Being called for a job interview can be an anxious time for anyone, especially the person with Asperger's Syndrome. Explain that typical job interviews begin with an introduction, a handshake, and a private interview during which the individuals are seated across from one another. (This first meeting will be the time when making direct eye contact and giving a solid handshake will be most significant — help your child practice this!)

Preparing for the Questions

The prospective employer usually takes the lead by starting the interview with questions. Help your child by strategizing, in advance, the answers to the questions a prospective employer might ask. The questions will most likely center upon why your child applied for the position, what skills she can bring to the job, and how flexible she can be in scheduling. (If a friend or ally already works for the employer, he can be of immeasurable support in narrowing the questions most likely to be asked based upon past experience.)

After discussing some hypothetical interview questions, ask your child how she would best respond to them. Reinforce that you cannot predict with certainty the exact questions that will be asked of your child (unless you already have a partnership with a very cooperative employer willing to mentor your child). You won't wish for your child to embarrass herself at the conclusion of the interview by stating, “Aren't you going to ask me about this, this, and this?” Inform your child that the person conducting the interview may well come up with questions you hadn't thought of, which she should answer honestly and concisely (meaning one or two sentences as a limit — she can always add more information if the employer requests it). The flip side is that, if your child was expecting certain questions to be asked and they weren't, she may also volunteer the information at the conclusion of the interview or if the interviewer provides the opportunity.

The Questions Your Child Should Ask

It's also important to support your child in scripting some questions to ask of the prospective employer. Asking questions during a job interview usually communicates the applicant's sincere interest in the job. Work with your child to develop a list of questions to ask. They will most likely focus upon the work schedule, employee responsibilities and job description, and supervision.

If she doesn't memorize the questions to ask, it's perfectly acceptable to write them down. If she's going to pull out the list during the interview, it might be a good idea to say, “Would you mind if I read a few questions I'd like to ask of you? I wrote them down so I wouldn't forget them.” This type of honest, tactful approach should smooth over any awkwardness she feels about referring to her list. Discuss disclosure with your child — sharing the information about her Asperger's during the initial interview will be a matter of personal choice, if it is necessary at all. If your child decides to reveal this, she should be prepared to discuss her skills (positive attributes, good at following rules, loyalty) as well as areas needing support due to certain sensitivities.

Coach your child to understand that the interviewer will generally conclude the interview by saying something like, “Thanks for coming in.” At this time, it is appropriate for your child to thank the person for her time and ask when she might hear about the job (if the person hasn't already offered that information). As with submitting a job application, it's acceptable to follow up with a phone call to inquire about the job-selection process.

The Interview Outfit

You will also wish to discuss appropriate grooming and dress for an interview. Wearing a business suit for a fast-food job interview might be a bit overdressed, but a shirt and tie or a freshly pressed skirt is never out of place. Wearing neat and clean clothing and presenting oneself with immaculate hygiene (deodorant, clean teeth and fingernails, fresh breath and combed hair) counts for a lot in a day and age when it's fashionable for some young people to dress very casually in clothing that looks intentionally worn or overly loose-fitting. Preparing one's personal appearance for a job interview is good practice for interviews as an adult.