One thing I'm always guilty of is underselling my ability, as it seems so unnatural to walk into a job interview and have to justify why you're so good and what you can do for a company, and it's really difficult to do.
Even applying for jobs, it's possible to convince yourself that you're not good enough for a position even if you have some or most of the skills they are looking for. Definitely something to learn to recognise when you're doing it.
Ant
I'd propose a checklist for preparing for an interview, for one, with things like dressing appropriately (much tougher for the females among us...how does one differentiate an acceptable purse, decide on things like makeup and hair, or choose appropriate colors?), rereading one's resume beforehand and bringing a copy along, rehearsing questions, etc. I don't know about others, but having a list I can print out and refer back to helps me not only stay on top of what I need to get done, but provides some relief from the "what-if" anxiety of being unprepared.
It might also be helpful to poll people for the questions they have heard in interviews, answers that have been received favorably, and formulate a worksheet for preparing oneself in regards to one's own strengths and weaknesses.
There are a number of books that list specific activities (toe-tapping, lack of eye-contact, etc.) that interviewers and HR people find annoying. Pulling bits and pieces of those lists and rewriting them shouldn't violate copyright, especially if you cite. And having a list of other books isn't bad, either, because it's often difficult to track down adult Asperger's books at bookstores, and if one has the ISBN, title, and author available, it's possible to find them online more easily.
I know this is a bit more sketchy, but it might be worthwhile to compile a list of types of jobs or companies that have been found to be "Aspie-friendly". Sometimes people feel stymied in a job search because they have a very limited idea of what's actually out there and aren't looking in the right areas.
Hope some of that helps.
One thing I'm always guilty of is underselling my ability, as it seems so unnatural to walk into a job interview and have to justify why you're so good and what you can do for a company, and it's really difficult to do.
Even applying for jobs, it's possible to convince yourself that you're not good enough for a position even if you have some or most of the skills they are looking for. Definitely something to learn to recognise when you're doing it.
Ant
I know. I used to have so much trouble with this until I realized that it's a chance for me to talk about my greatest work-related achievements with enthusiasm. As long as I keep the end result and the benefit to others in the conversation, I can go on about what I did and why I did it the way I did. This gives me a chance to say things like, "I think in pictures" and "I can model mechanical systems in my head in 3D and watch them run." Those skills are highly valued in technical positions, whether you're developing software or repairing machines.
You have to realize that most applicants will only have most of the desired skills and nearly all will lack one or more. By showing how your unique way of thinking (highly literal, detail-oriented, whatever you want to say) makes the relevant skills you DO posess far more valuable than the ones you don't have yet but are willing to learn, you place yourself above the others in the mind of the interviewer.
Interviewers remember three things: enthusiasm, lack of teamwork, and enthusiasm. If they think you're a loner, that counts against you, but if they see that you can work with others that keeps you in the running. Just remember to mention something you did with or for someone and what a difference it made, and do so with all the joy and excitement you genuinely feel for a job well done. Well, without jumping up and down or raising your voice so it echoes throughout the building! 
Here's an example:
I once wrote a very simple program that made a one-page checklist with a bunch of stuff already filled in. This codified for the first time a complex process the company had followed for decades. Each department blamed the others for dropping the ball. When my boss saw the checklist, he started a weekly 15-minute meeting with all the department people. The combination saved the comapny a million dollars a year in lost orders, and I did my part in under an hour. That shows that sometimes the biggest problems can be solved in simple ways.
That example shows I can "think outside the box," fix intractible problems that other people don't know exist, and do it in ways that not only fit into the existing system but don't cost a lot to implement. Everyone remembers this one, and it's usually the one that gets me the job.
Anything you can do to get yourself stuck in their mind like that is a good thing. If there are multiple interviews, then the goal of the first interview is simple: illustrate a unique quality you posess and be remembered.
What has often been pointed out to me is what is called the "hidden job market". That is positions that are not advertised in media and that is where people make use of friends, colleagues and relatives to find them work. Some of the suggestions are to join professional organizations and go to cocktail parties, phone up collegues and go on "information interviews". This is very difficult for a person with Asperger's to do. There must be a way since this is the biggest job market and most people find jobs by this method.
By some estimates that's 80% of all jobs. As a techie, I haunt some very specialized email groups and help people with problems. I've built a reputation that way without having to leave my keyboard, and now people are starting to come to me. Finding those kinds of groups can be very useful.
What do the questions asked at job interviews really mean? Or what answers should I give so that I will be correct? What is it ok to lie about in an interview (or not so much to lie as to omit information)?
1. Always offer good news
2. Never offer bad news
3. If both apply to a particular question offer good news and let them dig.
That doesn't mean you don't give bad news in response to a direct question, but don't offer it if you don't have to. If you have to say, "no, I've never done that," but can think of something similar, you can add "but I have done this and it's similar this way and I think I can pick up the other thing really quickly."
Job interview translation into aspie.
I can do that.
What can you do if you are overqualified and desperately in need of work/money?
Interviewer: You're way overqualified. Why do you want this job?
You: First, I like eating. (smile or chuckle a tiny bit) Second, <insert name of company> seems like a really cool company and I see an opportunity to get in here, move up as my abilities warrant, and stay here for a long time.
Interviewer (inevitable question): So where do you want to be in 1/2/5/10 years?
You need to be honest about this one without saying you want the job of the person hiring you or the person who'll be supervising you, or describing that job too closely. People tend not to hire people who are after their jobs.
Usually the managers only care about whether you can do the job and they like you.
True. That's why I like the "I like eating" response. It shows a sense of humor, some practical responsibility and tells them that if you ever hit the lotto you'd probably quit. Responsibility, but not so much abition that you're likely to be a political problem for them later.
Actually I have not had much success in finding work.
I didn't either for a long time, then I started really focusing on just one or two things in my resume instead of listing everything I could do. Just what they want, the rest is "a waste of their time."
Maybe you could ask several HR people in some large companies how a person with autism could best interview and get a position in their company. They might actually learn something from you, Amy.
That would be cool.
It shows a sense of humor, some practical responsibility and tells them that if you ever hit the lotto you'd probably quit.
It is a good, funny answer, but surely an employer would not want to hire someone who is likely to want to quit? It would mean they would have to go through the expense of finding and hiring a new employee.
So if I was you, I woudn't give an answer which would suggest in any way that you might quit in the near future.
Thank you. Yeah, it doesn't always work, but anyone who can't accept that 99.5% of people would "call in rich" is likely to be a problem to work for. Also everyone knows that the odds of hitting the lotto are lower than getting hit by lightning while aboard a submarine, so it doesn't really matter.
Then again if you're really desperate you can always replace it with something like "I got bored with chasing squirrels in the back yard."
Funnily enough, even if my family or I did ever become rich, I would still want to keep my job. I think it's important to serve a purpose in life, if you have the ability to do so. Even if it's just voluntary or part-time work.
That's fine, and I respect that. I just have too much to do in this life to waste it making a living.
I'd propose a checklist for preparing for an interview, for one, with things like dressing appropriately (much tougher for the females among us...how does one differentiate an acceptable purse, decide on things like makeup and hair, or choose appropriate colors?)
Well I don't really bother with makeup, but I guess something neutral like browns or peaches depending on skin tone. Hair, pretty much anything that isn't a color like a punk rocker would wear, or style. Like, I mean for example bright bright red mohawk, eh no.
As far as something like a purse, you can have one of those mini-bookbags instead. They're pratical and stylish. Or, like if you have alot of stuff to carry around a big purse. I mean, I can't really say there's many rules I'm aware of regarding this. It's somewhat a non-issue I think.
As long as you don't wear something too casual, or too extreme you're ok. Like, kahki pants..I see alot of people at jobs wearing those, and they're comfortable. The store sometimes will give you one of their shirts to wear at work, like at Best Buy. So you don't have to worry about what shirt you'll be wearing.
It can help to have a couple of stories prepared, about situations at work or in a hobby or something when you organised something complicated, or dealt with a difficult situation well.
That way when they ask you about working with people or whatever you know what you’re going to say. Before my interviews I used to practise on my Mom and she’d give me tips on which parts to emphasise or leave out, and good words or phrases to include.
Oh, and in my experience anyway it’s good to admit that you’re nervous, especially if you are rubbish at maintaining eye contact and things like that. Kind interviewers can think that it’s just nerves that make your social skills look worse than they are.
Heya! here are some tips I've stolen from my present agency…it’s quiet clear and they explain why they make some questions which can be useful to reply to them… so shhhh! :wink:
Coping With Job Interviews -
INTRODUCTION
Most people are nervous about attending job interviews - but nerves can be a useful tool for sharpening up your performance. However, if your nerves take over to the extent that they interfere with your ability to come across well at interview, it’s clear that you need to calm down. The key to preventing pre-interview jitters is preparation.
ORGANISE YOURSELF
In most cases, you will be notified that you have got through to the interview stage a few days in advance. You can use this time to prepare - and the better prepared you are, the fewer your reasons to be nervous. Try to find out as much as you can about the employer. Reference libraries, your local careers centre and the Internet (if you have access) are all good sources of information. You should also read up on the type of work you are applying for. Go over the job description thoroughly and make a note of any questions you would like to ask at the interview
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
It is vital that you find out:
· Where the employer is based - it seems obvious but if you need to get the train, find out where the nearest railway station is
· When the interview is to be held - calculate how long it will take you to get there and make sure that you leave in plenty of time (particularly if you are relying on public transport)
· Where the interview is taking place - if the employer occupies a number of rooms in separate buildings, it is easy to end up in the wrong place
· What the name of your contact is
· Who will be interviewing you
CONFIDENCE
Confident people inspire confidence in others - if you appear confident that you are able to do the job, the employer is likely to believe that you can. Naturally it is important not to go to the other extreme and appear over confident, arrogant or pushy.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Bear in mind that interviews vary enormously. You may be asked to sit an aptitude test or prove that you have the necessary skills for the job - a typing test for example. The interview itself may be a quick, informal chat across a crowded office or it could involve a panel of interviewers all firing questions at you. There may even be group activities with other candidates designed to see how you perform in a team situation, or you may be called back for further interviews on another day. Often, candidates fail to perform to the best of their abilities because they were thrown into a situation they were not expecting. The answer: expect the unexpected. You cannot prepare for every eventuality but you can be aware that the format of the interview may come as a surprise to you. Have faith in your own skills and experience and allow the employer to see you at your best
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Obviously, no one can know exactly what questions they will be asked at interview but there are certain topics that will almost certainly come up. Think through your answers to the following questions beforehand:
· Tell me about your work experience -
what did you do, what did you enjoy, what were you good at, why did you leave each job.
· Why have you applied for this job?
· Why do you want to work for this company?
· What can you, above all the other applicants, bring to this job?
· What did you do with your time when you were out of paid employment?
LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD
Research has shown that your interviewer is likely to make up his or her mind about you within 30 seconds of having met you. Use this. Make sure that you have an outfit that is smart and presentable. It’s a good idea to try the whole thing on before the day of the interview to check that there are no drooping hems or buttons missing. It is also worthwhile polishing your shoes - details like this can make all the difference. And if you feel that you have made an effort and look good, you will appear to be more confident and relaxed.
THE BIG DAY
Make sure that you allow yourself enough time to get ready and that you have all your exam certificates, records of achievement, testimonials and anything else relevant to the job with you. Also remember to take the letter inviting you to the interview and any maps that you might need. Leave in time to arrive about 10 minutes early for the interview - this will allow you to gather your thoughts, go to the loo, check your appearance, etc. When you arrive, give your name to the receptionist if there is one. Try to relax - everyone gets nervous before interviews. The chances are that you will feel more nervous than you look and anyway, most interviewers are trained to make allowances for the fact that you are likely to be on edge
SAFETY
The majority of job interviews are straightforward in terms of personal safety but there are a few simple rules which should always be adhered to:
· Always tell a friend or relative where you are going and what time they can expect you back.
· Never agree to be interviewed in a car park or over a meal. The interview should be held at the organisation’s premises or in some other public or official place.
· Always arrange to have someone pick you up if the interview is taking place outside normal office hours. Never let the interviewer drive you home.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The following tips will help you make a positive impression:
· Shake hands firmly (but not to they extent that they require first aid) with all the interviewers when you first enter the room - and smile
· Maintain eye contact whilst answering all questions - and remember to speak up
· Don’t smoke unless you are offered a cigarette
· Try to avoid ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ answers to questions even if they seem appropriate - they tend to be conversation stoppers. Make sure that you answer questions fully without chattering on unnecessarily.
· Never lie at interview or say something that you cannot substantiate, but make sure that you present yourself in the best possible light
· When you are asked if you have any questions, use this as an opportunity to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm. Begin with questions about training, other people you will be working with, and the job specification. Save questions about pay and holidays until last.
· If you are not asked about something which you feel illustrates an important aspect of your ability to do the job, don’t be afraid to bring it up yourself at the end of the interview
· Make sure that you find out when you can expect to hear whether you have been successful - it could be anything from the same day (in which case, you may be asked to wait around for a decision) to a few days.
· Remember to thank the interviewers for their time before you leave.
Job interview advice introduction
This section contains a vast amount of job interview advice, including interview techniques, questions the interviewer may ask you, questions you may want to ask the interviewer, general interview guidance, panel Interview and group interview tests. We will teach you how to handle interviews and hopefully improve your interview technique to improve your chances of being the successful candidate that lands that all-important job offer.
Interviews can often be traumatic for both the interviewee and interviewer. If you prepare properly beforehand then you should be able to overcome the many hurdles an interviewer can place in your way. All the interview tips and advice in this section have been tried and tested.
Interview questions you may be asked (part one)
Before attending an Interview you should think about your responses to the following questions. Your answers may depend on the job or company in question, so you should go through your responses just before each interview.
Why do you want this job?
Think carefully about this question. Stress the positive aspects which have attracted you to applying for this position. Do not mention the negative aspects of your current job or the job in question.
What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
Their advertisement for the job may help you a lithe bit, but you should also think of the other qualities that may be required. These may include leadership ability, supervisory skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem solving, analytical skills, etc.
What can you contribute?
This is your chance to shine. Tell them about your achievements in your previous position(s) which are relevant to the new position you are applying for.
Why do you want to work for this company?
Emphasise the positive reasons why you want to join their company, but avoid aspects such as more money or shorter hours. These would not endear you to a prospective employer.
What do you know about this company?
This is your chance to impress the interviewer with your knowledge of their company. Give them a run down of their products/services, sales figures, news, company figures, customers, etc.
What interests you about our product (or service)?
Again, your research into the company should aid you in answering this question.
What can we (the new company) offer that your previous company cannot offer?
Tread carefully here! Again do not mention money. Stress opportunities for personal growth, new challenges, etc.
Interview questions you may be asked (part two)
You have not done this sort of job before. How will you cope/succeed?
Say that you are the sort of person who aims to succeed at everything you do and that you are very determined and will do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Why should we employ you?
The answer to this question will be based on your previous experience and achievements which relate to the company. At the end you could add that you think there is a good fit between you and the job, and do ask the interviewer for their opinion.
How long do you think it would be before you were making a significant contribution to the team/company?
If you think that you could contribute from day one then say so. Then turn the question round on them and say how soon would they expect it.
How ambitious are you? Would you compete for my job?
Depending on the position you are applying for you may want to sound fairly ambitious, but do not look as if you are after the interviewers position.
What do you like and dislike about the job we are discussing?
Likes: stress things such as a new challenge or the opportunity to bring fresh experience to the company. Dislikes: Imply there is nothing to dislike about the job, which is why you are so Interested.
Why did you choose a career in ...?
Be positive about your reasons. If you have changed careers make a logical argument as to why you did so.
Why are you changing careers?
This question will only be asked if you are making a radical change in your career. Always stress the positive aspects of the change rather than the negative aspects of your previous career - you do not want to come across as someone who Is moving just because you hate your old career. Say why you think you will be good in the new career - this should come from your experience and achievements, stress the transferable skills you have, such as leadership ability, etc.
How much does your last job resemble the one you are applying for? What are the differences?
The interviewer is trying to see how well you would fit in to the position you are applying for. So you should stress the similarities rather than the differences. When it comes to discussing the differences it will help your case if you can show that either you have done something similar in the past or that you can quickly pick up the new skills.
What do you think of the last company you worked for?
You should stress the positive aspects of your last company saying that they were a good company to work for. Tell them about the training you received or the work related experience you gained.
Why did you join your previous company? Did they live up to your expectations? Why are you leaving now?
Always be positive about your reasons for joining and leaving a company. Be very careful that you do not say anything negative about your present employer. If you do, the new company will wonder what you will say about them when you leave. You might want to stress that you are looking for a new challenge and that you feel that the company who is interviewing you fits the bill!
Explain the organisational structure in your last company and how you fitted into it?
This sort of question may be used to find out whether your old job is at a comparable level to your new job. If the new job being discussed would be a step up the ladder you will need to show that you are ready for a more demanding position. You may be able to show that you have already had many of the responsibilities and the necessary skills which would be required for the next step.
Interview questions you may be asked (part three)
How long have you been looking for a new Job?
If you have been unemployed for a long time this may be a rather tricky question to answer. But be honest. If you have been away on holiday or done some voluntary work you could mention this.
Do you prefer to work in a small, medium or large company?
Remember where you are! If the company interviewing you is a small to medium sized company say that you enjoy a close atmosphere with a good team spirit. At a large company say that you enjoy the stability of working for a large and established company.
What are you looking for in a new job?
Make sure your answer fits in with the company who is interviewing you. A suitable reply would be that you are looking for a new job where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones.
What would your ideal job be?
Again, remember where you are! Describe the job in terms of the criteria they have used to describe their job. An ideal job might include things like challenging work, a fair rate of pay for the job, nice colleagues, good career prospects, good team atmosphere, opportunity to learn new skills, apply old skills, etc.
Are you considering any other positions at the moment?
If you are say so, but do not give too many details away - it will weaken your negotiating position later. If you do not have any other job offers at the moment just say that you have a few irons in the fire.
What did you think of your manager/supervisor?
Say that he/she was the sort of person you could learn from and you communicated well, which meant that the task in hand was completed on time.
What did you do on a day to day basis?
Stress the positive things you did including your achievements. Even if some or much of it was paperwork, you can still show your interest in the way it was tackled.
Did you increase sales or profits in your last job?
This question is only relevant for senior managers or sales people. If you have increased sales and/or profit then do not be afraid to shout about it. If you have not increased sales say why not, e.g. general downturn In the market, etc. It might then be a good idea to mention an achievement in a previous job if your performance was better there.
Have you reduced costs at your last company?
If you have reduced costs say so - companies are always looking for ways to reduce costs.
Interview questions you may be asked (part four)
How would you describe yourself? / How would others describe you?
Pick your best attributes and achievements from your career.
Do you consider yourself successful?
You should say you do. Pick some work related achievements that are in line with the position that you are discussing.
What was your greatest success? How did you achieve it?
You should pick an achievement which is related to their needs.
What has been your biggest failure?
Try to pick a failure which you were later able to correct or something that is not really important.
How could you improve yourself?
Do not mention anything negative about yourself - the interviewer is looking for a chink in your armour.
Did you feel you progressed satisfactorily in your last job?
If you progressed faster than normal you should say so. If growth was not as good as expected then be careful how you phrase this.
Are you a leader?
State how you have successfully acted as a leader, giving examples of your successes.
How do you handle criticism?
Your answer should be along the following lines: “I always think that it is important to get feedback on how I am performing so that I can improve any areas which my manager/supervisor highlights. Do you have regular staff appraisals and a staff development plan?”
What sort of manager are you? / What makes a good manager?
You should say that it is someone who listens to other people and can delegate whilst maintaining overall control of the task at hand, bringing in the project on time and to budget. Good planning skills are essential.
Do you work well with others? Or are you a loner?
Some jobs mean that you have to work very closely with other people whilst other jobs mean that you are largely working on your own, so you need to say that you are happy in both situations.
Do you need other people around to stimulate you or are you self-motivated?
You need to say that you are self-motivated.
Are you accepted into a team quickly?
Hopefully you can answer a resounding “Yes” to this question.
Can you act on your own initiative?
You should say that you can. You could ask how much responsibility you would have.
Interview questions you may be asked (part five)How do you run a meeting?
You could say that you must start with an agenda and stick to it. You could add that you would try to get the views and ideas from everyone present, working in an air of co-operation. If people moved off at a tangent you would bring them back to the item being discussed.
What motivates you?
Our suggestions are career growth, opportunity to learn new skills, good co-workers, etc.
What management style gets the best results out of you?
Try and think about how you have reacted to different managers and which factors have motivated you. Do not say too much in reply to this question, because if your answer is contrary to the management style of the company they will not be keen to employ you!
Do you know how to motivate other people?
Hopefully you can say “Yes”, and say that you have to find out what motivates a person and give them recognition for a job well done. You should always give them encouragement and help them when required.
Are you competitive?
Your answer depends on the sort of job you are doing. If you will be working as part of a team you will need to show that you can work in the best interests of the team and not just for your own benefit.
Are you aggressive?
If you mean by this someone who gets things done, then the answer is “Yes”. You need to defuse the implications of this question.
What do you dislike doing?
Say that you are prepared to do whatever it takes to get the job done well and on time and try to do disagreeable things first to get them out of the way rather than putting them off.
What problems did you encounter in your last job? What annoyed you about your last job?
Stick to the problems that you were able to solve, i.e. “I had problem X, which I later managed to resolve by doing Y”. Show that you are a person who can solve problems rather than someone who lets things get on top of them.
What would you like to avoid in your next job?
You need to be positive here and say that there is nothing in particular that you would like to avoid.
Do you feel you are ready to take on greater responsibilities?
Show how you have progressed throughout your life and how you have accepted and taken on responsibility for the actions of yourself and others. If you have not really had many work related responsibilities you can mention other responsibilities you have had outside work.
Can you work under pressure?
You need to say that you can. You could ask how much pressure the job involves.
How many hours are you prepared to work?
You would be prepared to work the necessary hours to get the job done on time.
Do you mind working for someone older than yourself? Younger than you? Of the opposite sex?
Here you can say that you are prepared to work with anyone.
What are your career goals?
Link in your goals with the company who is interviewing you.
How did you get on with your previous manager/supervisor, co-workers and subordinates?
Hopefully you can say that you got on well with everyone.
Interview questions you may be asked (part six)
What interests do you have outside work?
Your hobbies and interests can tell an employer a lot about you, including whether you are sociable or solitary, and whether you can take on ‘leadership’ roles. So you should think about which interests will paint the right picture of you given the position you are discussing.
If you have changed jobs a lot you may be asked how long you would stay in the new job.
You should state that you are looking for a long-term opportunity where you can learn and develop. You could then ask them if this applies to the job being discussed.
Have you ever been fired?
If you have, you will need to handle this question with great care. Try and put yourself in as favorable light as possible without being too dismissive. If you have later been able to correct any deficiency that resulted in you being fired you should tell the interviewer.
Are you too old for this job?
Tell them that you feel that your extra experience would enable you to make a bigger contribution to their company sooner than someone younger and less experienced.
Are you too young for this job?
“No, I do not think so!” is the answer you should give and then state the reason why you are not too young. If you have a lot of experience gained in a short time, say so.
You may be over qualified for this position?
Tell them that you feel that your extra experience would enable you to make a bigger contribution sooner than someone with less experience.
Are you prepared to relocate?
If you are, say so. If you do not want to move then you do not have to accept the job - try and come across as someone who is positive.
Are you willing to travel?
Again If you are, say so. You want to sound positive, so find out how much travelling is involved before you turn down the job.
How often are you off sick?
This can be a difficult question to answer if you are frequently off sick or you have just recovered from a prolonged period of Illness. If you have generally enjoyed good health and this period of Illness is not typical then you should say so.
What did you earn in your last job?
You have to be very careful when answering this question because once an interviewer knows your current salary they will try and fix your next remuneration based on this figure. This may be satisfactory If you only wanted a modest rise in salary and your current salary is in line with their salary range, but, what if your current salary is substantially lower than the rate for the job, or if you want a substantial salary rise? In these cases you would be best advised to say that you do not really want to prejudice yourself by being too high or too low. Ask if you can discuss this later after the responsibilities for the job have been discussed; you may also want to ask them what the range for the job is (if you do not already know).
What level of salary are you looking for now?
Be very careful when you answer this question - you do not want to appear to be greedy. If you are applying for a specific vacancy you could ask them what the salary range is. Once they have answered you could say “I think my experience would place me at the top end of your range, don’t you?” If they ask you this question fairly early on in the interview you could delay answering by saying “it is hard to discuss salary without first knowing a little bit more about the job and the responsibilities.”
What will your referees say about you?
Say that you expect excellent references.
Difficult questions
If you cannot answer a question you might reply with “That’s an interesting question - how would you tackle it?”
Fantasy questions
These sort of questions can be very difficult to answer. Such questions might indude: “What would you do if you won the National Lottery?” You should give the answer, which in your opinion will give you the best chance of getting the job.
Questions to ask the interviewer
The Interview is a two-way process. The company interviewing you will want to find out whether you are suitable to the position and you will want to find out if the company and position are right for you. You should therefore ensure that you have enough information to make up your mind whether you want the job. For example:
• What will be my responsibilities?
• Where will I fit into the overall organisational structure?
• Who will I report to?
• Where does he/she fit in the structure?
• Who will report to me?
• How experienced are they?
• What do you expect me to do in the first 6 months?
• What level of performance do you expect from me?
• Who are your customers?
• Where is the company going? Upwards? Expansion plans?
• What are the chances of advancement/promotion in this position? When?
• What will be my salary, benefits and bonuses? (Do not bring this up too early in the interview - wait until they are sold on you.)
• Will travelling be required in this position?
• Will relocation be required now or in the future?
• What training do you provide?
• When will you decide on the appointment?
• What is the next step?
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:grin: SORRY! It is a lot of words but I thought writting it all here iN CASE aMY WOULD NEED SOME OF IT FOR HER PROJECT!...
sorry bout caps lock too lazy to change now...!
Well I don't really bother with makeup, but I guess something neutral like browns or peaches depending on skin tone. Hair, pretty much anything that isn't a color like a punk rocker would wear, or style. Like, I mean for example bright bright red mohawk, eh no.
As far as something like a purse, you can have one of those mini-bookbags instead. They're pratical and stylish. Or, like if you have alot of stuff to carry around a big purse. I mean, I can't really say there's many rules I'm aware of regarding this. It's somewhat a non-issue I think.
As long as you don't wear something too casual, or too extreme you're ok. Like, kahki pants..I see alot of people at jobs wearing those, and they're comfortable. The store sometimes will give you one of their shirts to wear at work, like at Best Buy. So you don't have to worry about what shirt you'll be wearing.
But this often isn't the case. There are different levels of what you are expected to wear/carry/look like depending on the type of job. If you're applying at Target, sure, you can show up in khakis with your hair in a ponytail and carrying a mini-bookbag, and you'll probably be fine. But if you're applying in a law office, there's an entirely different set of rules. And then there's that nebulous in-between ground that is "business casual" (and other such vague terms).
we are delivering some training to our local council on how to include people with asd, including things like looking at peoples skills first, and for the council to realise that people with aspergers are not being "picky" or "not team players" if they have specific and rigid requirements. We feel that the council is such a big organisation that they could develop specific opportunities for people to use their skills, and are hoping that they will then looking at offering paid employment. Will let you know how we get on!
Often the person interviewing might be more technical unless it is an HR person. If an HR person is interviewing first, I will not likely get the job since they are more prejudiced against people who have autism. Usually the managers only care about whether you can do the job and they like you.
Actually I have not had much success in finding work.
This was my biggest problem when looking for jobs. Even if I knew the stuff I tend to have problems selling myself, I appear like a loser, even though I do know the stuff and knew in my heart I can do the job. Plus HR people asked you a 1001 silly things that isnt usually that much of a deal when it comes to the actual job. I don't figure whats the idea of looking for fancy people who can talk their way to anything - unless they are hiring a sales/marketing personnel..... I'm an engineer, and I was finally saved from a misery of unemployment when the manager who interviewed me said he didnt care why I was out of a job for so long (as after awhile people seemed to think if nobody hire you, and if isnt your paper qualifications, it must have been your personal attitude) and I was so scared out of my wits because I went through so many failed attempts that in the end he has to calm me a bit and tried to make me relax. The job I apply to was that of a Design Engineer, and he was direct. He did not care about what career path I have in mind, or what I claim to be able to do for the company. He just asked me to sketch out anything he asked.
Eventually he corrected alot of my sketchings, and tell me how I can improve on the various designs, and I thought I have flunk the test yet again, to my surprise, I actually won his approval because he like my attitude to attempt, and thinks I might fit right in.
I especially find interviews with a panel of people to be daunting. If it were just one, I think I could cope okay (actually, I have in the past done okay with just one person but usually they like to have two or more and then I feel a bit as if I'm being ganged up on).