Workplace Skills Group Autism & Asperger Connections 12/7/13

2 Today’s Agenda  1:00-1:05 – Welcome & Agenda Review  1:05-1:10 – Review Assignment from Last Session  1:10-1:35 – Interviewing Tips & Strategies  1:35-1:40 – Break  1:40-1:50 – Demonstration Interview  1:50-2:15 – Practice Interviews  2:15-2:20 – Break  2:20-2:30 – Holiday Social Do's & Don'ts  2:30-2:50 – Holiday Social  2:50-2:55 – Assignment  2:55-3:00 – Q&A / Wrap-Up

3 Assignment from Last Meeting  If you’re currently looking for a job:  Complete at least one job application and turn it in to the employer  If you're currently employed:  Check out the free training and career development workshops available through the Pikes Peak Workforce Center at and consider signing uphttp://

4 Interviewing Tips & Strategies

5  Check out the employer/company  Find out as much as you can about a potential employer - you'll be better prepared to answer interview questions (such as the common question "What do you know about our company?") as well as ask them questions relevant to the company/job.  Visit the company website to learn about the company's mission, history, products & services, management, and culture.  Use to get an edge on the interview process. Glassdoor has tons of information provided by employees/applicants, including info about companies' interviewing approaches and often even the types of questions they ask during interviews.  Tap your connections. Do you know someone who works at the company you're going to interview with? Ask them if they can provide you with some tips on how to prepare.

6 Interviewing Tips & Strategies  Dress for interview success  The first judgment an interviewer makes is based on how you look  Good hygiene is critical - fresh appearance, clean hands/nails, and a fresh shave/trim for men  Wear neat, clean, and pressed/ironed clothing - polish your shoes and make sure they're free of noticeable scuff marks  Business casual attire is suitable for most entry level job interviews:  Khaki, corduroy, or cotton pants/skirts (no jeans)  Long-sleeved button-down shirts/blouses, polo shirts, knit shirts with collar (no t-shirts)  Leather shoes or dress shoes (no sneakers or flip flops)  Tie optional  Business attire (vs. business casual) is more formal:  Women: solid color conservative suit with coordinated blouse, dress heels or flats  Men: solid color conservative suit, long sleeve button-down shirt, conservative tie, dark socks, dress shoes

7 Interviewing Tips & Strategies  Proven "dress for success" tips for Aspies:  If you have a favorite color, find a dress shirt or pants in that color  Choose comfort over style when it comes to shoes (and break in your shoes before wearing them to an interview)  If your feet are very sensitive and only casual shoes are tolerable, choose black or brown casual shoes that are as plain/neutral as possible  Conservative jewelry is fine and can be a source of comfort (wear it under your clothing if you don't think it's appropriate for the interview)  Women: don't wear heels if you have balance/coordination issues. Don't wear a skirt if you're not comfortable in them.  Men: a clip-on tie might work better if you have sensory sensitivities around your neck  Put a lucky charm or a piece of paper with your favorite quote or picture on it in your pocket. If you get stressed during the interview, think of that item and know your strength is with you.

8 Interviewing Tips & Strategies  Prepare for the interview  Make a list of your qualifications for the job and why you're interested in the position  Know your past dates of school attendance/employment  List your qualifications and how they match up to the job description  Prepare to talk about your previous jobs/volunteer positions and the skills they helped you develop  Practice your answers to interview questions  Think of actual examples (from past jobs/volunteer positions) you can use to describe your skills  Decide whether it's more helpful to you to practice a few days in advance or right before the interview  Ask your ally to practice with you if that's helpful to you  Prepare your own list of questions for the interviewer  Identify a few calming/relaxation strategies you can use before and during the interview  Get your interview outfit ready

9 Interviewing Tips & Strategies  Common Interview Questions  Tell me about yourself.  What were your responsibilities at your last job?  What did you like or dislike about your last job?  What is your greatest strength?  What is your greatest weakness?  How do you handle stress and pressure?  Describe a difficult work situation and how you overcame it.  Why are you leaving your job/looking for a new job?  Why do you want this job?  Why should we hire you?  Be prepared to answer standard interview questions  Find sample answers to the above questions as well as many more at  Practice your answers to these questions on your own or with your ally (whichever works better for you)

10 Interviewing Tips & Strategies  Going to the interview  Plan to arrive about 5-10 minutes early  Tip: drive to the interview location a few days prior so you can be sure of where you're going and how long it takes to get there  Bring picture ID  Bring a pen and paper for note taking  Bring your notes  Write down the name of the person you're interviewing with so you can ask for them by name when you arrive, and remember their name during the interview  Bring the list of questions you want to ask the interviewer  Bring a completed application (even if you've already turned in an application to the employer) so you can refer to employment dates, employer addresses, etc. if asked  Bring a printed list of references you can give to the interviewer if asked  Get rid of your gum, beverage, etc. before you enter the building  Turn off your cell phone  If your ally goes to the interview location with you, have them wait outside (it does not make a good impression to bring someone to the interview with you)

11 Interviewing Tips & Strategies  During the interview  Greet the interviewer and anyone else you meet with a handshake (if they offer) and a "Nice to meet you."  Try to stay calm (use the calming techniques you identified in advance)  Relax and lean forward slightly to appear interested and engaged - do not lean back or slump in your chair  Maintain eye contact with the interviewer  Listen to the entire question before you answer  Take a moment to compose your answer if needed - it's ok to say "Let me think about that for a moment."  Keep your answers brief and limited to the question - don't ramble and don't get side- tracked into talking about your personal life or other unrelated matters  When discussing your qualifications, try to match them to what the company is looking for  Keep your responses positive and polite (don't use slang or swear words)  Don't say anything negative about past employers or jobs  Towards the end of the interview, let the interviewer know that you believe you'd be a good fit for the job and that you're very interested

12 Interviewing Tips & Strategies  After the interview  Ask the interviewer about the next steps  Ask when the hiring decision will be made and when (or whether) you will be notified  Thank the interviewer for his/her time  Shake hands (if offered) when you say goodbye  Depending on the type of job you're applying for, it's sometimes appropriate to send a thank you note or after the interview reiterating your qualifications and interest in the job

13 Interviewing Tips & Strategies  Know your rights  Be aware of illegal interview questions  Employers are not allowed to ask about certain topics, including whether you have a disability  Employers may not discriminate against a qualified applicant with a disability  List of illegal interview questions and how to answer them: -illegal-questions.htm -illegal-questions.htm  ADA Act as it pertains to job interviews:  Decide whether you want to disclose your diagnosis during the interview  Helpful guide:

14 Discussion  What other questions do you have about the interview process?

15 Break Please be back in 5 minutes

16 Demonstration Interview

17 Practice Interviews

18 Practice Interviews  Instructors will serve as interviewers  After you're assigned an interviewer, take a moment to prepare yourself  Focus on the following during your interview:  Greet the interviewer with a handshake and a "Nice to meet you."  Relax and lean forward slightly to appear interested and engaged  Maintain eye contact with the interviewer  Listen to the entire question before you answer  Take a moment to compose your answer if needed  Keep your answers brief and limited to the question  Keep your responses positive and polite  Don't say anything negative about past employers or jobs  Towards the end of the interview, let the interviewer know that you believe you'd be a good fit for the job and that you're very interested

19 Discussion  How did your practice interview go?  What did you learn during the practice interview that might help you in a real interview?

20 Break Please be back in 5 minutes

21 Holiday Social Do's & Don'ts

22 Holiday Social Do's & Don'ts  Do:  Go to your workplace holiday social! Not going is usually interpreted as "not being a team player".  Dress appropriately - business casual or a bit more formal (ask your manager what the dress code is if you're unsure)  Know your triggers and avoid/prepare for them as much as possible  Eat before you go, if eating and socializing at the same time doesn't work for you  Scope out a quiet place as you arrive where you can take a break if needed  Hold something (a cup or a plate) - it gives your hands something to do  Say "hello" with a smile to as many people as possible  Make small talk. The easiest way to make small talk is to ask people about themselves with open-ended questions. For example "What's new with you?" or "Tell me about your weekend." Keep things going by asking follow-up questions.  Take the time to tell your coworkers that you are glad to be on the team, and that you appreciate working with them  Express thanks to supervisors and leadership for their support and for having you on the team (if given the opportunity)

23 Holiday Social Do's & Don'ts  Don't:  Don't talk about politics or religion.  Don't talk about work, or bring up work problems for discussion. Holiday parties are a time to get to know your co-workers on a personal level, and let them get to know you.  Don't go up to supervisors or leadership - wait for them to approach you first.  Don't expect to eat a full meal at the party and socialize at the same time  Don't overindulge (in food or drink, if alcohol is being served)

24 Holiday Social

25 Assignment for Next Meeting  Jan WS Group Topic: “Effective Workplace Communication & Review of Sep-Dec Topics"  Assignment for next meeting  If you’re currently looking for a job:  Complete several job applications and turn them in to the employers. Take advantage of the holiday hiring season!  If you’re currently employed:  Check out the free training and career development workshops at Consider signing up for training before the end of the year.

26 Q&A

27 Thank you for coming today! 