Neurodivergent Job Hunting
Hi lovely readers, I’m Caitlin. I am neurospicy and currently seeking employment during what is an increasingly challenging time to be both neurodivergent and unemployed. I have been actively job hunting since June and became officially unemployed at the end of August last year. During this period, I have confronted numerous barriers that have made the already difficult task of job hunting as a Neurodivergent person even more strenuous.
The Barriers to Job Hunting as a Neurodivergent Person
Challenges Faced These obstacles include ill health within my family, the end of my contract, loss of routine, and cuts to benefits. Despite these hurdles, I have dedicated up to 30 hours a week to job-related activities, even searching job sites on Christmas Day in my eagerness to find employment.
Facing Rejection and the Flaws in Recruitment Systems
While I have been fortunate to receive interviews with very positive feedback. Often I have encountered more generic rejections stating that due to the volume of applicants. They say they cannot provide specific comments. This is particularly frustrating as many employers now use computer programs to streamline the recruitment process, which can make the process less accessible. It feels like you become a statistic rather than a potential employee with valuable skills.
The Importance of Self-Advocacy in the Workplace
I have always been open about my neurodivergence. And so have found responses to it during job hunting and employment to be varied and sometimes surprising. A negative employment experience, where my employer questioned my reasonable adjustments and gradually removed them, had a significant impacted my mental health. While this experience shouldn’t have happened, it prompted me to start advocating for myself and using my voice to request what I am entitled to.
The Reality of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Hiring-The Current State of Affairs
Recently, my employment advisors suggested that I should avoid filling out the EDI section of application forms. They suggested my neurodivergence and need for reasonable adjustments may prejudice employers against me before they even meet me. In the current state of affairs, declaring a disability can lead to being shunned and having one’s abilities doubted. This is despite government efforts to push disabled individuals into work by cutting benefits.
