Friends of Quinn

Finding and getting a job is tough for anyone in today’s economy. Competition for jobs is fierce. Qualified applicants are routinely rejected because companies get to choose from pools of strong prospects. Why does one person come out on top? What makes the winners stand out?  In many cases, it is because they interview well.  

If you are a young adult with learning differences, interviewing, particularly in a pressurized professional environment, may not be at the top of your list of favorite activities. Of course, I do know a number of persons with learning differences who are naturals – they thrive in social environments and could sell ice to an Eskimo. But for many, knowing what to say and do in an interview may not be second nature.

A little preparation can go a long way.

Let’s start with a story of what not to do. Ray was sort of pissed off at life. He was in his early 20s and struggling to find a job. He’d had a tough time at school where he was teased because of his learning differences. He did not make friends easily, and without meaning to, did and said things that did not make him popular. He would easily get overwhelmed if there was a lot of activity going around him – from doing work in class to playing basketball to just hanging out with a group of kids.

Ray was fascinated with “geeky gadgets” and thought it would be cool to work in a Best Buy type of store. He saw an opening at a local store on their web site and scheduled an interview. The first thing they asked him to do was fill out an application (which he had already done, although not completely, online). Ray didn’t write well and had horrible handwriting, so he told the receptionist he didn’t like the idea of filling out the form. He waited to be called. It was twenty minutes before he was asked to come in, and as he walked by the manager into the office, he made sure to point out that he had been kept waiting.

Needless to say, the interview was short, and Ray did not get the job.

I hope that “Don’t be like Ray” is a start in how to interview. It is often worthwhile to do some sort of interview preparation that will improve your skills and increase your confidence. Not just good, but superior social etiquette goes a long way. You do not want to come across as phony and pretentious, but a firm handshake, assured eye-contact, and a friendly smile make a positive first impression. You can learn about good social skills in a professional and business environment in many ways. Talk to parents, guidance counselors, friends doing well in the workplace. Get a partner and practice interviewing. You may be able to find professional counselors in private practice who specialize in coaching young adults to develop solid social skills. And you can even do a dress rehearsal by applying to a business that you have no intention of pursuing just to be able to go through the interview process. You’ll see what it is like. You’ll know what to expect.

It is tough out there.  Do not make it tougher by not being prepared.

Henry Reiff is Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD.  He has written several books about adults with learning differences. His most recent, Self-Advocacy for Students with Learning Disabilities – Making It in College and Beyond, is offers students, parents, and counselors practical advice and strategies in meeting the challenges of young adulthood.