Job Interviews When You Are On the Autism Spectrum

Having a disability can make finding a job more difficult, and it is even truer when your disability isn't readily apparent. For those that have been diagnosed with Asperger's, a condition that is on the Autism Spectrum, interviews can be especially tricky. When someone is dealing with Asperger's, they often have difficulty making eye contact, interpreting facial expressions and other non-verbal communication, turn taking in conversation, interpreting implied meanings and other social impairments. The struggle is that people with Asperger's are often extremely bright, creative and have a special knack for thinking outside the box. However, the poor social skills coupled with the tendency to not deal well with anxiety can often sabotage the job search and interview. There are some tips that can help you have a successful interview.

• Apply only for jobs that you think you will be successful at- For most people with Asperger's, sales, retail and other jobs where social skills are crucial might not be the best choices. Try to focus on jobs that are in your career path but that don't require a great deal of interaction. Graphic Design and Computer Programming are both fields where your skills would be a benefit.

• Take a deep breath- Dealing with the anxiety is tough, and the fear of becoming over anxious can make it even worse. So, slow down, take a deep breath, relax. The worst thing that can happen is that they won't hire you.

• Be prepared with your resume- Make sure that you resume is up to date. Bring a copy with you to the interview, even if you already sent a copy. A good tip is to put you printed copy in a portfolio folder so that you can be sure that it doesn't get lost or messed up in transit.

• Smile at your interviewer and shake their hand (if they offer it first)- Interviewers like the handshake and want to feel that you are pleasant and eager for the job. Don't feel that you need to chat much at this point, but be sure to answer any question asked during the greeting.

• Make eye contact- This can often be the hardest part. If eye contact is something that is hard for you to do automatically, try looking at the interviewer's forehead or their mouth. Most of the time, a neurotypical person can't tell the difference.

• Keep your answers short and to the point- It is a good idea to practice answers for some of the most common interview questions. By writing out your answers and practicing them with a friend, it will be easier to recall what you wanted to say even when you are nervous and feel like you are “on the spot.” Keep your answers short to avoid talking too much or straying off topic.

• Sell your skills- People with Asperger's are some of the most creative abstract thinkers on the planet, so use this to your advantage. If you are worried that you won't get hired because of your social skills, try putting together a portfolio of some of your best work. Even if the interviewer is iffy about you based on the interview, they will still hire you if they are impressed with your work.

• Think about starting your own business- Many entrepreneurs are on the Autism Spectrum and internet companies also have the benefit of using email and messaging services to communicate with clients, which tends to level the field as far as social interaction issues go.

Many people who are on the Autism Spectrum, feel like they have a personality that employers don't like and they feel like trying to behave like a neurotypical person during the interview is the same as trying to not be themselves, so even if they get the job, as soon as they let their real self shine through, they will lose the job. And this may be true, in certain cases, but there are many jobs that don't require working as a team or being in a position of leadership. There are work from home jobs, internet based offices and other jobs that are actively searching for people who don't mind being left alone to work, who are smart and pay attention to details obsessively. So try not to get discouraged, assess your skill set and think outside of the box to figure out the best interview strategy for you.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a freelance writer and regular contributor to several websites and other publications, a volunteer, a full time mom and an active job seeker.