Support for autistic individuals. Autism focused interview help.

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At last, an App that addresses a recurring problem, namely how autistic candidates often struggle to perform well in job interviews where the situation seems loaded against them from start to finish. Yet neurodiverse individuals are often star employees when in jobs. Neurodiversity should be embraced. Those on the spectrum have particular skills. 

So our App has the mighty aim of breaking down one of the key barriers to employment for autistic individuals....the JOB INTERVIEW - whereby some of the common innate traits of autistic individuals (such as being straight talking and the need to process information at a gentle, steady rate) are actually huge disadvantages in job interviews, which can involve game playing and quick fire questions. The App also deals with another key barrier, namely poor understanding of autism on the part of interviewers.

We are also developing an alternative to another barrier, which is perhaps not as obvious, namely the traditional Resume/CV. Autistic job seekers often have little work history, work history with gaps or just work history that is not the norm. This means that it can be hard for them to sell themself and also means that they get filtered out at an early stage. So we are developing an alternative, based on a Skills Profile. The process of developing this Skills Profile is intended to be one of self-discovery for the autistic person and, it is intended, will help build confidence and will be a long way from a Resume/V with gaps to explain. 

Many autistic job seekers report that they can “do the job, they just can’t do the interview!!” – so organisations miss out on outstanding talent. 

The diversity of thinking and approach of autistic individuals needs to be valued and harnessed. With the right support, their job interviews do not have to be derailed. This App, containing over 100,000 words providing 100’s of tips, plus with useful audio and video resources addresses this situation. Autistic individuals have helped in the design and development of the App, having provided accounts of the problems that they face during job interviews as well as providing useful tips to pass on. Whilst aimed primarily at autistic individuals, others who are part of the neurodiverse community may also gain some benefit from the App. 

There is a huge 10,000 word section for interviewers too!!.

Also useful for job coaches; careers advisors; universities; colleges;  autism advocates; HR and Talent Acquisition professionals.

The initial version of the App are paid versions - autistic individuals whom we receive advice from told us that they generally prefer paid Apps rather than Apps with intrusive adverts full of clutter and banners. 

What are the issues addressed by AutiQuest’s App?:

• To disclose or not disclose?

• Reasonable adjustments/accommodations

• How do you confirm the interview?

• Not knowing the interview structure/timings

• Not knowing what venue/interviewer will be like

• Handling tricky ice-breaker/small talk

• Lack of processing time & information overload

• Not knowing what questions will come up

• Fast paced & multi-layered questions

• Ambiguous & hypothetical questions

• Misreading nuance & non-verbal cues

• Getting pace & tone of speech right

• How long to speak/when to stop speaking

• Getting distracted/losing focus/going blank

• Interruptions derailing interview

• Not knowing how to “sell self”

• What questions to ask & when

• Body language/eye contact issues

• Sensory over-stimulation

• Extreme anxiety & stress

• Avoiding a dreaded meltdown

• Being judged/fear of failure

How does the App help?/Key features:

• Autism friendly user experience

• Easy navigation

• Personalisation of background colour

• Facility to organise upcoming interviews

• All aspects of interview process covered

• Has linear checklists to aid organisation

• Advice on autism disclosure

• Reasonable adjustments/accommodations

• Shows how to confirm the interview

• Advice on how to handle phone screening

• Advice on how to handle panel interviews

• Advice on matching own competencies to job

• Lists 100 common strengths of autistic people

• Advice on “selling self” effectively

• Gives typical interview questions to expect

• Suggests good answers to typical questions

• How to approach answering questions

• Gives guidance on all aspects of speaking

• Smart techniques to stay on track

• How to prevent information overload

• Advice on dress/body language/eye contact

• Covers stimming

• Advice on sensory issues/overload

• Help with anxiety/shutdowns/meltdowns

• Relaxation techniques

• Handy Emergency Screens to show & share

• Facility to write notes & make voice notes

• Audio & video resources

• Templates for confirmation & follow up emails

• Multi-choice quiz to self-test knowledge

• Common pitfalls to avoid

• How to request post-interview feedback

• 10,000 word section to help interviewers 

Available for iPhone and Android: 

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/interview-tips-autism-focused/id1575266130   

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.autiquest