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The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) says “the idea behind neurodiversity is that it is acceptable for people to have brains that function differently, and that there is not a ‘right’ way to think, learn, and behave. In this way, the movement calls on society to adjust to neurodivergence (differences in brain function) rather than the other way around.” People with autism, ADHD and OCD, among others, may identify with this term.
People who are neurodivergent may experience unique challenges when preparing for an interview. This article provides information and resources on interview preparation for the neurodivergent.
Learn more about creating human-centred workplaces, supporting employees with autism and ADHD, learning style differences and more in our Neurodiversity and the Workplace article series.
7 Interview Tips for Neurodivergent Job Seekers (HigherEdJobs) [Article]
Jobseekers who choose to disclose that they are neurodivergent can “position themselves to self-advocate throughout the application and screening processes, which can be helpful.” This can also help the jobseeker ascertain if the company would be a good fit for them. Other tips include rehearsing prior to an interview, sharing visual examples such as a portfolio during an interview and debriefing with a trusted person after an interview.
Embracing neurodiversity at work: How Canadians With Autism Can Help Employers Close The Talent Gap (Deloitte) [Report]
This report by Deloitte, which interviewed neurodivergent people, found that 40% of respondents said “the interview process was a great challenge.” The report also found that employers need to lay the groundwork before hiring and interviewing people with neurodivergence. This could include understanding that autistic candidates might avoid eye contact or provide very direct answers.
Embracing Neurodiversity: Guidance for Jobseekers (Understanding Recruitment) [Article]
Advocating for accommodations during an interview can be important for the neurodivergent jobseeker. Accommodations may include changing the interview format or providing questions in advance.
Interview Tips for Neurodivergent Job Seekers (Thrive Autism Coaching) [Article]
Thrive, an autism life coaching service, provides neurodivergent jobseekers with advice on what to do before, during and after an interview, as well as tips on how to seek accommodations. For example, using stress management techniques before the interview can be helpful. The article also recommends developing self-advocacy skills to ask for accommodations.
Interview Tips for Neurodivergent Job Seekers (Concordia University) [Article]
The career hub at Concordia University advises jobseekers to “know your neuro-exceptional strengths and struggles,” as that can be a common question in an interview. As well, disclosing neurodivergence is a personal choice and may make asking for accommodations easier. Interviewers who are aware of accommodations can prepare ahead of time for the interviewee.
Job Readiness: A workbook for autistic jobseekers (NeurodiversityHub) [Workbook]
This extensive workbook covers many topics that can guide neurodivergent jobseekers in their job search, including how to prepare for an interview, the STAR template to help in answering interview questions and practice questions, which include information on why the question is being asked. The workbook also has tips on how to handle a phone interview and an in-person interview.
Supporting neurodivergent individuals during the interview process (LinkedIn) [Article]
Employers can take steps to support neurodivergent jobseekers during interviews. Some of the suggestions include using alternative forms of assessment rather than a traditional interview, providing additional resources such as interview questions beforehand, and providing an agenda laying out the interview process.
Additional reading:
- Neurodiversity as a Competitive Advantage (Harvard Business Review)
- Neurodiversity Challenges in Job Interviews (Big Interview)
- What Does Neurodiversity Mean Today? (Psychology Today)
