Question 1:
Do you find you have no problem having a conversation with interviewers, but struggle when it feels like an interrogation and you're asked a more direct question you need to answer on the spot? I think sometimes I need more time to process a question and mull over my answer. So sometimes I find myself struggling for something to say (a rare thing!) and then later feel like an idiot, or think of all kinds of things I could have reponded with or things I meant to say.

Question 2:
I just graduated with my Master's and am looking for my first job in my field. I will be essentially working as a 2 or 3 person team with a small support staff, with the other part of this team my supervisor. Questioning if I should let people I do a more advanced interview with about my ADD. On the one hand it could be helpful for them to know from the beginning. On the other they might question my ability to do my job and not offer it to me.

Instead I could ask about working conditions in the office, how schedules are coordinated, etc. and be more general mentioning I've discovered some things that help in juggling tasks. So basically ask for things that will help, without specifically mentioning ADD unless it becomes clearer as we work together I should disclose it?

Or not go there at all during the interview and work it out if I get the job and once I get there?

I'm wrestling with the balance of being honest and getting the support I need to do well in my job versus sharing too much information and the possibility of bias.

~~bythesea

I can try to help you with #1. I found very helpful a book on interviewing, and what kinds of questions they ask, and what they are REALLY asking, and how to answer. I had to sit there with an underliner and my notepaper to get through the book. This helped me to be better able to answer a question "off the cuff." Also, if you can have someone to practice with you interviewing techiniques. It definately takes practice to get to a comfort level with it for anyone. Then, you have in your "file drawer" things to say you can pull out with confidence. During interviewing, I had to remember to breathe, and pause before answering, just to calm down. And no coffee beforehand. ;-)

You should definitely "interview" the people you meet as well, just to make sure that YOU will enjoy working with them. I wouldn't spill about your ADHD. Many people have it and don't know it, but their coworkers may figure it out, as may yours, unless you keep pretty tight about your routine and keeping things in order in the workplace. If you know your abilities well, like it sounds like you do, being honest about them specifically without mentioning ADHD would be to your advantage. For instance, if you are in a situation where you will be getting a lot of information, and you need to write things down, make sure you get what you need before the information is given out, or ask for just a moment to get what you need. There is everything right with doing what you need to do to get the job done.

Good luck!

Thanks 1kid2dogs.

A while back I did find some info about specific/frequently asked questions on Monster.com and some other websites that I tried to review and think up answers before a phone interview and then got nervous and kind of froze up during the actual interview. I should go back and review some of that again.

Thanks also for the reminder that I'm interviewing them as well to determine if I want to be there and for your other supportive words.

Get the book -

"Every Employees Guide to the Law"

This book is excellent and has a chapter on Disaility and your rights in the workplace and how to handle situations such as yours.

The book recommends - DO NOT DISCLOSE YOUR DISABILITY UNTIL AFTER THEY OFFER YOU THE JOB!!!!!!

Once they offer you the job and you are disscusing salary, benefits, ect. then disclose your disability and request "reasonable accomidations".

Then if for some reason they never call you back - you might have a case against them.

This book should be REQUIRED reading.

:) :) Good Luck