Over the years I have myself a set of software development skills and usually don't face much difficulty in learning new skills on the job.<p>But,<p>My ability to get new SWE jobs has drastically tapered off over the past few years and I have a serious learning problem with interviews. I lack the ability to read people at interviews nor can I learn from my mistakes in them. I'm unemployed so I lack leverage.<p>So, I need to get myself involved in something that can pay me in the interim, without that interviewing requirement. Something that is as open as volunteering, but the legal status of a job that provides compensation.
A good professional recruiter can help with this kind of problem. A recruiter can prepare the hiring manager in advance regarding your disability, emphasizing your skills and experience. An empathetic hiring manager can brief the interviewers. And the recruiter can get feedback from interviews and coach you in a "safe" context.<p>Finding a good recruiter with the skills to coach you and the hiring manager will take some effort. Recruiting has a low bar to entry (like programming) so many recruiters play a numbers game and don't work with candidates. A good recruiter will know about the company, tell you what to expect in the interviews, even what you should wear. If the recruiter doesn't know that they probably don't have much of a relationship with their customer (the hiring company).<p>Remember, as a candidate you <i>never</i> pay a recruiter. They get paid for successful placement by the company.
You might look for a local disability advocate or vocational rehabilitation outfit.<p>They may be able to help you with finding / keeping a job or perhaps even attend the interview with you.<p>Granted, you’d be explicitly disclosing your disability during the interview process, but you could also agree to sign something that waives your right to sue for pre-employment discrimination.