"Begging" during job interview

wantsajob

Anyone have any experience of effectively begging for a job during an interview? Know of someone who said they knew they had no experience, but just needed a chance to prove themselves, which seemed to be positively received and led to a job.

I am 31, have never been offered a job after an interview, which in my view is due to having Asperger's Syndrome. From previous experiences, I am convinced I will never get a job. After passing the first stage a few weeks ago, which was a written test, I have an interview soon in Civil Service. The position is relevant to my qualifications, and I am 100% certain I am more than capable of doing the job. However, I am unlikely to compare well with candidates without my difficulties. I have been interviewed for the same department three times before. I have seen the same person all three times, (they recognised me the second and third times), and it is possible they will be one of the assessors on the panel.

Although I mention my disability and ask for adjustments, they still compare candidates on equal terms - when all things are not. I find it difficult to communicate effectively due to nervousness, and also I feel I have not had the same opportunities as others, in order to have examples to describe at interview. During the interview, I was considering highlighting that I cannot compare well on equal terms with other candidates, due to Aspergers. Perhaps also stating had I needed to pass an interview for University, I might never have been enrolled and achieved a first. I guess saying I have never managed to get a job, or detailing unemployment statistics for people with AS, would be going too far. Probably won't pluck up the courage though, and will wait for the inevitable thanks but no thanks email I've had many times before - and yet more years of the same.

whitewing

Rather than begging, and talking about adjustments for a job you haven't done, why not ask if you can do a month's (or less, or 8 weeks if you can do it as part of Jobcentre work experience) unpaid. Or on a temporary contract for 8 weeks before you get a follow up interview. Then you could talk about adjustments which would make it easier for the company and you to communicate effectively.

Anxiety can be a problem with Asperger's - would it be possible to get some medication from the GP to help with that. Also try pm_ing Savvy_Sue; there is Asperger's with her husband and son I believe and I am sure she will be able to give plenty of tips.

Gingernutty

http://faststream.civilservice.gov.uk/How-do-I-apply/Candidates-requiring-adjustments-and-the-Guaranteed-Interview-Scheme/

Did you mention your disability in the application? The Civil Service uses the DIGS.

Trust me, don't beg. The smell of desperation puts a lot of interviewers off.

Have you tried the National Autistic Society? They have some resources http://www.autism.org.uk/our-services/employment-support.aspx

faerie~spangles

Let your personality shine through during an interview instead of focusing on the fact you have Asperger's.

Employers are loathe to employ people, who, once given the job may use their condition to not actually carry out the job they are employed to do. Citing all sorts of discrimination and wasting company resources with grievance procedures.

paddyrg

Begging is a pretty bad idea - it seems clingy/desperate and there is nothing less attractive. The suggestion of 2 months work experience in a related role is excellent - firstly you get experience which you've never had, secondly you give a company a chance to see you in action (if you impress them, they may even offer you a role), and thirdly you may find you hate/suck at the job! They would rather have evidence that you are capable and able to hold down a job, something positive they can base a major decision on.

You say you have never had a job from an interview - how many have you tried? Remember there is fierce competition for everyone looking for work at the moment, and it is a bit of a numbers game. And whilst your dream employer doesn't seem eager, there are plenty of other employers in the country, you just have to keep banging away until someone spots where you would fit within their organisation. Being flexble with things like travel will make a big difference.

Do you have any specific skills you can use, maybe in a different role? Again, a lot of people don't work in their dream jobs, just any old jobs they can do. Even this is useful for any employer to see that a person can handle life in the workplace if nothing else. If you have any IT/technology skills for instance, you may find IT departments tend to be more natural homes for people with some Asbergers traits. Everyone is different of course, but whereas say HR departments tend to attract women of a certain age, IT departments tend to attract younger males with fewer social skills but an ability to concentrate diligently where accuracy is important and valued.

nonnatus

I agree that begging is probably not a good idea.

Your post suggests you are highly articulate when feeling comfortable in your own surroundings, but if the interview is going to cause so many problems, are you sure you will be able to cope with the actual job and its working conditions?

It's difficult and not something I've come across before! You can't exactly ask the panel to conduct the interview in your home can you??? So I don't know what options you're left with. I would be interested to see how you manage though, so please update the post?

And Good Luck

rang007

I agree that begging is probably not a good idea.

LittleVoice

wantsajob wrote: »

Anyone have any experience of effectively begging for a job during an interview? Know of someone who said they knew they had no experience, but just needed a chance to prove themselves, which seemed to be positively received and led to a job.

I would say the way you have written that is not an example of "begging". It was acknowledging a lack of experience which would have been known already to the interviewer (unless they went straight to interview without having to send an application).

If they needed a chance to prove themselves then I would hope they pointed out the skills they did have which would fit with the requirements of the job - that is selling themselves, not begging.

I agree you should not beg for a job (and it wouldn't work as a ploy with the Civil Service in any case). The employer wants to know what you can do for them, not how they can help you. Of course good employers should want to help their staff improve but that is also to help themselves.

Sambucus_Nigra

'I acknowledge my lack of experience, and if I may be a little bold; could I ask you why you are now interviewing me for the fourth time?'

'I am very keen to work for you, but have Asperger's Syndrome which means I may come across as short or rude but that's mainly due to nerves. I would really appreciate the feedback to tell me what I would need to do in order to secure a role with your company, and would like to suggest a work trial so that you can see me working without the pressure of an interview situation.'

gibson123

I recently employed a young man with aspergers, he interviewed reasonably well, struggled with eye contact, but just appeared a little nervous like about 75% of interviewees. He impressed with his accomplishments and attitude. After the interview I had to check the paperwork to see if he was the candidate with aspergers! following the interview. we have made a few adjustments since he joined us, he has a mentor who is helping him adapt to the office environment. People in the team originally found him a bit arrogant, and his mentor suggested he "outed" himself so people would understand his disability. He was happy to do so, and everyone in the team originally made allowances but then have quickly adapted to him and he is liked and appreciated for who he is. Why don't you get some help with interview skills and see if that helps. But no, don't beg.

JethroUK

wantsajob wrote: »

"Begging" during job interview .

I teach interview techniques - Dont do it!

Would you give out £20K because you're sympathetic???

No!

Neither will they

People dont like people who are "Desperate"

People love people who are "Enthusiastic"

turn any 'desperation' you may have into "enthusiasm" - it's not difficult to change one to the other but will be received in totally different way