Getting a Job when your Autistic

Over the next few months I’ll be writing about how to get a job when you are high functioning autistic/asperger’s.

Having autism brings many challenges to people when finding a job so I will cover all aspects that are needed to get the job you really want, that matches your qualifications and experience.

The things that I will cover will include:

• Step 1 – Improving your skills and qualities in everything you do
• Step 2 – Getting work experience in any way you can such as volunteering
• Step 3 – Getting the right qualifications even if you did not do well at school
• Step 4 – How to write a good CV/Resume
• Step 5 – How to fill out application forms
• Step 6 – How to write a good cover letter
• Step 7 – Getting a Job when your Autistic: Preparing for an Interview and Getting the Job

Getting a job when your autistic is certain a lot harder than getting a job when your neuro-typical.  You will face much bigger challenges than a person who isn’t autistic and you really can do things that can improve your chances of getting a job.  There is no magic formula or easy option but working hard in all aspects of your life will greatly improve your chances of getting the good job that you dreamed of.  I would say the hardest of all the steps is the interview stage as most of us with autism struggle with this face to face communication.  Which can be for many reasons such as:

• Nerves and anxiety
• Difficulty with eye contact
• Saying the wrong thing
• Displaying the wrong body language and facial gestures
• Coming across too shy, or on the opposite end of the scale too confrontational, arrogance, aloof and aggressive
• Not have the right level of communication skills to answer the questions being asked
• Interpreting difference accents
• Not building up a good rapport with interviewer, meaning they will feel that you will fit into their workplace

But all of this can be worked on.  Some of this with practise and experience.  Some of it with failing at a few interviews but then having the determination and courage to continue trying and getting better from the failures.  I have done extensive research in all of the topics I will be writing about, over the years of trying to get jobs myself.  I have had many failures as well as successes and learnt a lot of things along the way which will hopefully help you.