Recruiters reveal whether autism should be declared in a job application or cover letter

It is not a legal requirement, but recruitment experts reveal their advice as to when jobseekers on the autism spectrum should raise it with employers.

CAREERS’ panel of expert recruiters answers a reader’s question each week. Have a question? Email [e-mail]

When applying for a job, if the applicant is on the autism spectrum should they mention this in their cover letter?

Alexandra Rosser

Head of Organisational Psychology Consulting,

Stillwell Management Consultants

You are not under any legal obligation to disclose that you have autism in your cover letter and it is recommended that this is a matter more aligned to open, two-way discussion with a prospective employer, once the employer expresses interest in proceeding with your application to the next step. If you are concerned that your ability to engage in the recruitment process may be affected by autism, you can also discuss this with the recruiter or hiring manager at an appropriate time so that any adjustments to the process can be considered and facilitated to the extent that this is practical. It should be noted that some employers do make special provision for a work environment which assists employees who are on the autism spectrum to realise their full potential, and research into a prospective employer’s likelihood of offering such an advantage would be time well spent.

Alexandra Rosser says jobseekers are not under a legal obligation to disclose autism in a cover letter.

Lisa Morris

Director,

Hays

All recruitment decisions should be based on one key factor – do you have the skills and experience to perform the required duties of the job? All jobseekers, whether they are on the autism spectrum or not, should ask themselves this question. If your answer is ‘yes’, then our advice is to apply for the job. Provided you are confident that you have the required skills and experience, there is no need to mention that you are on the autism spectrum in your cover letter. If you obtain an interview or offer of employment, be transparent about how the employer can best manage you and what support you may require in the workplace. For instance, perhaps additional training, scripts and routines or an alternative workstation to assist with sensory sensitivities could be provided. Trust in your strengths and the value you can bring to an organisation.

Lisa Morris says jobseekers who are on the autism spectrum may want to reveal that information when they obtain an interview or employment offer.

Megan Nicholson

General manager

Entree Recruitment

Whether to disclose neurodiversity or a disability that you live with is a very personal matter, however there is no reason why this should be declared when applying for a job. Declaring a characteristic that may affect your interview may be beneficial at that point so that the interviewer can exclude associated nuances in their assessment. Again, this is a personal decision and you have no requirement to do so. I encourage those without neurodiversity to mention exceptional circumstances such as nerves or a difficult morning at this point for the same reason.

Megan Nicholson says personal matters need not be declared when applying for a job.

Andrew Sullivan

Managing director,

Sullivan Consulting

No, applicants should not feel pressured to mention this in their cover letter. Applicants are not obligated to disclose any information about personal conditions or circumstances that aren’t relevant to the positions they apply for and should only share if they feel comfortable doing so. However, if you feel comfortable, it may be worthwhile disclosing such information during the interview stage, as it facilitates important discussions that will indicate if a company is the right fit for you. As such, asking subsequent questions about workplace culture and relevant support systems will also be worthwhile.

Andrew Sullivan says if jobseekers are comfortable discussing personal conditions at the interview stage, it may be worthwhile to do so then.

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Originally published as Recruiters reveal whether autism should be declared in a job application or cover letter