Interviews

[dangerrabbit]

Hope it is ok for me to post here - I am currently on the waiting list to be tested for ADHD/autism. My mum is diagnosed autistic.

I am getting made redundant in three months and have to go through the dreaded interview process. I am able to organise my thoughts on paper and been shortlisted for every post I have applied for but failed every interview.

I have received feedback that I am inarticulate, unable to organise my thoughts coherently, too concrete in my thinking, too linear, superficial in my approaches and lack theoretical knowledge (for a job that requires a master's and I got a distinction in).

I just had another rejection yesterday and am feeling really dejected. I have tried practicing interview skills with others, preparing questions in advance, using case studies, STAR techniques etc, I even had a session of EMDR to see if there was some trauma there that was the barrier, nothing seems to have worked.

I was not necessarily looking for more tips and techniques as am just feeling a bit down right now but just wondered if any neurodiverse mumsnetters can relate? Or perhaps it is just a specific quirk related to me and not connected to neurodiversity?

I don't think I show my best self in interviews. I end up having to sit on my hands to stop myself tapping and pulling at my hair. I tend to ramble a lot - if I'm making a point I find myself having to add in lots of caveats and explanations because I have a need to be very precise, but it comes over as rambling. I also mind-blank sometimes.

It's hard - it sounds like you've done everything you could reasonably do in terms of preparation. It might just be a case of having to wait until you stumble on an interviewer who 'gets' you.

I can relate and yes, I'd say it's an ND thing.

Interviews for me are - HELL. ON. EARTH.

Is there any way of accessing an interview coach?

As a reasonable adjustment, you should be able to take pre-prepared notes into the interview as an aide-memoire.

Possibly ND (suspected dyspraxia or ADHD) I am a great candidate on paper but am the most terrible interviewee.
The anxiety makes me lose track of my thoughts and I end up rambling, even if I spend hours preparing. It's rubbish as I worry I'll never get my career going (currently juggling PhD part time with numerous temp positions).

I hope with all the practice I'm getting at least one of them will go well at some point!