Feeling very frustrated with the job hunt

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I'm a senior in college and I am extremely frustrated and disillusioned with life in general.
You see... I have busted my arse in college... I have made good grades, volunteered for things relevant to what I want to do career-wise, and have supplemented my classroom learning with a lot of independent study.

I am more than qualified for entry-level jobs or industry internships. I have an excellent resume and a good portfolio.
There's just one problem... I have high functioning Asperger's. It is very telling that employers are very enthusiastic about my resume, qualifications, and portfolio, but they lose interest in me when I go for in-person interviews.

And the part that is most infuriating is I try my damndest to be good in the interview. I groom well, I wear a suit and tie, and I do research on the company beforehand so I can show that I have a genuine interest. I also ask questions and smile.

But somehow, I am never good enough. I invariably get the sickeningly sweet email with platitudes and good wishes "in my future endeavors."

By this point, I have been rejected dozens of times. It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't know other students personally who are getting good jobs and internships despite being less intelligent and less qualified than me.

In short, I resent the fact that hard work and talent don't matter. It is all about being popular and having the right personality and vibe. It burns my arse. Am I supposed to suffer in poverty and never have success just because I am a bit different?

I mean screw the fact that I am a loyal and decent person. And screw the fact that I am qualified and intelligent. I just don't have the right vibe.

Another interesting aspect of all this is women are usually the ones interviewing me, and they hate my guts. They reject me romantically and professionally. But that is a whole other matter.

I'm beginning to think that I will have to work for myself or forever be stuck in dead end jobs or jobs that I am overqualified for. All because I am a little different. #### this world and its warped values and standards.

Do your interviewers know you have autism? If not maybe you should tell them. They shouldn't reject someone from a job just because they have autism. Maybe go to therapy about this problem. The therapist could point out what you are doing wrong in social situations. Sorry if I'm not much help. But I'm sure others on here will have better advice for you. I just noticed no one replied yet and I don't want you to feel alone. Anyway don't give up.

^^ What is your major?  Is it HASS or STEM?

Even the most qualified get rejected quite a few times before they get accepted for a job.

There are many applicants for individual jobs these days. I know, personally, of a job that had more than 200 applicants for one position. It’s not easy out there.

Your rejections might or might not have anything to do with having Aspergian traits.

I would say: continue to plug away. Maybe take a class on interviewing or whatever.

What was your field of study? Try to make use of your professors as both personal and professional references.

My degree is in Geography, but I am trying to get into data analysis/science, database administration or Python programming because finding work in my field (GIS) is very difficult.

How do I do this?

Maybe you could watch a tutorial or two on body language in job interviews? I learned a few things I was doing wrong from those. Currently I'm in a job I'm overqualified for, but at least I have a job and that's the important part for me. An easy job looks better in a resume than no job, plus money is money. I can pay my bills. Still looking for something more challenging, though.

I believe the most important thing (within a US context) is to seem like you KNOW you deserve to be there. But also exude a certain deference to the interviewer. Shake hands firmly, not softly. Even with a woman interviewer. But not TOO firm. Look the interviewer in the eye---but not too much. Let the interviewer point you to your seat; don't sit yourself down.

If in the UK and in most western European countries, you probably have to be more obsequious, seem like you're more modest. They really don't regard "blowing your own horn" as something which is classy in Europe.

^ Actually, at least in the part of Europe I'm in, a job interview is that one place where you're expected to toot your own horn. Elsewhere it's a no no, but in a job interview you need to make the other person think that you're the one they need. Make them think you're great, but not better than them 'cause then they could feel threatened.

Without disagreeing with the OP, I think they are grossly underestimating how hard it is to land that "first job" and how ridiculous the competition is. For example, my work hired a IT guy and had 280 qualified applicants. My job? 460 and it's not exactly a CEO position. I knew I was f**ked when two years after not getting any decent interviews (other than crappy sales jobs) I snuck a look at a stack of resumes at a hole-in-the-wall auto shop looking for an accounting clerk. The previous applicant not only had years of experience but also a CA and CMA accounting designations. Did I mention the job paid a whopping $11/hr in 2006?

Heck, we advertised a temporary job that only lasted 5 months and had 200 qualified applicants! This is why I know my (likely) only option is entrepreneurship should I wish to increase my income. I remember early on in my job search I applied for a inside sales job that while not a dream job would have been a great career builder. I felt I had the best interview of my life and the owner looked at me and said "WOW, I had no idea how many excellent candidates are out there". Didn't get the job but I wish I listened more closely to that statement at the time. In short, it wasn't me doing anything "wrong".

Edit: Forgot to mention: and I am not saying the to OP in particular but for goodness sake leave the phone in the car and be polite to EVERYONE, especially the receptionist! You wouldn't believe any many young interviewees I see who play with their phones and ignore everyone while waiting for an interview.

I can empathize with you. You could be doing everything right e.g researching the company, dressing appropriately for the interview or you might not be.

The job market is very competitive these days and Aspies are at a disadvantage as a job interview is a social situation where you have to read the situation.

If you are getting interviews well done! You are doing something right your CV is getting you interviews. I personally myself don't divulge the fact I am on the spectrum that is a personal choice. You legally don't have. Keep at it though don't give up!

Also you could read up on body language for job interviews there are YouTube videos on body language.

I have a body language book at home.

I found my current career by temping/consulting. I would temp, people would get to know me and I would find a niche elsewhere. I got 20 years out of one temp job turned permanent. Now the work environment is toxic for me and I need a new job. It became a dead-end job and I am now overqualified (as you fear, but 20 yrs wasn't a bad run). I just read a Aspie's guide to job search and cried, b/c it suggested a level of masking which would require hundreds of hours of research and practice I just don't have the stomach for it. My ASD coach suggests I spend a mere tens of hours and be forthright about my ASD traits (without disclosing diagnosis) --- "I know I talk quickly and have a lot to share --- this is indicative of my rapid problem solving and creating thinking". Sigh, it's not going to be easy to find another niche, but by golly it is out there. And yes it's HARDER to find it. Telecom employs GIS folks --- CenturyLink, Zayo, Crown Castle etc.

My BFF (with a masters) had "sh*t" jobs for 5 yrs after graduation and then one day she found the needle in the haystack and has been employed 15 yrs (acceptable, but overqualified now) --- she's hopefully breaking out for a better job this year (after 10 yrs of on and off interviews).

Funny thing is that we were both hired by likely ND folks. And given that's just 2% of the population, it's no matter it took a bit for the "stars to align".

Wishing you find that workplace (or your own business) where you can thrive!! !!

Don't worry - most people - also NTs - are bad at selling themself in job interviews.
Did you care about a honest eye contact to the women?
Do you keep a good mood especially if you make eye contact and talk?
Are you expressing self-confidence about what you are able to do? (It's really important. Nobody is perfect at begin but your are able to learn anything.)
Were you asking questions too? (Prepare a list of at least ten points. Shows your interest in the company.)
Do you demand a correct salary? (You should know what's average for a beginner and demand a bit more.)
Tell if you are invited somewhere else in parallel and why you think that you would prefere the just other company. (It's psychological thing that causes them to want you more.)

Don't hide behind your autism an don't mention it except it causes you problems with the environment where you work!

_________________
I am as I am. Life has to be an adventure!