As an Aspie, should I be applying for customer facing customer service roles?

[Momo]

Depends, do you like people or not? I myself would just about strangle a customer is they were exceptionally irksome. Then again, I'm not known for being the warmest person on the planet.

 

[Sherlock77]

@Rich Allen

You can do whatever you want... A number of years ago I worked at gas stations doing customer service, of course I was paid hourly to be there like any store.

Just keep in mind that you have to make sales for your salary, it takes persuasive skills to do cold call sales as you describe, if you think you can do it give it a shot, you don't know until you try, if your local job market is good you can always back out and get another job

 

[nowwhat]

And whether you can stop being nagative every time I post? Seriously, it's not helpful.

Honestly, he's not being negative. Your post consisted of a question, and and a well-reasoned answer to that question. He's not the only one who wonders why you are asking us, as your thinking seems to be quite correct and thorough on this job, and the answer obvious.

I think you need to stop being so defensive and sensitive, and both listen to what people tell you, and question why you often feel compelled to react in a hostile and immature way to what are really thoughtful posts from people who are responding to your questions in a patient and honest fashion. You're pissing people off and really, I think it's largely your problem here. Own it, and deal with it, please. Go ahead and blame any discomfort this post causes you on my being American.

 

[Fridgemagnetman]

Honestly, he's not being negative. Your post consisted of a question, and and a well-reasoned answer to that question. He's not the only one who wonders why you are asking us, as your thinking seems to be quite correct and thorough on this job, and the answer obvious.

I think you need to stop being so defensive and sensitive, and both listen to what people tell you, and question why you often feel compelled to react in a hostile and immature way to what are really thoughtful posts from people who are responding to your questions in a patient and honest fashion. You're pissing people off and really, I think it's largely your problem here. Own it, and deal with it, please. Go ahead and blame any discomfort this post causes you on my being American.

In future please start all posts with I'm american'

Then they can be easily skipped or read twice depending on your predilection.


I put this in the slightly risky category of attempted humor, so please dont be offended.

I know how you americans are....

Oops.. that was in the extreme risk category.....

 

[S-Head]

And whether you can stop being nagative every time I post? Seriously, it's not helpful.

I can see your point here Rich, the post from Judge is a bit snarky.

I pick up on these really easily too. Let's cut Rich a break, he's a sensitive guy.

 

[S-Head]

Topic.

I had an interview last week for a Telesales and Door to Door sales position at a local Marketing firm, and I'm expecting a call on the mobile on Monday to see if I was successful, but to be honest I don't think the job is suitable for me and if I'd known about the Door to Door aspect I would've declined the interview.

However, because I have customer facing service experience having worked in Charity shops since May 1995, should I try applying for part time work in this field? Obviously there would be issues regarding me working in a call centre due to the fact I wear a hearing aid, I know that under "reasonable adjustments" they're legally obliged to accommodate that, but is it worth the hassle and extra expense for the company to source special headsets and stuff?

The problem for me with Door to Door sales is that I don't drive due to disability and it's very unlikely I ever will, so logistically getting between clients would be a nightmare, plus I don't think I have it in me to 100% sell the products every time, therefore I'd probably get binned off for not meeting targets anyway.

I did ask in Game last week about when they start advertising the annual Christmas temp positions, and they said around October, so I might apply to the one in Meadowhall around then, as that would be ideal, serving customers in a games shop, combining 2 things I love, customers and video games.

I think the game shop job sounds like a great idea. When I was younger, one of my first jobs was at a "big box" electronics retailer and customers really appreciated that I could tell them the difference between this TV and that one. I wasn't the most pleasant salesperson, I know. But they came to buy something, get a good deal, and I helped them do that.

Thank God the store didn't offer the "extended warranty" crap at the time, so I didn't have to spend my energy selling something that I couldn't recommend myself.

 

[Full Steam]

Door to door is a bad job for anyone.

It's a bad way to sell that's likely to get even worse over time, and you are selling to people who just want you to go away.

These days people want to be helped not sold to, and they expect sales to be relevant which door to door sales never is.

All forms of pushy and interuptive sales and marketing have been on a downward curve for years, and I think it will continue downwards.

 

[Hopeless_Aspie_Guy]

Don't go for heavy target based roles, you'll feel pressurized and struggle because once someone says no you're not gonna feel happy trying to 'persuade them' for the sake of saving your jobs worth. You need to do something you're happy and guilt free doing, so yes working in game could be a possibility. Maybe spend the time up until nearer Christmas practicing for interviews and identifying your weaknesses that lead to your rejection.

 

[SomeRandomAspie]

Topic.

I had an interview last week for a Telesales and Door to Door sales position at a local Marketing firm, and I'm expecting a call on the mobile on Monday to see if I was successful, but to be honest I don't think the job is suitable for me and if I'd known about the Door to Door aspect I would've declined the interview.

However, because I have customer facing service experience having worked in Charity shops since May 1995, should I try applying for part time work in this field? Obviously there would be issues regarding me working in a call centre due to the fact I wear a hearing aid, I know that under "reasonable adjustments" they're legally obliged to accommodate that, but is it worth the hassle and extra expense for the company to source special headsets and stuff?

The problem for me with Door to Door sales is that I don't drive due to disability and it's very unlikely I ever will, so logistically getting between clients would be a nightmare, plus I don't think I have it in me to 100% sell the products every time, therefore I'd probably get binned off for not meeting targets anyway.

I did ask in Game last week about when they start advertising the annual Christmas temp positions, and they said around October, so I might apply to the one in Meadowhall around then, as that would be ideal, serving customers in a games shop, combining 2 things I love, customers and video games.

I'm not an expert in the area of employment but I believe you shouldn't base your decisions on the fact that you're an aspie. All aspies have different strengths and needs. You should focus on which jobs will play to your strengths.

 

[Judge]

I can see your point here Rich, the post from Judge is a bit snarky.

I pick up on these really easily too. Let's cut Rich a break, he's a sensitive guy.

If he truly wants to make that leap from voluntary to paying jobs, he's got to deal with the reality of his situation the best he can. So when he has the opportunity to use his own judgment, he should be encouraged to do so. It will help him in the long run in a very unforgiving world and job market.

 

[Mr Allen]

And I want to work in the, for want of a better word, normal world of work, I don't want to be plonked into some government sponsored £2 a day disabled specific position where all the clients are on benefits so they can't earn a lot without severe sanctions, without meaning to sound big headed, I'm better than that.

 

[Judge]

And I want to work in the, for want of a better word, normal world of work, I don't want to be plonked into some government sponsored £2 a day disabled specific position where all the clients are on benefits so they can't earn a lot without severe sanctions, without meaning to sound big headed, I'm better than that.

In the most basic sense there's bound to be some job out there that can be a "fit" for you. Which may also be something you presently never heard of or never even considered. Which may require more unconventional ways of seeking work, such as going through some form of job counseling.

Where your strengths and weaknesses are assessed, and perhaps most importantly you may discover jobs you never heard of, let alone that exist out there in plain sight. It's how I found a career in a terrible job market. I never thought assessing skills I have or don't have really helped me, so much as just learning what was out there that I was totally unaware of at the time. That's what made the difference for me.

It weirds me out just to think what my life might have been had I continued to seek work only through the most conventional methods at the time. Which would likely at best yield only the most conventional jobs.

 

[OlLiE]

theoretically, i would think it kind of depends, not taking the driving issue into account,
in my opinion there are two kinds of sales:
- selling a 'random' and 'generic' product to a person, the product to you is only a means to and end, i.e. meeting sales targets <> these are generally larger sales forces, identity and happiness are irrelevant, all that counts is meeting sales targets, your colleagues are competitors not your friends, you see many customers a day
- talking about a higher quality product that you understand and feel affinity with <> specialised, higher end stores that require better product understanding, being able to understand a customers needs and match them to the appropriate product, generally smaller sales force, can be competitive but will likely be closer knit than a large outfit, you are almost more of an advisor than a salesman, you see fewer customers a day

the above is clearly a generalising simplification though

i hate hard sales, or target oriented volume pushers, there are however a number of items that i am interested in (my collections ) and i've heard that i am knowledgeable about the product, enthusiastic and quite convincing and could be good at selling them

well i hope this is helpful in understanding two of the extremes ends of selling

 

[Judge]

i hate hard sales, or target oriented volume pushers, there are however a number of items that i am interested in (my collections ) and i've heard that i am knowledgeable about the product, enthusiastic and quite convincing and could be good at selling them

Good points. I mean, pondering how well- or not we might be in selling something we unconditionally support or believe in. That may have merit.

Though then it's all directly opposed to the whole concept of hard sales, and commissions against a "draw". Makes my head spin just thinking of how difficult such direct sales can potentially be whether we believe in the product or service or not.

 

[nowwhat]

I can see your point here Rich, the post from Judge is a bit snarky.

I pick up on these really easily too. Let's cut Rich a break, he's a sensitive guy.

In future please start all posts with I'm american'

Then they can be easily skipped or read twice depending on your predilection.


I put this in the slightly risky category of attempted humor, so please dont be offended.

I know how you americans are....

Oops.. that was in the extreme risk category.....

I will change my avatar to a picture of Ted Nugent wearing an Uncle Sam costume with the sleeves cut off, a tricolor 10 gallon hat, and firing large, expensive, American firearms into the air with both fists.

 

[OlLiE]

And I want to work in the, for want of a better word, normal world of work, I don't want to be plonked into some government sponsored £2 a day disabled specific position where all the clients are on benefits so they can't earn a lot without severe sanctions, without meaning to sound big headed, I'm better than that.

i understand that you feel that you are better than that, and what i'm going to say is not going to sound nice, but is well meant, but honestly no one hiring cares about what you feel, no one hiring could care less about what you think you are entitled to, to put it bluntly you are NOT entitled to get what you want, no one owes you anything, its all down to you

i have had to interview people for jobs, those candidates that focused on what they thought they were entitled to, rather than focusing on how they can contribute to the organisation in their own way, were thrown out immediately, because they brought the wrong attitude to the table, almost everyone wants a loyal team player that the business feels comfortable investing in

companies or organisations hire people on the perceived ability to socially fit in the organisation, share the culture of the organisation and the perceived and documented ability to meet the job's requirements versus the cost of training and paying them - this is valid for both the public and private sector (although the public sector is more stable and understanding)

if you want to work in the 'normal world of work', that's a choice you can make, but you then also have to accept the consequences of your choice, be aware that in a large part of the normal world people will have 'normal' expectations of you and will not tailor a normal job to your needs, hard targets are prevalent in a large part of the normal sector: nurses have targets, home carers have targets, salespeople have targets, administrative personnel have targets, managers have targets, shop workers have targets, charity workers....people who consistently don't meet targets are put in a path to being fired

i would suggest that you focus on your talents and what you would enjoy doing rather than the label of the job, i am basing the above on real past experience

being condescending about certain jobs will put many readers off, it's probably better to say that you think than you can contribute more than what would be possible in certain jobs, in my country refusing jobs because you think you are too good for them will lose you your unemployment benefit in a heartbeat

on the plus side, a lot of larger normal companies attempt to be 'politically correct' and have internal goals for hiring 'different' people, they have the means and are also likely to be more accommodating towards these people, why not try writing some companies and asking them what there policy is on hiring people with limitations and how you can be informed of and apply for those jobs.

 

[nowwhat]

Ö

i understand that you feel that you are better than that, and what i'm going to say is not going to sound nice, but honestly no one hiring cares about what you feel, no one hiring could care less about what you think you are entitled to, to put it bluntly you are NOT entitled to get what you want, no one owes you anything, its all down to you

i have had to interview people for jobs, those candidates that focused on what they thought they were entitled to, rather than focusing on how they can contribute to the organisation in their own way, were thrown out immediately, because they brought the wrong attitude to the table, almost everyone wants a loyal team player that they business feels comfortable investing in

companies or organisations hire people on the perceived ability to socially fit in the organisation, share the culture of the organisation and the perceived and documented ability to meet the job's requirements versus the cost of training and paying them - this is valid for both the public and private sector (although the public sector is more stable and understanding)

if you want to work in the 'normal world of work', that's a choice you can make, but you then also have to accept the consequences of your choice, be aware that in a large part of the normal world people will have 'normal' expectations of you and will not tailor a normal job to your needs, hard targets are prevalent in a large part of the normal sector: nurses have targets, home carers have targets, salespeople have targets, administrative personnel have targets, managers have targets, shop workers have targets, charity workers....people who consistently don't meet targets are put in a path to being fired

i would suggest that you focus on your talents and what you would enjoy doing rather than the label of the job,

being condescending about certain jobs will put many readers off, it's probably better to say that you think than you can contribute more than what would be possible in certain jobs, in my country refusing jobs because you think you are too good for them will lose you your unemployment benefit in a heartbeat

on the plus size, a lot of larger normal companies attempt to be 'politically correct' and have internal goals for hiring 'different' people, they have the means and are also likely to be more accommodating towards these people, why not try writing some companies and asking them what there policy is on hiring people with limitations and how you can be informed of and apply for those jobs.

Exactly. In the area where I live and work, it costs a company around 5x what they pay in wages to have a full time employee. I think that is accomodation enough. And it makes it clear that those hired had better produce. Businesses simply cant afford to keep people who dont pull their weight. Prattle on all you want about the law. The fact is, it costs a lot to have employees and no company that keeps burdensome people around will survive.

Have I failed at this due to my AS, or other reasons? Yes, but I never operated under the childish notion that I was owed something by any employer, or that labor laws could somehow bend the cruel, heartless rules of business.

 

[Full Steam]

100% agree with Olie & nowwhat.

The best way forward being; work on the brand of "Me".

Increase your skills, knowledge and relevance inside a particular field. These days the more niche you get the more your value.

The more general and similar to the masses the lower your value.

Example in my field; I can hire a digital marketer doing SEO & pay per click anywhere in the world, but for me to hire a digital marketer that is skilled in Inbound Marketing means I have to scour the earth and pay more, and when I find them I'll make sure I keep them happy so I can hold on to them.

Digital marketers get hired and fired all the time (not by me).



Expanding on the customer facing - you need to consider different segments of customer facing (my opinion and I've not personally worked in any but B2B targeted/warm, but I work with lots of business who are B2C and B2B);

1. B2C- cold sales.

Easy to get in to, low skill expectation. Brutal, no one cares, low pay, high turn over of staff.

2. B2C - warm, targeted & retail.

Moderately easy to enter. Much easier, people want to hear what you have to say. General public are difficult though. Pay low to high depending on ticket price and life time customer value.

3. B2B - cold.

Moderately easy to enter. Brutal but not as bad as B2C, moderate to high pay. No one cares.

4. B2B warm, targeted & retail

Harder to enter, as businesses are taking a real risk with new sales guys, all of whom need training. Business people are talking to business people and often working towards a shared goal. Pay can be very high depending on ticket price and life time customer value.

I suspect Aspies can and do work across all of them, but you'd need to play to your strengths.

I could not do 1 or 3 easily, and I'd probably dislike 2, but 4 allows me to talk a lot to people who value my depth of knowledge about business and marketing, to areas of personal interest.

The hardest thing for me is getting out of meeting inside an hour, as it's always very interesting.

 

[Mr Allen]

I applied for a sales position in a place that sells Pest Extermination stuff last week. Emailed them via their website to find out exactly where the place is and I'm still none the wiser, as I don't know that part of the City.

I'll get the post code and look on the Bus website for how to get there.

 

[Gracey]

Is this something you're interested in Rich?
I'm guessing that being able to retain facts and stats in order to convince a customer that this product is the one they need may be a strength?
Have you done your research on their brand? How it works? A comparison with local council environmental health exterminators?
Is it cheaper to call out the council to deal with the pests? Or D.I.Y and buy from you?

Google is fantastic for maps and street views in order to find out exactly where a postcode is.
I wish you luck