Identify your strengths <\/strong><\/p>\n Everyone has strengths but we\u2019re not always sure what they are. When you have a complex condition, it can be easy to zone in on the things that you can\u2019t<\/u> do. Thus, it\u2019s important to shift that lens when you\u2019re writing to sell yourself. Your brain is organised in a different way to others but that does not mean it isn\u2019t organised. On this note, look below and you will find a list of strengths noticed in autistic people. Have a look to see if any of them resonate with you.<\/p>\n Reliability<\/strong><\/p>\n Strong Focus<\/strong><\/p>\n Excellent memory<\/strong><\/p>\n Strong attention to detail<\/strong><\/p>\n Alternative problem-solving<\/strong><\/p>\n More empathy towards others\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Strong aptitude for a particular field<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n These are just some<\/u> of the strengths you might notice in yourself. \u00a0As you know, every autistic person is different so reflect on what you can do as an individual.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before you write your cover letter or application, scrutinize the job vacancy. There will often be a document with the list of skills and experiences the employer wants to see in candidates. Sometimes this can be off-putting if you have missed out on a placement or other forms of work experience. Still, you might have developed these skills in alternative ways. Neurodivergence in a neurotypical world can equip you with a certain resiliency. Whether this is navigating social relationships, tackling standardised tests, or other daily challenges.<\/p>\n Now you\u2019ve had a think about what your strengths are. Here are some tips on demonstrating them on your application.<\/p>\n Portray them positively<\/strong><\/p>\n For the next step, make a list of your skills with examples. If you're applying for a research position and you want to tell them about your lateral thinking skills, you could explain how your ability to link ideas means you work well with academic concepts. To reinforce your point, provide an example of a project you've worked on that demonstrates how your lateral thinking was a benefit. This will show the employer that your skills have a positive impact.<\/p>\n As well as this, try to draw on different strengths. It doesn\u2019t have to be related to your autism but you might have developed a skill indirectly due to it. Helen Cooke, the director and founder of My Plus advises you to use skills developed by different experiences and aim to have only 2 or 3 that are related to your disability.<\/a><\/p>\n One final thought<\/strong><\/p>\n If you feel an employer has some prejudice, consider whether you'd get quality of life working for them. It\u2019s important that you feel accepted and not afraid to ask for what you need to make your job easier. When researching an employer, seeing the\u00a0disability confidence logo <\/a>is a good start.<\/p>\n Some links for you<\/strong><\/p>\n If you want advice on requesting reasonable adjustments, check out this information page and this webinar To Disclose or not to Disclose<\/a> on My Future.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/10\/autism-photo-magnifying-glass-300x267.jpg\")
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