Getting your first job can be a nerve-wracking experience. You aren’t quite sure what to say. When to talk. When you’re talking too much. Should you be yourself? Or the best version of yourself that you can’t quite reach? It helps to have a little coaching along the way to groom you for the right way to present yourself in these situations. At Monarch House, we work with teens with autism to prepare them for the big eventand make sure that they are confident and secure in their abilities and strengths on the day that their life takes on this new change. When it comes to children, job interviews can be particularly overwhelming for many teens, especially for those with autism. The unspoken expectations, social cues, and unpredictable questions can create anxiety and confusion. However, with the right support and ample preparation, teens with autism can confidently showcase their strengths and succeed in the interview process. Stand behind them when they try to look their best, and build them up as best you can so they feel strong and confident when showing what they have to offer to the outside world.  

Here are ten useful ways to help prepare teens with autism in Mississauga for job interviews.

1. Practice With Mock Interviews

Create realistic practice sessions that mimic the structure and tone of a real interview. Use common interview questions and encourage the teen to answer them aloud. Practicing in a calm and familiar setting helps build confidence and reduces anxiety.

2. Focus On Body Language And Eye Contact

A little social skills development can go a long way. This is where Monarch House can help with some simple coaching techniques for group and one-on-one interview situations. Some teens with autism may struggle with maintaining eye contact or using body language appropriately. Gently coach them on ways to sit confidently, make brief eye contact, and use polite gestures like nodding or offering a handshake, only if they are comfortable.

3. Teach How To Talk About Strengths And Challenges

Help the teen prepare to discuss their skills and interests. Encourage honesty if they need accommodations or support, and rehearse how to describe these needs positively. Emphasize their strengths, such as attention to detail or strong focus.

4. Explain Interview Etiquette

You child is going to need to be well-versed in basiccommunication skills, which we can help them with at Monarch House. Go over basics like dressing appropriately, arriving on time, greeting the interviewer, and saying thank you afterward. Role-play each of these steps so the teen becomes familiar with the expectations.

5. Develop A Resume Together

It helps to have everything that they can do, are capable of, and experienced with down on one piece of paper. This resume can act as a visual guide that can keep them and the interviewer on track during the meeting. So help your child with this. Build a simple and clear resume with the teen, highlighting volunteer work, hobbies, school projects, or part-time jobs. Reviewing their resume during the interview can help guide their answers and remind them of their accomplishments.

6. Discuss The Importance Of Asking Questions

“Be yourself” This is the advice that most people give young interviewees. There’s more to it than that, though, they need to come prepared with with a few stock stories or quips that they can drop into the conversation to show they are a good fit. At Monarch House, we can help arm your child with a few communication strategies that will make them more amicable and agreeable during the interview process. Teach the teen that asking questions shows interest. Prepare a few questions they can ask the interviewer, such as “What does a typical day look like?” or “What kind of training is provided?” This can also help reduce one-sided conversations.

7. Talk Through Different Interview Formats

Educate your child so they have a good handle on technology.Not all interviews are conducted in person. They could be over the phone, or via video conference call, even with multiple people on the line. They need to be comfortable and familiar with these dynamics. Practice each type, including how to use Zoom or answer a phone call professionally. How to adjust their tone of voice. How to banter effectively. And most importantly, how to negotiate. Understanding what to expect can reduce uncertainty.

8. Use Visual Supports And Scripts

As much as possible, have everything mapped out in advance so there are no big surprises on the day.  If helpful, create visual checklists or conversation scripts to guide them through each stage of the interview and keep them on track if time is limited. Some teens with neurodivergence feel more in control when they can visually plan out what will happen.

9. Role-Play Handling Unexpected Questions

At Monarch House one of the ways that we can help is by role-playing out the job interview scenario with your child. We will walk them through strategies for what to do when they don’t know an answer, or how to fend off a personal question that is irrelevant to the process. Some examples include: “That’s a great question—let me think for a moment.” We can work with your child to ensure that they practice staying calm, secure, and comforted. This will reassure them that it’s okay not to have every answer and to not get unnecessarily stressed during the interview process. 

10. Encourage Self-Advocacy

You want to teach your child how to stand on their own two feet. Take your hands off the controls and empower your teen to speak up about what helps them succeed. And help them where you can. If they need a quieter space with some peace and quiet to gather their thoughts—provide this for them. If they are lost without written instructions—give them something in writing. If they need extra time—be patient. If your teen can advocate for themselves it will benefit everyone as they can truly be themselves when the process is on. 

It’s not easy being under the spotlight, with everyone looking at you and judging your every move. It can make you self-conscious, and say or do awkward things that you wouldn’t really do if not under so much scrutiny. Clumsiness. Bashfulness. Blurting out the wrong thing here or there. Why do we do this? It’s a lack of confidence, support, and preparation. At Monarch House’s autism clinic in Toronto we have a professional, interdisciplinary staff of occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, andspeech pathologists that are here to help prepare your child to perform their best on their big day of assessment. With preparation tailored to their needs and communication style, teens with autism can approach interviews with greater clarity, ease, and confidence. By focusing on building practical skills, and working on their strengths, you’re setting the foundation for success in their future career.