Going to a job interview is both exciting and nerve-wracking simultaneously. It can be a stressful situation for anyone, but for those diagnosed with ADHD, this stressful situation presents unique challenges that can adversely affect a job interview’s success.
The thought of a job interview can be incredibly daunting, considering the various hyperactive and disruptive behaviors associated with ADHD.
With common symptoms of ADHD being:
- Forgetfulness
- Impulsivity
- Distractibility
- Inability to perform under pressure
- Social interaction challenges
- Short attention span
It’s crucial to be sure about your symptoms and what triggers them. With this knowledge, you can proceed with self-management strategies that allow you to thrive through any interview. Here are three tips for individuals with ADHD to have a successful interview.
Keep Your Focus
People diagnosed with ADHD can focus or give their undivided attention to something despite the popular narrative that their most significant problem is a lack of focus or concentration. Your energy, mental effort, and emotional capacity are consistently redirected to the things that interest you. With your attention being drawn to many things and without the ability to control that, you could find yourself tuning out the entire interview.
This unique difficulty with focus is often combined with other common symptoms like forgetfulness, anxiety, and restlessness, making the interview process much more difficult.
If at all possible, ensure that you’ve chosen a job that you’re passionate about or are at least interested in to help you focus on the interview. As stated above, if it’s difficult for you to focus on things that you’re not interested in, it’s best to surround yourself with activities, relationships, news, and opportunities that you’re excited about.
Silence your cell phone during the interview, which is good smartphone etiquette no matter what. Hold something small in your hand and squeeze it when you feel yourself losing focus. Do some subtle breathing techniques. Be intentional about the way you sit, move, and speak during the interview. Maintaining eye contact can also help you concentrate on the interaction with the interviewer.
Be Transparent with Your Interviewer
Each person experiences ADHD differently. It’s not always overactive kids, adults who can’t sit still, or people who isolate themselves. Some people show no physical signs of ADHD but can exhibit brain activity that affects comprehension, connection, and feeling. Each person will have their comfortability level with sharing their diagnosis, but it may be beneficial to be transparent with your interviewer.
When you notice you’re struggling with answering questions, remembering what questions were asked, sitting still, controlling your anxiety, and so forth, politely disclose to the interviewer what you’re struggling with and why. You could even start your interview with a “disclaimer,” so to speak, and ask the interviewer to bear with you on the symptoms most likely to show up in this interview process.
For example, people with ADHD struggle with their short-term memory because the brain is affected by hyperactivity or disrupted thoughts. You may remember what happened at your last interview a few months ago but completely blank on the question the interviewer just asked you. You can let the interviewer know this may occur before the interview starts or as it happens, though you are under no obligation to do so and the interviewer is legally prohibited from asking you about it.
If you are wary of being transparent about your ADHD, think about the alternatives: heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness due to chronic unemployment, losing out on a career you love. Your relationships could even deteriorate at a rapid rate.
If the interviewer has no idea why you’re fidgeting, blanking on answers, or struggling to stay engaged, they may end up cutting the interview short. Take a chance on being authentic and genuine about your challenges to give yourself the best shot at landing the position despite them.
Prep for the Interview
Preparing before getting there is probably the best way to prompt a successful job interview. Going into the building unprepared is a surefire way to trigger ADHD symptoms and tank the interview because you succumbed to them.
If you have a therapist, counselor, or support group, enlist their help for guidance on how to navigate an interview, remain focused, conduct a constructive conversation, cope with symptoms as they arise, turn an interview around when it seems off track due to your ADHD, and so forth. Support and encouragement from others who are and have gone through similar experiences can be impactful.
Practice active listening skills before the interview to prepare yourself for listening to what the interviewer is actually saying and responding appropriately.
Research the company and educate yourself on crucial information like:
- The company’s mission/goals
- The company’s products, services, customers
- The company’s history and vision
- Any key competitors
- Social media presence
- Company leaders
- Key employees in your potential department
- Any positive or negative press
- Company culture
- Job responsibilities
Prepare answers to common interview questions like:
- Tell me a little about yourself.
- What is one of your strengths? Weaknesses?
- Tell me about a time you displayed leadership.
- Why did you apply for this position?
- What skills do you bring to this position?
- Are there any accommodations you’ll need to perform the job functions?
In addition to preparing answers to common questions, you also want to prepare any questions you have for the interview regarding the job responsibilities, company culture, management, salary/benefits package, and so forth.
Individuals with ADHD may have to navigate challenges during an interview, but they’re just as qualified and capable as those without the diagnosis. Exude confidence in who you are and what you have to offer throughout the interview. Keep your focus, be transparent, and prep for the interview beforehand to give yourself the best chance at a successful interview.
You’re looking for learning support for your child or a loved one, the LD Resources Foundation is a great resource.
Founded in 2001, our mission is to bridge the gap between possibilities and realities for all those with attention deficit disorders.
Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer from the lovely “city of trees”- Boise, Idaho. Her love of writing pairs with her passion for social activism and search for the truth