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Should I email after struggling in an unexpected phone interview?

5 replies

InNeedofAdvice12345 · 24/06/2026 12:14

Name changed for this.

I am trying to break into a small industry.

I have a lot of transferable skills.

I applied online and received a phone call in the morning of the following day regarding my CV.

The lady asked if it would be OK "to have a 5 minute chat". I said yes. Then she told me the company is shortlisting for face-to-face interviews and straight away she asked, "Can you tell me please what can you bring to this role?"

I am neurodivergent and one of the manifestations is I always struggle to put the ideas in my head in coherent answers without preparation.

I was in front of the computer and what I should have done is to ask "Can I please open my CV?". I didn't. I mumbled some answers over the next 5-10 minutes.

The lady was polite and she told me she would get back to me next week.

I was so upset afterwards.

I have a lot of transferable skills and I am well suited for the position. However I do not hold much hope I will be shortlisted after this disastrous telephone interview.

My questions is: Should I email this company, explain that I struggle to put ideas in my head into coherent arguments in unfamiliar situations where I had no chance to prepare and ask for another chance?

I usually don't like disclosing my neurodiversity. I got a first-class degree from a leading university and worked in a high-pressure job for many years. However I do struggle with interviews.

The downside is it's a small industry and I am worried the word might get around regarding my neurodiversity and I will have killed any chances I might have. People are not meant to discriminate however it has not always been my experience.

What would you suggest?

OP posts:
PollyBell · 24/06/2026 12:18

I wpuld lwave it and would only call a week after any deadline of contact they set

redskyAtNigh · 24/06/2026 12:19

I would email and thank her for her time earlier and add that, on reflection, there are a few additional points you would like to make - and then summarise them.

And, in the future, if you're rung unexpectedly, ask what the call is about and say it's not convenient to talk straight away and schedule a return phone call.

Easypeasyitis · 24/06/2026 12:21

Don’t give too much explanation but email them to let them know what you can bring into the role.

You can only try.

Easypeasyitis · 24/06/2026 12:22

Don’t say you struggle to put ideas into your head, etc

InNeedofAdvice12345 · 24/06/2026 12:23

Thank you so much to everyone who replied

OP posts:
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