Have a job interview coming up? Read some of our top tips for acing an interview if you have, or suspect you have, ADHD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a condition which impacts the brain and nervous system.
According to NHS England, ADHD affects around 3-5% of children and 2% of adults. It is slightly more common in men and boys than in women and girls, but anyone can be affected. ADHD can be diagnosed at any age but, since it is a neurodevelopmental condition (associated with brain development), symptoms typically begin in childhood.
People with ADHD may have trouble paying attention or concentrating (and, conversely, may go through periods of “hyperfocus”, where all their attention is concentrated on one thing). Other common symptoms include:
- A tendency to start many new tasks but to struggle with finishing things
- Poor organisational skills
- Losing or misplacing things frequently
- Restlessness or difficulty sitting still
- Poor impulse control
- Constant talking
Not all symptoms are present in all sufferers, and only a qualified medical professional can diagnose ADHD. But whether you have a formal diagnosis or simply recognise yourself in descriptions of this condition, you will be aware of the ways it can impact your life, including in the world of work.
Read on for some of our top tips to help you ace a job interview if you have or suspect you may have ADHD.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
The trick to a great job interview lies in the preparation. This is particularly true for neurodivergent individuals like those with ADHD.
Learn as much about the company as you can before your interview. The company’s official website, social media, and press clips can all help you to learn more about it. Build in extra time to do this in case you get distracted during your research. If you realise you’ve strayed away from the task at hand, don’t beat yourself up. Just gently guide yourself back to it.
Anticipate common interview questions and rehearse how you might answer them. You might find it helpful to make notes to keep yourself on track and make sure you hit the most important points.
You might even want to consider roleplaying a mock interview with a friend, family member, or teacher. This can help you to feel calmer and more in control on the day.
Arrive Early
Many people with ADHD struggle with time management. Make your interview day as easy as possible by putting a few simple things in place the day before. Choose and lay out your clothes, pack your bag with everything you will need, and plan your route to the interview location.
It’s always better to be early to an interview than late, so build in some extra time to ensure you get there in plenty of time. Arriving 5-10 minutes before your scheduled interview slot is ideal.
Listen Closely
Many people with ADHD struggle to pay attention to what other people are saying. This is not due to rudeness, but is simply because people with ADHD can be easily distracted. You might even be thinking about what you’re going to say next instead of listening to what your interviewer is saying.
In your interview, make a conscious effort to listen actively. This may mean repeatedly and deliberately drawing your attention back to what your interviewer is saying. Do not be afraid to ask for clarification if you are unsure of their meaning at any point, too.
Stay On Topic
Talking too much, or straying away from the topic at hand and going off on tangents, are classic symptoms of ADHD. During your interview, you’ll need to make sure you stay on topic when answering questions.
If you find yourself straying away from making relevant points or beginning to “ramble”, pause and take a breath (taking a sip of water can be a useful way to force yourself to slow down) and ensure that you are answering the question that was asked.
Pay Attention to Non-Verbal Communication
Body language is a critical part of how we communicate. You will need to be mindful of what your body language is saying during your interview.
As far as possible, resist the temptation to fidget. This can make it look as though you are unfocused or nervous. If you are the kind of person who gesticulates or makes a lot of hand gestures when talking, this is fine to do but be aware of your surroundings (for example, you don’t want to send a glass of water flying during your interview!)
Sit up straight, make eye contact, and point your body directly towards the person you are talking to. Walk confidently, offer a firm handshake when you are introduced, and remember to smile.
Keep Perspective
ADHD often goes hand-in-hand with rejection sensitive dysphoria, a type of intense emotional pain as a result of feeling rejected or criticised. If this sounds familiar, be aware that being turned down for a job could trigger this reaction.
Try to keep things in perspective. This is one interview, for one job. There will be many more opportunities and if you’re not hired this time, it doesn’t indicate anything negative about you as a person.
Make a self-care plan in the event of rejection, and avoid depressants such as alcohol. Instead, do something that makes you feel good. This could be talking to a friend, taking a hot bath, watching your favourite TV show, or playing a video game.
Try telling yourself a simple mantra, such as “I am a capable and confident professional regardless of whether I get this job or not”. Going into a job interview with a sense of perspective will help you to stay calm and relaxed, which will actually help you to perform better.
Should I Disclose My ADHD in an Interview?
There is no easy answer to this. If you believe that your ADHD is a relevant thing to bring up at any point during the interview, you certainly can, but we advise against leading with it.
ADHD is classed as a disability and it is therefore illegal for an employer to discriminate against you for having it (whether you personally identify as disabled or not). However, discrimination and unconscious bias both still happen, so if you are in any doubt then do not disclose your ADHD at this stage.
If you are offered the job and need reasonable accommodations due to your condition, raise it at the point of accepting the offer. It is illegal for an employer to rescind an offer of employment because you have disclosed a disability.
