Journalist working on an article with tips for job interview

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Hi WrongPlanet members,

First off, please forgive me if it's inappropriate for me to have created a profile. I'm not on the spectrum—at least, not that I'm aware of.

I'm a technology journalist. I'm working on an article for which I'd appreciate your input. LIke my header says, it's going to feature tips for job interviewing, particularly for people on the spectrum.

I would like to chat with people who've mastered the human interaction piece of the job interview, particularly if you work in technology. I'd also like to hear your stories about interviews that went badly. Finally, I'd love to hear from people who understand the legal ramifications of discrimination against people with autism or Asperger's.

If you have tips to share, I'm love to hear. I'll also be interviewing people who work with those on the spectrum, including, hopefully, UCLA's PEERS program people.

Thanks in advance for any help you could give me.

One last question: Is it offensive for non-Aspberger's people to use the term "aspies?"

Thanks again,
Best,
Lisa Vaas

I'm so sorry. Thank you for pointing out my misspelling. It won't happen again!

I've never worked in technology but I've had quite a few jobs in my time. Most interviews did go pretty well, because I learned in my teens how to deal with social interaction, and became more confident over the years. (I wasn't dx'd until my 40's and back when I was young, we didn't know what asperger's was).

I'd say that one of the first things you need to do is develop a "work voice". Instead of your normal speaking voice, try to project a little more confidence and profesionalism into it. You won't have to use this all the time after you get hired, but it's important for an interview. It gives the interviewer the impression that you are professional and competent.

I've found that looking the person in the eye and extending your hand when you meet them and telling them your name is important as well. It shows that you know and understand the basic protocol.

Don't overexplain things. Saying "personality conflict" or "scheduling conflict" or "I took some time off for a family emergency" to explain why you quit a job or why you weren't employed for a while may not be entirely true, but explaining that your old boss was a d*ck to you or that you were too depressed to look for work for six months wont earn you any points.

If you don't know how to do something the job requires, admit it during the interview but also tell them that you are willing to learn.

Do not mention AS at the interview! Mentioning anything that can be perceived as a disability just conjures up images of all the accomodations the boss thinks he may have to make for you and litigation if he has to fire you for actual cause.

At the end of the interview, shake the interviewers hand again, smile and say "Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you."

I really only had one job interview go bad. It was a job I didn't really want anyway. It was at a funeral home and while I've worked in one before I didn't want to work in this one. My mind wasn't on really getting the job. The guy asked me why I wanted to work there. I knew the right answer, but something really funny occured to me the moment he asked the question and before I could stop myself I said "Well, it's not to make an army of zombies, I can tell you that right now!" which, while true, wasn't what he wanted to hear. Know your audience!

_________________
I'm giving it another shot. We will see.
My forum is still there and everyone is welcome to come join as well. There is a private women only subforum there if anyone is interested. Also, there is no CAPTCHA.

The link to the forum is http://www.rightplanet.proboards.com

1. Bathe. Body odor is offensive, and this includes the stinks of alcohol and tobacco.
2. Dress and groom for the job you're applying for. You're not going to get that programming job dressed like a dock-worker.
3. Bring all relevant documents. This may include your birth certificate, so be prepared.
4. Show up. Most candidates lose out because they simply fail to show up for the first interview.
5. Arrive 15 minutes before the interview is to start. On time is late.
6. Know what you're applying for; and no, "A job" does not count. Read the job description, and bring a copy.
7. Know what the company does. Is it producing goods or providing a service? Both?
8. Know the company's customer base. Do they sell mainly to other businesses? The government or military? The public?
9. Know the company's competitors; down the road, across the country, and globally.
10. Know the company's business model. Their mission statement is a good place to start.
11. Be upbeat. Observe those celebrities making the talk-show circuit; they're trying to make a good impression, the kind of impression that you need to make, as well.
12. Be nice. Whatever trouble you may have had with previous employers is not worth mentioning. Same for the argument you had with your relatives this morning. This also means no profanity, no bigotry, and no political or religious proselytizing. Leave it all outside.
13. Remember their names. Write them down -- if you have to -- but don't get lost in note-taking.
14. Show gratitude. When the interview is over, shake their hands, look them in the eye, and say, "Thank you". It is not impossible, even for an Aspie, so just do it.

I've had several job interviews during my life. Some successful some disastrous. I'm a software developer (many on the spectrum work in technological fields) and I sailed through all the technical questions in all interviews; usually with the person who I'd actually work under. However, things tend to go downhill if someone from human resources does an interview - when they start asking people related, theoretical questions it becomes difficult. e.g. what would you do if another employee did xyz? Second guessing how to handle problem employees can just leave me baffled. Similarly once before I got through a first and second interview and was odds on to get the job - then I had a verbal psychometric test with HR - supposedly a formality - but it blew the job.

These are all very helpful replies. Thank you very much. I'll let you know when the article is published.

Best wishes,
Lisa

"What if another employee did xyz"?

Reading up on workplace ethics, and knowing the anti-harassment laws in your state might help provide an answer.

For example...

What if you caught two co-workers embracing on company time?

What if you knew that your supervisor was running his personal business from his company office, with company equipment, and on company time?

What if you suspected that you and your co-workers were working without appropriate protection around hazardous materials?

What if the CEO told you to come in on your day off to do "volunteer" work at a company-sponsored charitable event?

If you're applying for my job don't forget to bring your protective body suit because your paycheck will depend on how much pain, misery and suffering you can take.

I work in IT at a major university. If you want to ask me more questions, you can PM me.

Good Hygene is essential. No one wants you to be the smelly computer nerd.

Always remember that you are probably on a different technological level. Explain things using the lowest common denominator terms. Do it with a smile.

Understand that many of the people you will work with grew up in a different day and age. They did not have the advantage of technology from birth, so don't get mad when they can't do basic things.

ALWAYS keep your composure, even if you make a mistake. Being calm and composed not only helps the client to relax, it projects a professional image.

Stay up to date on technology. Get beta copies of new Windows, Office versions, apps, everything. You need to know it before it deploys.

Set up a system to manage expectations. Understand that you can't be everywhere at every time. If your department has an SOP on this, follow it.

Learn to follow department rules.

Always smile when explaining things to the client. Use language that empowers them. Don't talk down to them.

Become an expert at your field and the go to guy for IT questions, and people will tolerate the idiosyncrates of aspergers more.

Make a point to say hi to your co-workers at least once a day. If they have lunch, join them sometimes. The topics of conservation should not be inappropriate or make you uncomfortable.