Applying for jobs with ADHD? Follow these strategies to stay organized!

You’ve been staring at the same job postings for hours, your mind racing with anxiety as you try to tailor each resume and cover letter to the specific expectations of every position.

Whether you’ve just been laid off or you’re on the hunt for your first job ever, job hunting can be overwhelming.

For someone with ADHD, the task can seem downright daunting.

But with the right strategies and tools, the ADHD job-hunting experience can be transformed by replacing feelings of frustration with feelings of empowerment.

If you have ADHD, you may face unique challenges during the job search process, such as:

Being Emotionally Overwhelmed

Knowing your dream career but not knowing how to get there can be an overwhelming experience.

If you have ADHD, the scale of possibilities can feel dizzying.

Organizational Demands

The process of job searching and application can feel like a "high-wire act without a safety net."

ADHD can amplify the organizational demands of searching for jobs.

Meeting Deadlines

Staying on top of all the obligations that come with job hunting is like trying to herd kittens. Just as you feel like you’ve got everything under control, a new task emerges 🐈‍⬛

This can feel like a constant battle if you have ADHD.

Retaining Information

Keeping track of important information can be like trying to catch raindrops.

Juggling all of this information can seem like an enormous task if you have ADHD.

The hurdles might seem impossible to overcome but with the right strategies and tools, you can be successful in your job search.

When faced with a towering mountain of tasks, procrastination can be a challenge if you have ADHD. It may be tempting to delay things like job applications, but staying on top in the job hunt will pay off.

Combat your tendency to procrastinate and use the following strategies to make a plan.

Stay Organized

• Create a folder on your computer for all job search materials

• Create sub-folders in the master folder for each job you're applying to

• Name files starting with the date (e.g. 20241112_CV_Company_Application) to easily track versions

• Save related documents in the folder

• Create a folder for storing your CV documents such as credentials, certificates, and reference letters

Create Actionable Micro-Tasks

• Write down the big task you need to accomplish ("Apply for Graphic Design role at X Company")

• Make a list of the smaller tasks required to accomplish the big task ("update resume," "edit cover letter," "fill out application," etc.)

• Break down the tasks into smaller actionable micro-tasks to create a checklist of items you can complete in under 30 minutes.

• Schedule time for each of these tasks in a calendar or planner

Set Artificial Deadlines

• Choose a task and use a timer to set an amount of time to work on it (e.g., 15 minutes)

• Schedule time blocks in a calendar app or reminder app for working on specific tasks (e.g., 9:00-9:20 am, 1:00- 1:30 pm)

• Only work on that specific task during the scheduled time block

• Use reminders or alarms to help you stay on track

Track Your Progress

• Track job applications on a spreadsheet contact information, and interview schedules.

• Keep track of every time you:

  • Submitted an application

  • Sent a resume and cover letter

  • Did a phone interview

  • Sent a thank you email

Here are even more great tactics to beat procrastination to help you get started on your hunt for an ADHD job.

In today's fast-paced world, technology has transformed the job market. Embracing artificial intelligence (AI) can help navigate the evolving landscape and alleviate some challenges you may face in your ADHD job search.

Streamline your job search by using AI technologies to:

Identify Your Skills

• Get your resume analyzed on ChatGPT to identify key skills, transferable skills, and areas to improve with prompts

Optimize Your Resume and Cover Letter

• Try out platforms like Jobscan and Rezi that provide insights on optimizing your documents for specific roles to improve your chances of being seen by a recruiter or ATS (applicant tracking system)

Access AI Coaching Tools

• Use AI-powered interview coaching tools like Interview Warmup from Google and Interviews by AI to practice and get feedback in a low-stakes environment

Increase Productivity

• Use project management systems designed specifically for job seekers such as Huntr to track job applications, manage contacts, and track performance

The ADHD mind is a high-powered engine, surging with boundless energy and ideas.

These attributes make it challenging to smoothly and concisely communicate in job interviews. However, harnessing this energy is a valuable skill, especially in settings like job interviews that demand clear and direct expression.

Use your interview as a chance to highlight the many strengths that often come with ADHD job skills, such as:

Hyperfocus

Tell your potential employer how you channel your hyperfocus:

"I have a high level of attention to detail and can put all my effort into achieving my goals."

Creativity

Tell your potential employer how you channel your creativity:

"I can offer unique solutions to problems with fresh ideas and perspectives."

Resilience and Adaptability

Tell your potential employer how you channel your resilience:

"I can navigate unpredictable situations and persevere in the face of adversity by maintaining a positive outlook."

High Energy and Enthusiasm

Tell your potential employer how you channel your energy:

"I enthusiastically take on challenges to deliver high levels of productivity."

As you embark on your ADHD job-hunting journey, remember that setbacks are unavoidable, but don't let them define you.

Get started on your ADHD job-searching journey!