A job interview can be particularly difficult for someone with Autism Spectrum Condition, especially if they are new to these kinds of experiences. Autism, a neurodevelopmental condition, affects people differently, but there are common struggles that many autistic individuals might encounter during the job interview process. These struggles can range from sensory sensitivities to communicating and interacting differently.
From an employer’s point of view, understanding the struggles an autistic adult may face during a job interview designed for neurotypical people is crucial for fostering empathy and creating supportive work environments. With this article, we aim to support employers to understand their role better, and autistic job seekers with understanding areas of difficulty but also the strengths that come with autism and gain the confidence to use them to their advantage.
Here you will find a comprehensive list of things that could come in the way of performance during an interview and some tips to help you prepare and face these challenges.
- Sensory differences: Autistic individuals often experience heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory input. The bright lights, unfamiliar smells, or background noise in an interview setting can be overwhelming or distracting. These sensory differences might not only cause discomfort but also make it difficult to focus on the interview questions and interact with the interviewer.
- Differences with Verbal Communication: Many autistic adults might struggle with understanding figurative language, picking up on tone, or knowing when it's their turn to speak. Additionally, some might modulate their tone of voice differently or may not modulate it as expected, or may prefer not to engage in small talk, which is often an informal part of the interview process. These challenges can lead to misunderstandings or give the false impression of disinterest or rudeness.
- Non-Verbal Communication Differences: Autistic individuals understand and use non-verbal cues like eye contact, facial expressions, and body language differently. In an interview setting, this might affect the flow of conversation or lead to misinterpretation of their engagement or capability. For example, avoiding eye contact—a common behavior in autistic individuals—might be mistakenly perceived as a lack of confidence or honesty.
- Social Interaction Differences: Social norms and expectations can be less intuitive for autistic individuals. They might struggle with the unwritten rules of conversation, such as how to enter or exit discussions or how to express agreement or disagreement in a socially accepted way. During interviews, this might lead to awkward transitions, interruptions, or a perceived difficulty in forming a rapport with the interviewer.
- Anxiety and Stress: Interviews are inherently stressful for most people, but autistic individuals might experience heightened anxiety due to uncertainty and the pressure to perform socially and communicatively in ways that are not natural to them. This anxiety can be exacerbated by worries about being judged not only for their skills and qualifications but also for their social and communication differences.
- Difficulty with Change and Unstructured Situations: Many autistic individuals prefer routine and predictability. Interviews are typically one-off, unpredictable scenarios that might involve unexpected questions or changes in format, such as multiple interviewers or a shift from a one-on-one to a panel interview. Adapting to these changes in real-time can be particularly stressful.
- Executive Functioning Differences: Some autistic adults process information and execute tasks differently, impacting their ability to plan, organize, and prioritize. Formulating responses to interview questions, especially behavioral or situational ones, might take longer, or they may struggle to recall specific examples on the spot. This can affect the pacing and flow of conversation in an interview.
- Literal Interpretation of Language: Autistic individuals often interpret language literally. This can lead to confusion or miscommunication during an interview, especially if the interviewer uses idioms, metaphors, or nonspecific language. For example, a common interview question like "Where do you see yourself in five years?" might be confusing if taken literally.
- Overwhelm with Information Processing: Processing a lot of new information quickly and responding in a timely manner can be overwhelming. This is especially true in an interview scenario, where autistic individuals might be processing not just the questions but also the novel environment, the interviewer's body language, and their own sensory experiences.
- Social Exhaustion: For autistic individuals, the effort required to navigate social interactions can lead to quick burnout or exhaustion. This might not only affect performance during the interview but also their overall energy and well-being post-interview.
- Misjudgment of Skills and Abilities: Because of communication and social interaction difficulties, an interviewer might not fully recognize an autistic candidate's skills or potential. This can lead to a misjudgment of the individual's suitability for the job, overlooking their often considerable talents and unique perspective.
The differences as above highlight the need for awareness and adaptation in the recruitment process to accommodate the needs of autistic job seekers. While some of the differences may be significant, with understanding and support, autistic individuals can demonstrate their true capabilities and contribute meaningfully in the workplace. It's important for employers to recognise that traditional interview methods may not always be the best indicator of an autistic individual's potential or fit for a role.
Likewise, we believe in a neuro-affirmative way of dealing with these differences. Being open and honest about your preferences can foster empathy and understanding from your future employer, who will have more information to make a more accurate choice. But most importantly, autistic individuals need to be aware of their unique strengths and gain confidence to talk about them and showcase them during the recruitment process.
The Strengths that autistic people bring to the work environment
Autistic individuals can bring a diverse range of strengths to a job interview, showcasing not only their unique skill set but also the distinctive attributes that can be highly beneficial in various professional roles. Understanding these strengths allows both the individual and potential employers to appreciate the value they can add to the workplace.
- Deep Specialised Knowledge: Many autistic individuals develop intense interests and deep knowledge in specific subjects. This can lead to an impressive level of expertise in certain areas, which can be highly beneficial for roles that require specialised skills or deep focus.
- Attention to Detail: Autistic individuals often have an extraordinary ability to focus on details. They can notice and process detailed information that others might overlook, making them particularly valuable in roles that require precision, such as data analysis, editing, or engineering.
- Strong Concentration and Focus: Once focused, autistic individuals often demonstrate a remarkable ability to sustain attention and concentrate on a task for extended periods. This can lead to high productivity and efficiency, especially in tasks that others might find too repetitive or complex.
- Creativity and Innovation: Contrary to stereotypes, many autistic individuals are highly creative and capable of thinking "outside the box." They might approach problems and challenges from unique angles, offering fresh, innovative solutions that break the mold of traditional thinking.
- Reliability and Consistency: Autistic individuals often prefer routine and predictability, traits that can translate into being reliable and consistent workers. Once they understand their job responsibilities, they are likely to perform them diligently and consistently, which is a valuable trait in any employee.
- Honesty and Integrity: Directness and honesty are common traits among autistic individuals. They tend to communicate in a straightforward manner and can be depended upon to give honest feedback or opinions. This integrity can be a significant asset in building trust within a team and ensuring transparent communication.
- Exceptional Memory: Some autistic individuals have exceptional memory skills, particularly for facts and details related to their areas of interest. This can be highly beneficial in roles that require quick recall of information or deep knowledge retention.
- Systematic and Logical Thinking: Autistic individuals may excel in systematic and logical thinking. They can be adept at identifying patterns or working through complex problems step by step, making them effective in fields such as IT, mathematics, and science.
- Dedication and Commitment: When interested in a task, autistic individuals often demonstrate a high level of dedication and commitment. They can be intensely focused and driven to complete a task to the best of their ability, showing persistence even in the face of challenges.
- Strong Work Ethic: Coupled with their focus and reliability, many autistic individuals have a strong work ethic. They take their responsibilities seriously and are committed to performing their duties well, often going above and beyond what is required.
- Unique Perspective: The autistic way of viewing the world is unique and can bring new perspectives to a team. This can lead to more diverse thought processes and solutions, fostering innovation and creativity within the workplace.
- Adherence to Rules and Regulations: Autistic individuals typically like clear rules and structure. This means they can be particularly good at adhering to regulations and maintaining high standards of compliance, which is essential in many regulated industries.
- Passion and Enthusiasm: For areas of interest, autistic individuals often show a level of passion and enthusiasm that is infectious and inspiring. They might bring a level of energy and dedication to their work that elevates the entire team.
- Ability to Work Independently: Many autistic individuals are comfortable working independently and can manage tasks without the need for constant supervision. This independence can be a significant asset in remote or unsupervised roles.
- Resilience: Facing a world not designed for them, many autistic individuals develop a resilience and adaptability that can be a significant strength. They are often used to overcoming challenges and finding unique ways to navigate various situations.
In a job interview, these strengths can manifest in various ways. An autistic individual might demonstrate their deep knowledge and passion for a subject, discuss their unique approach to problem-solving, or exhibit a keen eye for detail and precision. They might also communicate honestly and directly, giving the interviewer a clear and accurate sense of their abilities and character.
It's important for employers to recognise and value these strengths, understanding that the traditional interview process might not fully capture an autistic individual's potential. By focusing on abilities and fit for the job, rather than solely on social and communication skills, employers can unlock a wealth of talent and dedication. Embracing neurodiversity not only benefits autistic individuals but also enriches the workplace, leading to a more diverse, innovative, and productive environments.
How to facilitate the interview process?
A potential employer should enhance understanding and foster a supportive environment; they could send out clear information about the interview process, what kind of competencies the candidate will be asked to demonstrate and how these will be evaluated. They could send out not just the names but the pictures of panel members; some decide to send the interview questions in writing, in advance, to all candidates.
When preparing for an interview as an autistic adult, it's important to find strategies that increase your confidence and make you feel supported during the process. Here are some tips aimed at facilitating communication, acceptance, and understanding from a future employer.
Pre-Interview Preparation:
Research the Company: Understand the company culture and values to understand if they are the right fit for you and if so, to better align your communication.
Role Play: Practise common interview questions with a friend or mentor who can provide feedback.
Visual Supports: Prepare any visual aids or scripts that might help you communicate your thoughts more clearly.
Disclosing Autism:
It’s not mandatory: It is entirely up to you whether you want to disclose your diagnosis and you are under no obligation to do so.
Choose Comfort: Decide if and when you feel comfortable disclosing your autism to the employer, perhaps framing it in terms of how it makes you a unique candidate. You may perhaps choose to disclose that you have some unique needs when it comes to communication e.g. more time to think before answering a question.
Focus on Strengths: When discussing autism, focus on the strengths and unique perspectives you bring to the table.
During the Interview:
Clear Communication Needs: If comfortable, communicate your needs upfront, such as asking for questions in writing or more time to process and respond.
Bring Notes: Having a list of talking points can help you stay on track and ensure you cover what you want to discuss. You may ask if it is ok to consult your notes during the interview.
Ask for Clarification: Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you don't understand a question or statement.
Environment and Timing:
Schedule Wisely: If possible, schedule the interview at a time of day when you feel most comfortable and alert.
Familiarise Yourself with the Location: Visit the interview location beforehand if possible to reduce anxiety and make you feel more at ease with the environment.
Post-Interview Reflection:
Follow-Up: Send a thank you email, reiterating your interest and summarising how you believe your skills match the position.
Reflect on your Experience: Note what went well and what could be improved for future interviews. You may use a diary for this purpose or talk to a friend/family member about it.
Advocacy and Legal Rights:
Know Your Rights: Be aware of your legal rights regarding employment and accommodations. In many places, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for interviews and employment (more information can be found here: www.gov.uk/access-to-work).
Professional Help:
Seek Support: Consider working with a job coach or therapist who specialises in helping autistic individuals prepare for the workforce or with communication and relational skills. They can provide tailored advice and strategies.
Remember, every individual is different, and it's important to find the strategies that work best for you. It might also be helpful to reach out to organisations or support groups for individuals with autism for additional resources and advice. The Spectrum Clinic offers a range of interventions and support for autistic individuals; visit our service page for more information.
