The Interview Process

There are many things that an autistic person may struggle with during an interview:

  • Finding the interview venue – They need extra support/instructions in how to find a building or room. Vague instructions like it’s on x street may not be enough. This may also include how to get into the building if there’s’ different entrance points. 
  • Interview method – if possible could you ask the interview which method is best for them? Some really struggle with phone calls and others with face to face. If you can’t adjust to their needs at least ask yourself is the interview method actually relevant to the role? For example if their job doesn’t entail being on the phone but the interview is over the phone, is this right?.
  • Unpredictable interview process – whilst you can’t just give them the job, there are ways to help them present the best version of themselves. Knowing what sort of questions they may face may help, as will knowing if they have to do a presentation and the topic beforehand.
  • Shaking hands and initial impressions – May not know correct social way. May act ‘inappropriate’ without knowing.
  • Eye contact – may really struggle with this.
  • Social interaction – may not possess adequate social skills, but may be able to do the job.
  • Being asked questions on the spot – could cause anxiety, mind may go blank
  • Irrelevant Interview questions – what animal would you be etc may confuse/annoy/frustrate them.
  • Knowing what is expected of them – may not pick up on social queues or interview skills.
  • Misinterpretations of questions – may need questions explained in more detail/may understand things a different way/take things literally.
  • Group interviews – Anxiety/social skills/may feel like they’re being watched.
  • How much detail to give – If you ask them a question they may say ‘yes’ and not know to add more detail/may try to cover every possible aspect.
  • Unwritten social rules – may not know these & struggle because of it.
  • Them asking ‘inappropriate questions’ like when are breaks, how much is the pay etc – this is very important to them…and why shouldn’t it be? Should it go against them?

Again, please let them know if they’ve got the job. Ideally tell them when you’ll let them know.