Interview Tactics for Tough Questions: especially for ADHDers
How do you answer this interview question that is so commonly used?
What are your weaknesses?
For someone with ADHD this question can seem so clear and easy to answer. In fact, I have had clients tell me that they readily gave the good, bad and ugly during their interview which led to 0 follow up interviews. Why?
Though this question might look simple, it is a tough one that requires a detailed and well-thought answer because good intentions of being honest could point out flaws that may stop you from getting the job.
You would think an employer would like honesty and knows that no one is perfect. But the purpose of this question goes deeper than looking into honesty. It is about perspective.
That is why it is very important that you get yourself prepared ahead of time while on a lookout for a job and remember that when an employer asks of your weaknesses, they are not interested in the negatives.
They really want to know how adaptable and effective you are at making yourself a better person.
Here are more common interview questions and how to deal with them in a job interview:
How well do you work under pressure? We are on a tight schedule and have deadlines to complete projects.
- Time management
So many job seekers and even professional experience difficulties in managing their time and completing their to-do list within eight hours of work. Talk about prioritizing and pinpointing the most vital task of the day and tackling them first. Talk about your strategies on what works for you and focus on solutions.
- Deadlines & Procrastination
Just like time management, procrastination is also a weakness which makes you put off a job because you aren’t prepared mentally for it. Frame your response to this and put you in a positive light. Discuss how you take actionable steps by dividing your task into smaller chunks so that the project doesn’t seem too overwhelming. Or how you reward yourself for completing difficult tasks. Focus on what works for you to get motivated when it is daunting. This exercise may just reinforce what to actually do by creating a positive mindset to get it done.
How do you handle stress in the workplace?
- Stress
Getting stressed at the workplace is natural. The key here is to talk about how you handle stress and not let it get in the way of your work goals. What do you do to help manage your stress levels? Discuss what you do like: yoga, meditation, running, walking, team sports etc. You could give an example of a situation of how you handled yours stress in the past in a positive light.
Tell me about yourself
- How do you work with people? Are you an introvert or extrovert?
If you say that you are an introvert and like to work alone, this may come across negative and be a deal breaker. Personality is important in the workplace and seeming aloof or withdrawn around people who are outspoken could appear to be a weakness. But personalities in the workplace should be balanced with people who compliment each other. If you have a big project and need it to get done, it would be difficult to get anything accomplished with a lot of outspoken leaders without a solution-oriented person. Talk about how you balance a team with careful thought out solution oriented discussions. You like to reflect on best ways to handle situations or that you are a quiet leader who leads more be example than saying.
You cannot possibly predict what your questions will be at an interview. Most employers seek a capable team player who will enhance the workplace environment. The key is to show how you could fit in with their organization, strategize problems and be someone who is reflective striving for self-improvement daily.
Now go Land That Job!
Raz Coaching specializes in helping people with executive function challenges associated with ADHD, PTSD, Stress, TBI’s and ASD find careers they will love and land them. Read more at www.razcoaching.com/about Or sign up for the weekly blog and learn about my new book Happiness+Passion+Purpose.
