Perceptions of Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults in Employment Interviews: The Role of Impression Management
Norris, Nicholson, Prosser, Farrell, Remington, Crane, Hull and Maras (2024)
Job interviews are stressful, and they can be made harder for Autistic people who may be less able to regulate their Impression Management. This research details two studies. Study One had lay-raters watch videos of mock interviews, with both Autistic and non-Autistic candidates. They assessed the videos for verbal, non-verbal and para-verbal behaviours and social approach/avoidance. The results of Study One showed that Autistic candidates were seen as having a more monotonous voice, less composed and less focused, displaying less eye contact and gestures and received lower ratings for social approach. For Study Two, behavioural cues were manipulated either by interview videos (where the cues were present) or transcripts (where the cues were absent). Employers then rated their impressions of the job candidates. The results for Study Two found non-Autistic interviewees had higher ratings on their confidence and communication skills when assessed by video, this higher rating was not the same for Autistic candidates. The authors conclude the paper by discussing the possible benefits of using transcripts or more structured interviews to ensure recruiters focus on interviewee answers and are not so influenced by non-verbal and para-verbal behaviours.
