Should i disclose my adhd in a job interview?

[Elfyny]

I'm interviewing for jobs with different companies. I've been doing my job for a long time, I'm very good at it.

The problem I've got is that it's quite a technical job and lots of legislation that i need to know, and i do know it. At my desk day to day, if i can't remember something, if i give myself a minute, I'll remember, or i know exactly where to find the information. In an interview, someone will ask something and because of my disability i just cannot remember it quickly enough to avoid looking like i don't really know.

I have failed the last 9 or 10 interviews I've had over the last few years. I've been with the same company for years due to a lack of confidence which gets worse with every interview. I was diagnosed a year ago so now i know why i can be very good at my job, and very bad at interviews. I've never told any of them about my disability. I wonder if now is the time to change tack, because i really want a new job, and start telling the interviewer that i have adhd and it affects my recall in interviews but in my day to day work life, i have x,y,z coping mechanisms.

Or am i just leaving myself open to discrimination before i have even started?

In the application, not in the interview. However, I've not been in a position to know if there'll be any kind of discrimination. Hopefully someone in the know can properly advise.

Personally, I wouldn’t. Whilst you might have actual diagnosed ADHD, ADHD seems to have become the latest fad (self) diagnosis for people who decide they have it because they sometimes feel a bit different or whatever, and you don’t know whether the people interviewing you are likely to be sympathetic and understanding or just going to inwardly roll their eyes at “not another one.” I’ve certainly met people professionally who feel that way about it. It’s a real shame that the condition has been hijacked in this way and really doesn’t help those who need the most support.

It is, however, ADHD or not, perfectly acceptable to take notes into an interview; ask if you can have a moment to reflect on the question; or ask them to rephrase it / give some follow up, in order to help you formulate your response better. Interviewers actually appreciate this - or should: the point of an interview is to get the best out of you, not trick you by putting you on the spot.

I am properly diagnosed but i see your point. I will practice asking them to rephrase!

I would, at application stage as you're generally asked if you need any reasonable adjustments prior to interview.

I think the problem is if it’s a job where you are expected to know technical info and you can’t demonstrate this at interview, they are just going to have to assume that you don’t actually know it. Even if you tell them you do know it, without having a way of demonstrating it they aren’t going to offer you the job.

I’m currently applying for jobs and have autism and don’t disclose it as I mask sufficiently that it’s not a problem because I can work remotely or hybrid. Have you tried taking medication to help? As you’ve been diagnosed your GP will be able to help

Ok heres what i do. I dont have a diagnosis but suspect i might have adhd.

every interview i go to i walk in and say “hi nice to meet you all, ive not had many interviews, so apologies if i come across as nervous”. That normally breaks the ice.

i also take a sheet of paper with me (typed) with a few notes (potential questions they may ask) on eg difficult situations at work and three examples from past jobs. Just enough words to jog my memory in the moment, no one has ever said anything about me taking this in with me, and tbh, because ive been studying it in the car pre interview, ive not often had to refer to it.

i also type up a couple of questions on there to ask them.

good luck with interviews

OP I recently interviewed someone who let me know in advance they had ADHD and requested accommodations which included taking time after each question to process it and formulate a response. I was happy to agree. The candidates knocked it out the park and we will be offering him the job.

Yes by disclosing you are opening yourself up to possible discrimination but what you are doing now isn't working anyway. And it's also quite a good filter: would you want to work for an organisation who would hold having adhd against you?

Not necessarily. interviews are artificial situations!

In the application so they can make adaptions to your interview

From my experience of having adhd mentioning it does lead to discrimination but I'm self employed so don't know how that would impact work. If I was in your situation I'd maybe say it in the interview how you would look it up if you don't know and maybe mention it's an ADHD thing off handedly so it's clear you are not going to be a difficult person asking for multiple accommodations which is why we get discriminated againt

I'm dyslexic and have known since I was at school.
I always disclose it on the disability part of the application (some roles this will guarantee you an interview if you meet the minimum requirements for the job). I will then ask for ajustments at interview if needed, for example if they are going to require me to do a written task I would need access to a computer.

I haven't ever been negatively discriminated against because of it, maybe as my role is technical.
I have had discrimination in a job because I'm a woman though.

You do need to be able to explain at interview how it affects your role and what you do to manage it, if you bring it up. I often won't during a technical interview but will when seeing HR.

The thing is if you want reasonable adjustments in your job you do need to declare it at interview, or they could just sack you during your promotional period for not disclosing any issues.

Adhd medication doesn't help too much with the working memory issues that go with it unfortunately.

You could mention you have a poor working memory op and explain how you manage that at work? I think that's less likely get a negative response. My work know but i only told them once it was clear it wouldn't be a problem. I wouldn't willingly offer the information at an interview.

Fellow ADHDer here.
I wouldn't.

I don't even tell my employer after I've started a job now due to being repeatedly treated like shit once I've disclosed.

I know Equality Act they can't discriminate ya da ya da but I just find I get viewed differently, and its not worth it
You may have better experiences than me!