Looking for work after a long break - any helpful suggestions?

Thank you, that is useful and along the lines I was thinking. I suspect the smaller local agencies might be my best bet for the first couple of assignments. I will look into volunteering also, I hadn't thought of that.

The other issue is that I have a 'hidden' disability - my feeling as regards my condition is that for short-term agency work nobody needs to know, however for permanent positions it may require, if not exactly accommodating, at least explaining (I have Asperger's syndrome). Working out the right point in the process to disclose this is causing me a bit of head scratching as I don't want to be seen as dishonest, but at the same time don't want to make it much harder to actually get through the door and prove I can do the job. :huh:

Thanks again for the advice.

Dunc

Thanks again, I will be asking a tutor for a reference I think. Staying very positive! :001_smile:

The short answer? It can be. There are several areas in which it can be problematic; the first is dealing with interpersonal issues. My body language can lead people who don't know me well to believe that I am not paying attention or disinterested, primarily as I have 'flat affect' so my tone of voice and facial expressions don't convey my feelings or attitudes well, and I don't make much eye contact as it is very uncomfortable. Conversely I often fail to read between the lines of what someone isn't saying, and don't always read body language or sarcasm well. The second area is sensory overload - a good analogy for how I function is like a computer with a large hard drive, a fast processor, and hardly any RAM. I can focus very well on a single task, and with good organisation and routine can keep a lot of balls in the air without difficulty. However other inputs like uncomfortable lighting or noises, distracting or intrusive co-workers, or confusion regarding what I'd expected to do in a given situation can make me much less functional, as can stress arising from a lack of clarity, i.e. unclear responsibilities, vague instructions open to misinterpretation. An employer needs to be aware of this in order for me to work well within the role over the longer term, so as regards a permanent placement I would always disclose my autism and these needs - not to do so would put me at a distinct disadvantage, and the employer would not get what they were paying for.
As regards your position as a recruiter, I can sympathise to an extent - while its a company's money at risk however a repeatedly discriminated against disabled person can end up severely disadvantaged in terms of securing gainful employment and their own life chances, hence my caginess about declaring it upfront before even getting the interview.

I think there's a difference between being considered for a high level position and looking for temp work as the risk both to the business and my own reputation of a poor fit is much greater in the situation you describe. In those circumstances I would discuss the issue with you - it would be relevant. I am interested in your perspective if you'd like to elaborate - after all I'm going to be dealing with recruitment agencies shortly and I'd like to know how to approach the issue without just not getting put forward for suitable positions. :huh: