Interviewing for a job without feeling weird
by Bob
One of the many things I like about working at Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin is the diverse array of services we provide to people of all ages. It’s rewarding to see the changes, transitions and challenges individuals with autism confront at different times of their lives.
Sue Russell, our VP of Community Engagement, recently talked with the mother of a young man who had received early intervention services from Easter Seals. Elijah is grown up now … he went to college, and earned a Master’s Degree. He has a tremendous resume and is always selected for interviews. But he never gets the job.
Is it the economy? Lack of Experience? No. It’s his autism. Elijah struggles with the social aspects of the interview, keeping his responses clear, focused and professional. He gets lost in details. The Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation couldn’t help teach Elijah interviewing skills, since he already has an advanced degree. Sue Russell to the rescue!
After asking Elijah’s mom if he would like some help, Sue had him do a practice interview for her. She noted his “over-responsiveness” and started to give him clues and ideas on how to give the best answer, an answer that would focus on his strengths.
Elijah had an interview this past week and said that for the first time, he really felt like he had a “good interview.” All because someone took the time to help him focus. He even felt comfortable telling the interview team up-front that he didn’t always interview well, asking them to please let him know if he was giving them more information than they needed. So he had them understanding and helping him, instead of, as Elijah puts it, “thinking I was weird.”
Elijah should hear this week whether or not he got the job. We’re keeping our fingers crossed! Elijah’s story is just one of many about the individual approach we are building here. Stay tuned to the Easter Seals and autism blog until next week, when I’ll publish another post about an adult job-seeker with autism we are helping here at Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin.
July 16th, 2013 at 3:18 pm
Erin,
I am glad Elijah’s story spoke to you. It is important to keep trying. With the right attitude and commitment to work, many employers are open to helping individuals with autism find a place within their organizations.
July 14th, 2013 at 6:13 pm
Again, great post. I’m also an adult with autism with difficulty interviewing.Reading Elijah’s story makes me feel a little less weird too. After all, different is specifies what someone is not. And normal simply says who in a group of people you stand beside. Keep it up, and Elijah, me, and lot of other autistic people could create a whole new normal.
November 12th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
To Elijah,
I’m sorry you did not get this job, but I am a true believer that you will get the job that God has waiting for you and it will be the perfect job. Easter Seals is a great resource and I bet you could probably help other people with their interviewing skills. Since you did not get employed yet, may be you could volunteer a few hours a week at your locale Easter Seals teaching the many skills that I am sure you have.
Sincerely, Diana
November 10th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
Sorry to say, Elijah struck out on his last job interview, but he is coming to Easter Seals for additional support. We’ll keep you posted.
November 3rd, 2010 at 5:50 am
Great post. I hope Elijah gets the job. Even if he doesn’t, he’s already better equipped for the next interview. Good work.