ADHD Job Interview Challenges

ADHD symptoms can create challenges in a number of workplace situations. The following are some of the symptoms which can have the biggest impact on your performance in job interviews.

Forgetfulness

People with ADHD sometimes have trouble with their working memory, which can make it tough to keep track of the discussion being conducted by an interviewer. You might also have trouble recalling specific memories from past jobs, which is a common request in these sorts of situations.

Distraction

ADHD can make people more prone to distraction. This can be especially challenging during a job interview when you need to stay focused on the questions being asked. Inattention during the interview can potentially cause you to give lackluster responses or leave a bad impression with a potential employer.

Fidgeting

Another example of an ADHD symptom which might cause some concern in a job interview is fidgeting. Squirming in your seat, tapping your feet, or drumming your fingers on a table are all examples of possible fidgeting behaviors that could be displayed in this type of business meeting.

Excessive talking

Someone with ADHD might have trouble discerning when to stop talking when giving responses to an interview question. Excessive talking might lead to oversharing when recounting a story from a past job. If your answers are too long, the interviewers may have concerns about your fit in the workplace and could even run out of time to ask you more questions.
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How to Prepare for Your Job Interview

Now that you've identified some of the ADHD symptoms which could cause you to trip up in job interviews, it's time to work on your interview prep. Putting in extra work before the meeting is a great way to improve your chances of success, especially when you focus on the potential challenges that might come up when it's time for the real thing. Try some of these ADHD job interview preparation strategies to make sure you're ready.

1. Rehearse your answers

There are a number of questions that are commonly asked in job interviews. By preparing your answers ahead of time and practicing them out loud, you can make sure you touch on the points you want to make while also restraining yourself from talking too much. Some of the questions you may want to prepare for include:

  • "Tell me about yourself."
  • "What is your greatest strength/weakness?"
  • "Why are you interested in working here?"
  • "What skills can you bring to this position?"
  • "Give an example of how you handled a stressful situation at work."

2. Think about logistics

People with ADHD often have trouble with disorganization, procrastination, and time management. It helps to have a plan in place beforehand so you don't forget about any important details on the day of the interview. Here are some of the ways you to can tackle logistical issues before they become a problem:

  • Plan what you'll wear to the interview. Try everything on before to ensure a good fit and make sure the clothes you need are washed and ironed as necessary.
  • Print out a few copies of your resume in case the interviewer asks for a copy and so you can refer to it if necessary.
  • Determine your method of transportation and route to the interview location. Figure out how long it takes to get there and pad in extra time in case of traffic.
  • For online interviews, make sure you have the right software downloaded along with good lighting and a tidy background. Test it out prior to the interview time.

3. Practice mindfulness

It's normal to feel some anxiety and stress before a job interview. However, the more relaxed you are, the more manageable your ADHD symptoms will be. That's why it can help to practice mindfulness leading up to the interview. Visualize yourself performing well at the interview to gain confidence. Working on your mindfulness skills beforehand can also help you stay in the moment during the interview so you can focus on each question with fewer distractions.

4. Stick to your treatment plan

People with ADHD can be just as capable and qualified as any other job candidate. But if you don't try to manage your symptoms, it can be harder to make a good impression in an interview. Working with your healthcare provider to develop come up with an effective treatment plan is one of the best ways to prepare for your interview. 

If you don't already have a treatment plan in place, contact Done today. Our qualified clinicians can help you find the right ADHD medication and discuss other treatment options to suit your unique needs.