How To Get A Job Advice

[FayetheAspie]

I'm looking for advice about how to get employment (preferably working in an introductory lab technician position). Sometimes being upfront about autism seems to make people more accepting, but other times it seems to make people automatically dismiss you as even being a fully functioning human. Then having the ability to mask accurately is a dilemma in itself. People say you need to mask, but it seems like efforts to mask just make me come off even more odd when I try to practice in front of a mirror (like the hiring manager would probably still notice that I was a bit "off" but additionally mistake my behavior as some kind of flirting attempt (perhaps even a bit stalkerish looking at times)or something.

 

[Masked Man]

I think it depends on what sort of lab you're looking to work in. At the medical center I am employed with, our lab techs have to have a minimum of an Associates degree and I think they may need to have a certificate as well but I'm not sure about that.

 

[Judge]

I would implore you to keep it on a "need-to-know" basis only. Otherwise you are exposing yourself to potential prejudice and ignorance you don't need at this point in your life, just to "get your foot in the door" of a perspective employer.

Best to worry about people accepting you as you are AFTER you get the job, and not before it.

Otherwise you risk putting all your hopes and dreams into the assessment of one person, who may not be so sympathetic to applicants being "different" in a way that they may well not understand in whole or in part.

 

[Neonatal RRT]

Good advice from @Judge

I can "out myself" because I have 40 years' work experience, I am a leader, I am an educator, and I tend to intimidate people simply with my presence.

As a new person who hasn't earned the respect of the team and management, I would simply keep it quiet for a while.

 

[Rodafina]

I wonder if you can land in the gray area here - don't disclose up front, but don't mask too much, either. I think there is room for us to be our authentic selves without having to announce to every soul in earshot that we are autistic. Masking can be capped at being professional.

 

[Masked Man]

On the autism note, I agree I would not disclose unless it's a situation where you need special accommodations in order to perform your job. Otherwise it's none of their business.

 

[FayetheAspie]

It's just frustrating because I don't know how them not knowing will help due to the fact that people automatically know something is off. Back at my retail job, I had not even been evaluated yet to disclose it and people could automatically tell that I was a bit "off". They would accuse me of being crazy and even dangerous even though I was just trying to do my job and help others when they needed it. I don't know how to seem "normal".

 

[FayetheAspie]

It seems like one time I'm in trouble for avoiding eye contact but then if I don't I'm in trouble for staring someone down. If you move around people think you're doing drugs but if you make yourself stay still then you're considered stiff formal and standoffish. If I get an involuntary grin or bust out laughing I need an excuse for what I "find funny" when I don't necessary find anything funny at the moment. If I talk low I need to speak up but if I raise my voice I'm yelling. I don't know how to pass as normal.

 

[FayetheAspie]

Supposedly level 1 individuals are supposed to be good at masking, but how. Trying just makes me seem even weirder.

 

[FayetheAspie]

I would implore you to keep it on a "need-to-know" basis only. Otherwise you are exposing yourself to potential prejudice and ignorance you don't need at this point in your life, just to "get your foot in the door" of a perspective employer.

Best to worry about people accepting you as you are AFTER you get the job, and not before it.

Otherwise you risk putting all your hopes and dreams into the assessment of one person, who may not be so sympathetic to applicants being "different" in a way that they may well not understand in whole or in part.

How is it possible for them to not know I'm different regardless of whether I mention autism or not?

 

[Judge]

How is it possible for them to not know I'm different regardless of whether I mention autism or not?

For starters that's simply asking the wrong question. It's a job interview. Not a psychological evaluation. Whether you are "different" may likely be irrelevant to their hiring requirements, apart from discussing certain issues which may or may not put their business liability at risk.

You have a logical and mathematical mind. So consider the ratio of NTs to NDs. That an overwhelming number of them likely has never had any contact with neurodiverse persons, or has any incentive to learn or understand them. (I think the CDC has revised this ratio to 1 in 36.)

Such odds inherently favor their ignorance and even more, their indifference. Neither of which will work for you if you expose your autism in such an interview. Not to mention it could be interpreted as a plea for special consideration that an interviewer/employer may not appreciate.

A competitive job interview is anything but an act of charity. It's a screening process where if you don't fit their mold in some particular way, they'll likely put your application on the bottom of the stack, or simply dump it in a wastebasket. The last thing you want to do is to throw something in the mix to diminish your chances of being hired. You simply want to present yourself as the best possible candidate- not one with special needs, excuses and exceptions. It's all about what they want- not what you want. That they owe us nothing.

Yes this sounds harsh, but you are entering a highly competitive field where you need to shine as a prospective employee. Trying to sell them on your autistic traits and behaviors could spell disaster. All compounded by a new administration intent on abolishing all forms of diversity, equity and inclusion in public sector workplaces. That alone should be incentive for you to keep your autism a secret in the American workplace at this particular time.

So think of more positive things, such as thoughtful questions to answer, and to project a certain enthusiasm about the job. It also helps to "underwrite" a prospective employer. Do some research to find out about them to ask those intelligent questions others may not even think of.