April is World Autism Acceptance month! Neurodivergent students bring unique strengths and perspectives to the workplace, but did you know about the support available to help you navigate the recruitment process? Whether you’re looking for part-time work to support your studies or planning for your future career, here are our five top tips!
1. Asking for adjustments
The most important thing to know is that you’re legally entitled to ask for reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process should you need them. By asking for an adjustment, you shouldn’t ever feel that you might be putting yourself at an unfair advantage. It’s about putting yourself on a level playing field with everyone else! You have a right to equity and a right to ask for adjustments under section 60 of the Equality Act 2010. Ask the recruiter in advance what each stage of the recruitment process will involve before deciding what you might need to request.
2. Understand your legal rights
You don’t need to provide any proof of disability or health condition when asking employers for reasonable adjustments. If you need help articulating the adjustments you need to a potential employer, our University partners with EmployAbility who can advocate on your behalf with the employer, or if you prefer, they can advise you on how to successfully approach the employer yourself. This is a free service and all you need to do is register with them first. They’re friendly, helpful, and confidential, and a great support resource to make use of.
3. Overcoming imposter syndrome
Imposter syndrome is real! It happens to every single one of us. However, it’s important to remember we are absolutely good enough. By asking for adjustments during the recruitment process, if you feel you need them, you can then focus on effectively demonstrating your valuable transferable skills and competencies.
4. Target specialist recruiters
You could target and approach inclusive employers during your job hunt if that makes you feel more comfortable. Some employers provide a wide variety of paid opportunities, including short-term internships and permanent jobs, specifically for neurodivergent candidates. Some great examples are EmployAbility, MyPlus, Evenbreak, specialist recruitment agency Enna, and charities Ambitious About Autism, 10,000 Able Interns and Leonard Cheshire. You could follow them on LinkedIn to see vacancy alerts, and be sure to check our vacancies on CareerConnect, too.
5. Book a one-to-one appointment with us
If you’re neurodivergent, you’re able to book a confidential one-to-one guidance meeting with one of our Careers Consultants through CareerConnect. We have one-hour appointments especially for those with a disability or health concern, held either virtually or in person. You don’t need to identify as disabled to book one of these appointments, but they’re an invaluable way to get personalised support and advice from a member of our team.
These are just five of our top tips to help you successfully navigate the recruitment process as a neurodivergent student. Remember, we’re here to support you as you make the transition from study to the workplace. You can find more information on resources and support available to you and explore the ways we can help here.
Written by Emma Lees, Careers Consultant (Inclusion)
University of Manchester Careers Blog 