1. Treat Getting a Job as a Job
It’s important to remember that you already have an important job: to market yourself.
Do This: Set up a “work schedule” for job hunting. How many hours a day are you going to commit to this? When? How will you divide your time?
2. Identify Your Abilities
This is where having ADHD becomes very important. We tend to be very good at what we are good at and practically nonfunctional in areas where we do not excel. Choose a job that fits you.
Do This: Make a list of 25 things that you would do even if you weren’t going to be paid, such as driving, playing games, cooking, or talking to people. Consider careers that use these skills.
3. Identify Your Market
People with ADD tend to have a hard time when it comes to narrowing choices, but this is exactly what you need to do at this point.
Do This: Make a list of jobs that interest you. Research these careers to find the actual work done in these positions. What specific skills are required for this job? What would you need to learn. Remember: After getting hired, you had better be able to deliver. Don’t make any claims that are untrue.
4. Be Ready To Tell Others About Your Abilities
The job will not go to the person best at doing the actual job, but instead will go to the person who is best at marketing themselves for the job. Remember, in the job interview, all of the questions really come down to the employer asking only one thing: “What can you do for me?”
Do This: Video tape yourself as you talk about what you. How do you sound? Are you believable? Are you employable?
5. Look The Part
FACT: Most hiring decisions are made in the first 30 seconds of the interview.
To get a job, you need to look like you already have the job. Visit the place beforehand and see what the employees look like. What are they wearing? Any earrings or other jewelry? (especially on men) Any kind of “unspoken” dress codes?
Good luck out there.
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