Applying For Jobs and Interviewing with
Autism

Jobs and Autism
All my life since I knew that I had Autism being able to score a job and keep a job has always been difficult for me. I have tried to work several jobs throughout my life however I had a hard time. The issue that I had always faced was the disability question on Indeed Jobs. How do we lie about having Autism? I have the answer

Applying To a New Job
So you have Autism and you’re on Indeed Jobs, Monster, Facebook, and many more job sites applying for jobs! You get to the question about disabilities and accommodations. How do you handle that question? At first, I was answering Yes because why lie about Autism? However, after doing this forever my mom’s friend Paula told me not to do, it because a job does not need to know until after you’re hired, that’s when you request accommodations if you need them. So, fill out the application like normal and wait for an interview.

Once Applied
Once you’ve applied to a job or a few jobs waiting for at least two to three business days for the employer to reach out to you about an interview. If you do not hear from the employer by then, then it’s okay to call them to follow up on your application. Once you follow up wait a few more days to hear back before calling again. This gives the employer time to review your application and decide whether to move forward or not.


Next Steps
Once you have heard back about an interview you should prepare your resume by printing out two to three copies, piece together your high school diploma, college transcripts, a cover letter, and any certifications job employment verification letters, three forms of identification, and any questions that you may have. Also do not forget your reference letters.

What Type of Interviews to Expect With Covid
There are two types of interviews to expect one is an in-person interview where you may have to wear your mask and show proof of covid shots. The other one is virtual meaning Zoom, Teams, Skype, and other social media platforms. With a virtual interview, the interviewer will send you a link to your interview. Make sure to log in at least five to ten minutes early to impress the employer.

You’ve Got The Interview Now What?
Congratulations! You got an interview now what? Now you prepare for your interview. This means figuring out what type of interview you have whether it’s in person or virtual. Once you know what type of interview you have now, we gather important documents. Finally, you pick out what you’re wearing to the interview.
What Documents To Have At The Interview
• Resume 2-3 copies
• Driver’s license, Social security card, passport
• Cover letter
• References
• Job employment verification letters
• High school & college transcripts
• Copy of any certifications you have
• Covid vaccine card

What To Wear to An Interview?
Now that you’re ready for your interview what do you wear?
Girls
• Dress in stockings and flats, skirt and shirt with stockings, dress pants nice shirt flats, dress suit, and flats
• Guys
• Dress pants and a nice shirt dress shoes, suit and dress shoes

Grooming
• Clean up all facial hair
• Girls go easy on the makeup and perfume
• If you have long hair, put it up in a ponytail
• Cover all tattoos
• Take out all piercings minus earrings

Day of Interview
Congrats you made it to the day of your interview always arrive fifteen to twenty minutes early in case of paperwork, ID check, covid screening, and more. Do not forget your important documents and good luck. If your interview is virtual online log in five to ten minutes early and has your important documents available in person and in a document that you can easily email as well. Good luck and Break a Leg!

After your interview
Congrats you have completed your interview! I am proud of you. Now it is time to wait for an answer from the employer. I know that this wait time can cause anxiety. So how do you keep calm while you wait?

Stress Relief While Waiting
So how do you keep calm while waiting for an interview answer? Here are some things that help me cope with the anxiety of waiting.
• Warm baths
• Deep breathing
• Puzzles
• Journaling
• Going for walks
While these strategies work for me I understand if they do not work for you. I hope that you can find things that work for you.

The Email Or Phone call Has Arrived
So you finally received the phone call or email that you either got the job or did not get the job. If you got the job Congrats, I am proud of you! If not, that is ok too there are plenty of jobs out there do not give up! Just keep applying to jobs. If you did get the job and you require accommodations for Autism this is when you would tell your job and request the accommodations. Good luck either way!