Learning to dance the interview dance
The Job Interview as an Obstacle to Employment for Autistic University Graduates
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6059159 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Brian Garrod (0000-0002-5468-6816, Swansea University), Marcus Hansen (0000-0002-5053-9667, Liverpool John Moores University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 44 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pages | 848-863 |
| Publication date | 2025-11-07 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Equal Opportunities International (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1758-7093 • E-ISSN: 2040-7149 |
| Publisher | Emerald (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1108/edi-10-2023-0339 |
| OpenAlex | W4401641676 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 38 |
Purpose A significant autism employment gap persists in many countries. This study examines how the traditional job interview might form an obstacle to autistic people obtaining employment. It then offers a range of strategies that could make the traditional job interview more effective in allowing employers to identify and hire those who have an “autism advantage”. Design/methodology/approach A triangulated, qualitative approach is employed, comprising (1) five focus groups with a total of 23 students at a UK university who identity as autistic, and (2) semi-structured interviews with five of their support practitioners. Thematic analysis was then applied to identify causes, effects and possible solutions. Findings The analysis identified three main strategies, and two sub-strategies, for refining the traditional job interview by reducing or removing the obstacle it presents to autistic people seeking employment. These comprise abandoning the traditional interview, adapting it (divided in to adjusting and augmenting sub-strategies) and accepting it. Originality/value Three conclusions were developed from the analysis: first, that while the traditional interview tends to be biased against autistic people, it is not in itself a particularly acute method for selecting job candidates; second, that the application of universal design would be beneficial not only to neurodivergent people, but also to neurotypicals and employers; third, that the fear of disclosure represents a major obstacle to autistic people trusting in schemes intended to assist them
Autism · Dance · Developmental psychology · Job interview · Medical education · Obstacle · Originality · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Applied Psychology · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Computer Science · Disability Education and Employment · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology · Williams Syndrome Research
Thematic analysis
Diamond in the rough? An “empty review” of research into “neurodiversity” and a road map for developing the inclusion agenda
Inclusive Communication Model Supporting the Employment Cycle of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Developing the theoretical content in Universal Design
Reconceptualising ‘reasonable adjustments’ for the successful employment of autistic women
A framework for developing employer’s disability confidence
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |