You had a successful interview and now you are offered the job- before saying “YES” – Do you know what it really means to accept a job offer? Working in my role as an Autism Outreach Coordinator I have learned that “working” means something different to everyone. Some Job seekers attached to the Autism Job Seekers Database say that accepting a job means: “To commit yourself and your skills (as they apply to the position you're being hired for) to the goals of the company. It also means that I am going to do the best job that I can to reassure them they hired the right person for the job.” “The employer is willing to learn about autism and/or has some sort of previous experience with people on the spectrum. Also it makes a big difference in my daily life. It allows me to live on my own and do what I enjoy doing every day.” “Well, to me, accepting a job offer is pretty much what it says it is- getting the job.” “It means to finally be given the opportunity to work at the job you applied to and to prove your worth to that employer and the people who work there.” While other job seekers believe that telling an employer “yes” to the job means: “Accepting a job offer means taking the next step in independence and moving forward as an adult and getting your first job.” “To commit yourself and your skills (as they apply to the position you're being hired for) to the goals of the company. It also means that I am going to do the best job that I can to reassure them they hired the right person for the job.” “In my experience, accepting a job offer is a dangerous gamble. Why? Because going in, there is a sense of optimism from the employer that I can be that person I pretended to be during the job interview. In reality, I am not and cannot be that person. Being a female on the spectrum, I have found myself disproportionately directed into "customer service" and related fields, regardless of my education, personality, aptitudes and preferences. The NS employment market wants customer service workers, be they cashiers, wait staff, receptionists, tour guides, or other front-line staff to address public (customer) requests. What is ironic is that clerical work and customer service are my two main areas of weakness, and as I near age 50, the refrain that I can "learn" these skills or adapt by "trying harder" rings more and more dishonest every time I hear it. What does it mean to accept a job offer? The danger of losing my Disability support, as meager as it is, because it is the only income or support I have that doesn't depend on pleasing others. The repetition of a familiar pattern: fake a "normal" personality in job interview, complete with lies like "I am a good team player"; last about a month at the job before the inevitable questions about how odd I am arise, to my face and behind my back; tension escalates and I am fired or quit due to the overt workplace hostility.” There is no right or wrong opinion about what it meant to accept a job. However, when the day comes that YOU do accept a job, this is what an employer will expect from you without directly telling you: When you say “yes” to an employment offer, you are making a commitment and an employer expects you to keep this commitment You will be expected to be dependable, dress appropriately and work professionally. Working professionally means: you show up to work on time, you have the skills and knowledge to complete your job with the best of your ability, you respect others and company polices. Depending on what job you are hired for, you may have to work evenings, weekends and holidays. If you are unsure you should ask your employer. The employer may ask you to work extra hours. Extra hours are hours you work outside your regular shift. All employees might be expected to attend team meetings, organizational events, and other events such as: Annual General Meetings, Christmas Parties, webinars and team building exercises. You might be expected to participate in professional development which will help you contribute to the organization you are working for. They may require that you problem solve and think on your feet. You might need to demonstrate a positive attitude, especially during stressful times. Take instructions and directions from the people training you and from your new supervisor. To be honest. When you make a mistake you will take responsibility for it and ask for help when you need it. You can also expect things from your employer, such as: adequate training, safe working conditions, fair and constructive feedback from your supervisor. To help you find out what your employer expects of you:
If you do accept a job offer and you need support from a job coach, Autism Nova Scotia offers on and off site job coaching. A job coach uses different strategies to help you learn to perform job tasks to the employer's specifications and to learn the interpersonal skills necessary to be successful at your job and in your work environment. If you are an individual with autism and need a job coach or are interested in learning more about job coach support contact Employment Support Coordinator, Sheila Pearson at [email protected].
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
November 2017
Categories |