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Neurotypical Workplace Culture is Invisible But The Harm Caused is Real
When “cultural fit” means conforming with neurotypical expectations
Early in my career, I applied for a junior lawyer job with a regional law firm. Leading up to the interview, I was confident my qualifications and experience (albeit limited) would be an asset to the practice.
What unfolded was not what I expected. From the start, the interview veered away from the job requirements toward my personal life. When it finished just before lunchtime, I was asked if I would like to join staff members in a nearby pub bistro.
Sure, I said, people pleasing jumping to the fore way ahead of any chance to process what was going on.
The call came sooner than I expected after the interview. It occurred to me they wouldn’t have had time to check my referees. Did they want to ask me something?
No. They wanted to tell me I didn’t get the job. Seems they were so sure that they wanted to eliminate me from the running as soon as possible rather than just emailing me when the process was wrapped up.
“Oh. Okay. Are you able to give me any feedback?” I asked.
“The girls didn’t think you were a good fit.”
