ADD/ADHD & getting work | ADHD Information

I'm ADD also, so the fidgeting and restlessness is not much of a problem. However I do have to reherse what I'm going to say, depending on the job. At Tech school, we had "mock interviews". I was told my strong point and what alot of employers for is the eye to eye contact. It shows honesty and trust. My weak point was communication skills. Choppy sentences, not always knowing what to say and when I said it, it never came out just right. I felt like I was honest and a lier all wrapped up in one f**ked up ADD package.

SOLUTION: Since I've had so many jobs I've lost count and most I had been fired from, I may have 2 references in my 30 yr. work history I can use. I know it's dishonest, but I call it "survival", I now say I worked at a place for 10 yrs after I graduated high school, but they are not in bussiness anymore. They ask if I can still provide some proof of employment there. SURE! I give them the # of  my friend in Phila,PA. It always works, even though I only lived in Philly for a short time. Than self employment. Also had to take time off to care for a family member. That knocks alot of yrs out. Than theres my "legit" reference. I worked in verifications for about 5 yrs, but my boss always stretches the truth! I was a good worker, and I could do no wrong in his eyes. But looking back, I think EVERYONE was ADD/ADHD. Sometimes none of those things are ever mentioned after they read what my "seasonal" job is! Self employed-my Amazon Parrot & I are considered Entertainers at Clearwater Beach, here in Florida. That is the truth and once they ask me to tell them more(they are fascinated, and want every detail) I'm more than happy to tell! Their amazed and alot of times, I get the job.

So LadyHope, I woulden't give up and I doubt you are to old! You said you applied at a grocery store. Whether you applied on line or in person, give them a call or stop in. That shows interest. Also keep in mind that depending on the job, some don't even check references! All that wrighting for nothing, but it's always a relief when they don't I think Dave2u4now has some execellent advice. I need to use some of that!

GOOD LUCK LADYHOPE, and sorry for rambling so much!

Every interview I have been to starts with the question "tell me a bit about yourself".

I have a one minute answer that I have rehearsed and I use every time. Having a speech prepared helps me to relax, because they always ask this and I start the interview off feeling confident.

I have a patchy work history of casual jobs so I say that since I left university I have been working to save money and travel, and now I'm ready to commit to starting a full time job. 

Any job I got fired from I say I left to go travelling, or spend time with my family, or that it was only a 3 month position. 

I say why I want this job, or why I have an interest in it, and I describe a relevant a talent I have.  For a job in a grocery store or a bar I might say that I enjoy talking to the customers, that I remember people's faces and can say hello next time I see them, or that I am very careful with money and take pride in having an accurate register at the end of my shift.

You need to think about the kind of person that would enjoy doing that job and how you can show you are that person.

As Dave says, make a list, and don't be afraid to bring it with you to the interview. I bring a piece of paper with some points I want to make in the interview, such as some strengths I have, and some questions I want to ask. Otherwise my mind goes blank and I sound dumb.

They'll be more impressed if you look like you thought about some answers and wrote them down in case nerves got the better of you.

 

 

I've never had a problems getting a job...Just being myself works for me. I am only ADD though, not ADHD, so I am ussually very calm.

 

I don't know what the job market is like where you live. 

if i was going to need good work references and i didn't have any recent ones, i think i'd try to volunteer somewhere for a couple of months so that i could get some. 

many volunteer positions are on the weekend or evening so it's possible to keep up the job hunt while doing it. 

And, if you're willing to volunteer, you can probably get a position in an area where you have a real interest.

 

I have gone through many classes on interviewing for possitions, and I have done many interviews, and i can give you some pitfalls to avoid that will stop them from calling you back.

 

oKay some interview and job advice for the ADD soul..

First get lots of sleep the night before and try to get the interview in the morning. its a proven fact that symptoms decrease when people are fully rested and in the AM.

Plan what you would like to say, be creative thats your strength. You will only be confused if they catch you off guard.. Don't try to answer right away, think about what you want to say.

Dress to the standard of the job, and then take it one notch higher, very important. So if your going for security guard, a good shirt and neat dress, they are looking for someone who looks proffesional. If your going for gardner, a good pair of pants, and a neat button shirt is more than enough. IF you show up in a suit, they are going to think you just don't get the position.

DO's

Be polite and friendly, they will remember that most of all, thank them for thier time. ADD people are warm and friendly, use it.

Be considerate, do not interupt them. ADD people tend to be loud and want to interupt, we do that all the time, and it scares people off. THis is a biggie.

Make a list of your skills and possibly bring in some reffrences in with you, this always works well. Bring a spare resume on good paper with you, even if you have given them one alreay. Putting this in a small neat folder gives them something to hold onto after you leave, giving you a second thought and ending on a good impression.

Don't forget eye contact, we have a tendancy to look elsewhere when nervous.

DON'TS

Do not edge toward them, or lean in thier direction  too much, or sit on the edge of the seat. Its one of those things we do and don't realize it. it puts people on guard sometimes. Try to relax in the seat but stay proffesional, keep your hands folded, don't cross your arms on your chest.

Do not try to prove yourself, it makes it look like your trying to hide something. Offer the skills you have and tell them you believe your a great fit for thier position.

Think about every question they ask. If you are unsure, ask them to repeat the question. Repeat the question back to them sometimes for clairification, it shows your listening.

Do not mention your disabilies, handicaps or other things that might get in the way of the job. Bringing up such at interviews isn't a wise idea, you will not get understanding, you will make them warry at best.

Do not put them through some kind of interview, or ask how you did at the end of the interview, it shows uncertainty. THank them for thier time, ask a few respectful questions you might have.

Do not hint about money expectations, it makes you seem superficial., if you have a money question be upfront and ask it in a proffesional friendly manner. like "May I inquire what the starting wage is for this position?" is a fair question, and expected and it doesn't hint that if you don't get a good offer, your wasting your time.

Do not be overconfident, proud, or self important. There is nothing that turns and interviewer off faster is someone who is full of themselves.

 

I hope that helps, its allot I know, but its the biggest mistakes I see from the ADHD types I run into.. being one myself LOL

 

 

 

 

Do our personality traits become a problem when you're trying to get a job? 

For example, how do you handle being fidgety, or not being able to concentrate? 

Can you answer the kinds of questions that most personnel mgrs and employment professionals ask during an interview?

I was wondering about this because I may have to result in going to get some type of job if my disability doesn't come through.  Right now, I have lost faith in myself to really get a job of my choice.  I applied at a grocery store last week and they didn't call me back.  So I don't know if I'm too old now, or the weak employment record that is following me might be the problem.  Since 2000 I have had two lay-offs and had to leave my last job due to disability, so, I don't look very trustworthy at the moment.  

Any ideas?  Thanks. 

I have no problems at all with interviews, and usually do very well.  I think the stress & adrenaline of an interview situation kick the brain into gear - and ADD symptoms disappear.

The problems start later, after I've started the job.

Mark -

I despise job interviews... and having worked a dozen+ different jobs, and being rejected for probably twice that many, means I've done a LOT of interviews.

After I got hired at the present company I work for now, the woman who hired me volunteered everything that she liked about me (I didn't ask, she was just VERY talkative). She also told me that over 200 people had applied!

1. She said my resume caught her eye because it was SIMPLE and CONCISE. Employers don't take the time to look at several-page long resumes, or resumes that list duties and tasks for each position, because it takes too long. My resume simply listed the job title, company name, and the dates. Here's a hint - if your jobs have only lasted a few months (or weeks), simply list the year. For example: 2001-2002, looks better than Nov. 30, 2001 - Feb. 15, 2002. Chances are VERY good that they won't question that further.

2. She was impressed with my cover letter, because again, it was concise, and stated my objectives and listed a few key skills. Always use action words, like "initiated", "supervised", etc. Keep it short, but include as much info as possible. Have someone proof-read it to make sure it doesn't sound choppy or incoherant. Sit on it for several hours, or a day, and re-read it again before sending it.

3. Dave2u gave you some excellent advice for interviews. I did most of these things during my interview here, and my manager told me so. She said she was impressed by how poised and confident I came across. Remember - you just have to pull all this off for about 45 minutes, on average.

Don't be nervous! I used to get so nervous during interviews that I finally clued in as to why I was being rejected for so many jobs. Once I reached a mind set where I knew I had nothing to lose (being rejected for a job didn't COST me money, so I was no worse off than where I was to start with!), the interview process became much easier.

Thanks-ever-so-much, guys!

You all gave me a lot of great advice that I had not thought about doing.  It surely cannot hurt to try it all.  I feel a little more confident now. 

However, I'm not real comfortable with stretching the truth.  I used to lie a lot as a child and was always caught and made to feel very ashamed of myself from my parents.  As an adult I always do my best to tell the truth even if it hurts.  Oh - I tell the occasional *white* lie every now and then and I will lie to protect another human being, but to exaggerate the truth, I always come through with a look on my face like I don't believe what I'm saying.  I'm pretty sure it sounds phony so people know I'm lying.  Plus I give myself away because I may begin to fidget or look all around, and the dead give-a-way to my lying is that I start folding things, paper, material, just anything I can get my hands on.    I just look guilty.  Good thing I don't play poker!!!   

I really do appreciate everyone's efforts to help me.  You folks are becoming more like an extended family, than just a message board.  

Peace to all~

ladyhope38433.5781597222I've used some of the excellent techniques you've all mentioned, including using a short, precise resume, and I always thought my cover letters were good...I got pretty good at it after looking for jobs more times than I care to remember. I've been quite proud how I've consdensed my resume considering I had been working f/t since 1969.

I've also used the excuse that I took time out to help with an elderly or sick relative. Many of those years was actually used to travel, but I always mentioned that I worked temp jobs during those times, and learned a lot of my skills during that time.

The one difficulty I've had, tho, is trying to practice or remember what I want to say at an interview. My memory being as it is, I've NEVER been able to do that for an interview, or anything else it would have been wise to practice what I was going to say. I just can't do it! And if I've ever thought of what I'm specifically going to avoid saying, I inevitably blurt out just that.

I do remember when I would interview, do a good job of selling myself and my skills, and just about know I had the job before I left. However, that was before there were so many people in the working age group. There's just too much competition out there now, and a whole new way to interview. I've tried, but not done so well with the new techniques of interviewing. I now know why I figgited and squirmed (ADHHHHD) at most of them.

If it's up to me, I hope I never have to interview again!!! Or work again.    Other than volunteer work, which is easier to inteview for.    GypsyWomyn38433.6461805556[QUOTE=bcgirl1978] An interview for a secretarial job in 2005:   "Tell me about yourself" "Tell me about a time when had to deal with a difficult co-worker" "Tell me about a time when you've implemented a new system for something" "Tell me about a time when you've been overwhelmed by a situation" "Tell me about a time when you've been expected to take control" "Tell me about a time when you've had to multi-task" and my personal favourite: "Why should I hire you?"   An interview for the same job in 1965:   "Can you type 80 words a minute?" "Yes." "You're hired".

[/QUOTE]

 Unless you're going for a specialized field, there are no more 'job specific' questions anymore. I've been to a variety of job interviews (different fields completely) and they all asked questions similiar to those listed.

  I'm kinda surprsied no one has mentioned temp employment agencies. I signed up with one a few years ago and its been a lifesaver for me. Long term employment is hard for me, I've bounced thru many jobs in the past 20 yrs. With the temp agency, I can specify if I want temp to hire or just temp positions. The jobs last anywhere from a few hours to a few months. I'm not getting rich working this way, but it has kept the bills paid. I've also had a few of the temp jobs offer to use them as a reference, so I've been able to pick up a few current references. Also, the agency has offered me an assignment that required no experience a few times, so I've actually been able to learn a few new skills too.

 The temp agencies I've dealt with are only interested in what your skills are and what kind of job you can do. Show them you can be dependable and a good worker, they will be more inclined to give you assignments.

 

 John

[Quote=Sat73]I'm kinda surprsied no one has mentioned temp employment agencies. I signed up with one a few years ago and its been a lifesaver for me. Long term employment is hard for me, I've bounced thru many jobs in the past 20 yrs. With the temp agency, I can specify if I want temp to hire or just temp positions. The jobs last anywhere from a few hours to a few months. I'm not getting rich working this way, but it has kept the bills paid. I've also had a few of the temp jobs offer to use them as a reference, so I've been able to pick up a few current references. Also, the agency has offered me an assignment that required no experience a few times, so I've actually been able to learn a few new skills too.

The temp agencies I've dealt with are only interested in what your skills are and what kind of job you can do. Show them you can be dependable and a good worker, they will be more inclined to give you assignments.[/Quote]

John, unfortunately, I think it's no longer the case with temp agencies, at least where I live.

I worked temp for many, many years; it's how I learned most my skills. I used to be able to choose whether I wanted short- or long-term assignments. However, in the Seattle area it now seems the temp agencies are only used for employers to find full-time employees...temp to permanent. - OR - the temp agencies advertise (falsely) a temp position, and then when you contact them, they say it's either filled, yeah, right, or they are only attempting to get people with specific skills to sign up with them for future assignmments that come in. False representation!

And I type 110+ wpm, even faster for data entry. What happened to filling in for someone pregnant or on vacation? They must fill from within or something.

When I interviewed with temp agencies here over the past two years, the interviewing process was almost as extensive and comprehensive a direct interview with an employer. And some even want you to interview with the employer who is lookng for a temp before sending you out on that "temp" job...precisely because the employer is looking for someone temp to perm. It's good for the employer, but not for those of us who want to work temp. I got only one real temp position, and that was a 2-day gig doing inventory at The Rack.

The other "temp" position was a 6-month one at a bank where they wanted someone who was looking for a permanent job, where they almost had me commit to staying on afterwards.   It's a good idea if we both want to feel one another out, and if I'm actually looking for a perm position, but shouldn't be ask for a commitment to more than the duration of the temp position.   And, of course, I lost that 6-month temp position as I have many permanent jobs in the past due to my ADHD and anger.

I miss working short-term positions, where I would not be there there long enough for them to find my faults and where I was very much appreciated.

Stop me!! If you even got this far! I could go on and on and on     My book comes out in 2007 (just kidding)
GypsyWomyn38435.5141087963I had registered with temp agencies in the past, but because my typing skills suck, I was never offerred any work. I wasn't offerred factory work either, even though I did well on the mechanical and manual dexterity tests, because every Joe Bloe off the street was looking for factory work too. A female is less inclined to be offerred a typically male position, especially a temporary one. Sad, but very true. 

If you can type though, a temp agency is totally the way to go if you are stuck. My mom got a few jobs that way after she gave up trying to do well at behaviour-based interviewing.
[QUOTE=GypsyWomyn]
The one difficulty I've had, tho, is trying to practice or remember what I want to say at an interview. My memory being as it is, I've NEVER been able to do that for an interview, or anything else it would have been wise to practice what I was going to say. I just can't do it! And if I've ever thought of what I'm specifically going to avoid saying, I inevitably blurt out just that. [/quote]

I've always had difficulty here too. I used to find myself "studying" before I had an interview, on what would be a good answer and what wouldn't. Monster.ca has a mock interview process that is actually quite helpful.

[QUOTE=GypsyWomyn] There's just too much competition out there now, and a whole new way to interview. I've tried, but not done so well with the new techniques of interviewing.  [/QUOTE]

Ah yes. The behaviour-based interview technique. This was the new-fangled thing that started around the time I first entered the work force, in the late 90s. Every question begins with "give me an example of a time when you _____, and tell me how you handled it" They want to know how you react to situations. They figure this gives them a better idea of your skills and experience than the more technical questions do. I HATE these questions because then I am forced to go through my mental filing cabinet and remember past situations... ya right!

My mom, who is 58, was trying to re-enter the workforce a while ago, and she said there used to be a time when you could get a job based on what you CAN do, not based on what you have or haven't already done.
bcgirl197838433.6627083333An interview for a secretarial job in 2005:   "Tell me about yourself" "Tell me about a time when had to deal with a difficult co-worker" "Tell me about a time when you've implemented a new system for something" "Tell me about a time when you've been overwhelmed by a situation" "Tell me about a time when you've been expected to take control" "Tell me about a time when you've had to multi-task" and my personal favourite: "Why should I hire you?"   An interview for the same job in 1965:   "Can you type 80 words a minute?" "Yes." "You're hired".


Amen!