview if you feel comfortable. Employers have the capability to screen out applications that mention disability, even if that is illegal to do.

    2. One tip I recently learned that can be a huge problem for us on the spectrum is: If the interviewer is silent between questions, don’t feel like you HAVE to fill the silence with chatter. Use the silence to take a deep breath and calm down. Interviewers sometimes add quiet into their questioning because they want to see how you deal with uncomfortable silence.

    3. MOST IMPORTANTLY, keep reminding yourself that someone involved in the process said “Being Autistic is absolutely fine!” These interviewers obviously want you to succeed, they’re not trying to trip you up or make you fail. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or panicky, remind yourself of that.

    4. If you do have a panic attack, just inform the interviewers and ask for a minute to calm down a bit. If that happens, you don’t have to “kiss the job goodbye.” It sounds like these folk might understand and be accommodating for that. Interviewers in general know how nerve-wracking an interview is even for a NT, so I’m certain they’ll be understanding in this case.

    Okay, I hope I haven’t overwhelmed you with information. It really sounds like you have found yourself in a perfect first interview situation, though! I wish you best of luck; I’m rooting for you!

Reply

  • Hi Pru! I think I might be able to help a little bit, since my job is helping people with disabilities find employment.

    Here’s some tips:

    1. Typically I would advise not to put your diagnosis on the CV, but it sounds like that worked just fine for this interview! Maybe in the future leave that off the CV and inform them in the interview if you feel comfortable. Employers have the capability to screen out applications that mention disability, even if that is illegal to do.

    2. One tip I recently learned that can be a huge problem for us on the spectrum is: If the interviewer is silent between questions, don’t feel like you HAVE to fill the silence with chatter. Use the silence to take a deep breath and calm down. Interviewers sometimes add quiet into their questioning because they want to see how you deal with uncomfortable silence.

    3. MOST IMPORTANTLY, keep reminding yourself that someone involved in the process said “Being Autistic is absolutely fine!” These interviewers obviously want you to succeed, they’re not trying to trip you up or make you fail. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or panicky, remind yourself of that.

    4. If you do have a panic attack, just inform the interviewers and ask for a minute to calm down a bit. If that happens, you don’t have to “kiss the job goodbye.” It sounds like these folk might understand and be accommodating for that. Interviewers in general know how nerve-wracking an interview is even for a NT, so I’m certain they’ll be understanding in this case.

    Okay, I hope I haven’t overwhelmed you with information. It really sounds like you have found yourself in a perfect first interview situation, though! I wish you best of luck; I’m rooting for you!

Children
  • in reply to profdanger
    profdanger said:
    Okay, I hope I haven’t overwhelmed you with information. It really sounds like you have found yourself in a perfect first interview situation, though! I wish you best of luck; I’m rooting for you!

    Thank you for all of your help with this!!! HuggingYou haven't overwhelmed me at all and I am super grateful for your input with this. 

    Your work sounds ideal for someone with Autism. It's the sort of thing I would like to do eventually, maybe working with children who are special needs. One step at a time though.. I need to try and secure this job yet! 

    I really truly appreciate your tips. It's already made a difference because I'm feeling less anxious already so that's a good sign. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Friday. Thank you so much for your help. I am very grateful! Hugging