Entering the workforce can be difficult and intimidating to anyone. Add a disability on top of that, and it can be a challenge. However, it is not impossible. I’m going to start off with general employment tips and then progress to Autism specific tips.

Looking for Jobs

When looking for jobs, you should look for jobs that peak your interest and that you also meet the qualifications. The internet is a great resource to use when looking for jobs. Local career centers or libraries might have job listings. You can also ask friends and family if they know of any available positions. While it is not necessary to meet all of the qualifications for a job, you should at least meet the educational qualifications.

Application

The application needs to be filled out completely. Do your best not to skip any questions, unless the question does not pertain to you. Spelling is key here. I have heard from other people that applications with misspelled words are immediately thrown in the trash. You also want to make sure that your application is readable. If you are typing it, you shouldn’t have a problem. However, if you are handwriting the application, use your neatest handwriting possible.

Resume

A resume is needed for any job position. It is good to turn one in with your application and also bring one to the interview. The resume should be up to date and only contain pertinent information. There are plenty of resources that can help you write a killer (as in awesome) resume. You can check your local library, they may have someone on staff who can help you. If not, you can find many templates online. In general though, avoid crazy fonts, pictures of yourself, and inapplicable information.

Before Interview

Once you have submitted your application (with your resume) and have gotten a call back, they should schedule you for an interview. At least a week from your interview, you should go to the store and get yourself a nice outfit, if you don’t already have one. Boys, you should wear at least slacks and a button down (a tie and blazer would be a plus). Girls, a dress, skirt and blouse, or khakis and a button down all look very professional. Girls should keep the makeup and perfume to a minimum. For everyone, you should smell nice and look clean. The day of the interview, you should take a shower, brush your teeth, do you hair, and put on deodorant. Then you should get on your nice clothes. Make sure that you have a printed resume (preferably on resume paper that you can get at an office supply store). Arrive at the interview at least 10 minutes early.

During the Interview

When you walk into the room with the interviewer, you should shake their hand while looking them in the eye and say “Hello my name is ________. Nice to meet you.”They should then introduce themselves and sit down. When you are both seated you should hand them your resume. They should then start to ask you some questions. The questions will likely be about your qualifications, strengths and weaknesses, and why you think you would be able to do the job. You want to answer their questions with 30 seconds or so of information. Short but complete. Throughout the interview, you want to make sure to make brief eye contact and sit nice and tall.

After the Interview

After the interview, you should shake their hand again. Make sure to thank them for their time and ask when you should hear back from them. When you get home from the interview, you should immediately write them a thank you card and send it in the mail. After a week, if you still haven’t heard back from them, it would be appropriate to give them a call to ask about the status of the position, unless they state to specifically do not call.

Autism Hacks

Over the years, I have found a few tips and tricks that have helped me land multiple jobs.

  1. Eye contact. Eye contact is so important but something that many people with Autism struggle with. I have found that trying to figure out someone’s eye color is a low-pressure way to maintain eye contact. However, if even that is too painful try to look between their eyes or at their forehead.
  2. I always write out my responses to various questions. I can have a hard time with verbal communication under pressure, so having a pre memorized “script” that I can tap into has been very helpful. Practice answering these questions often. You can do it in front of a mirror or with a friend.
  3. Find a job in the field of your special interest. If your special interest is frogs, then be a biologist. Do not waste your time going to school for English. You will likely be bored in your job and not perform well. For myself, my special interest has been Autism since I was very young. I decided that I wanted to go to school to be a counselor to help Autistic people, like me. In the meantime, while I work on my degree, I am working at a non-profit that helps people with disabilities. My work is easy because it is something that I love and am committed to.