Autistic people have many strengths and skills to bring to the workforce. Through consultation on the State’s First Autism Strategy Discussion PaperExternal Link, the State Government heard how important it is for Autistic and autism communities to work and participate in meaningful, inclusive workplaces.
Looking for work?
Autistic jobseekers or employees seeking a change of job or career have three main options when looking for work
Autistic people can apply for any jobs advertised in the open job market. There are supports available to help you find a job. Through the Office for Autism and other initiatives, the Government of South Australia is committed to becoming a more inclusive employer for Autistic people. Information about working in the State Government including job advertisements are available hereExternal Link. The Office for Autism is also supporting South Australian businesses to improve their understanding and confidence to employ Autistic people.
Disability Employment Service (DES) providersExternal Link help people with disability to find and keep a job.
Advice, support and guidance to set up a small business can be obtained from a range of sources including the state government Small and Family BusinessExternal Link website.
The Stages of Employment
Knowing your strengths and interests can help you focus your search to find jobs that suit you and set you up for success.
Everyone is at a different point in their journeys so if you’d like to learn more and discover your strengths and interests you can use an online tool like this one by myWAY EmployabilityExternal Link or speak with family and friends who know you and support you.
You can apply for advertised positions as well as approaching organisations where you might like to work. The South Australian state government has a portal for government jobsExternal Link.
Once you find a job vacancy that you would like to apply for, there are a number of steps to go through. Many job advertisements provide contact details for if you want more information or to request adjustments to the application process.
It is common to submit a resume, sometimes known as a curriculum vitae (CV) to apply for a job.
A resume is used to demonstrate to hiring managers that you possess the necessary skills, experience and interest for the job.
A resume includes:
- name and contact details
- summary of qualifications,
- paid and unpaid work experience, including volunteering and work experience
- highlights skills and positive qualities, including Autistic strengths.
Some or all these things may be relevant for you to include in a resume.
A cover letter is usually submitted with your resume when you apply for a job. It should complement the information in your resume and is where you provide information about yourself, your skills, interests and experience that highlight why you are a suitable applicant for the job.
- The letter should be addressed to the contact person in the job advertisement
- Use keywords from the job advert as dot points in your cover letter
- If you do not have any current or previous job experience, you can use specific examples of skills that you have learnt in an education setting, at home or in the community.
- End with a summary of why you are a good match for the position that you are applying for.
You do not have to have every skill or experience listed in the job advert to be a good candidate.
An interview is an opportunity for an employer and a potential employee to see if they are a good fit for each other and if the potential employee is a good match for the job that they have applied for. They can have different formats:
- in person or online
- Individual or a group interview
- Formal or informal
If you are unclear on the details of the interview such as location, date, time and format, contact the organisation.
It is important to present yourself in the best possible way for your interview.
- Arrive early
- Dress in clean, well-presented attire
- You do not need to shake hands with people, but it is helpful to smile at people
- It is ok to ask where you should sit if you are unsure
- Once the interview is over, thank the interviewers.
During an interview, you may be asked about your education, work experience, strengths, areas of support needs, skills, and reasons for applying for the job. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions too.
We have developed a free information guide to support you in exploring reasonable adjustments to ensure your interview is as inclusive as possible.
The Office for Autism is working to help employers improve their understanding of working with Autistic employees and has developed free resources to aid employers to make a meaningful start in recognising Autistic strengths and all the ways that autism works.
