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TOPIC: JOB INTERVIEW SKILLS FOR ADULTS WITH ADD

PRESENTER: Dinah Day, career coach

Employment is normally a plus, but obtaining it can mean jumping through a series of hoops. Among these is the job interview, where prospective hires try to sell themselves --

and sometimes end up explaining themselves. Preparation can make a difference.

On Thursday, 9/15/05, career counselor Dinah Day walked us through some basics: how to organize your wardrobe; what to wear to the interview; how to get there on time; and how to cope with listening challenges. Day will also cover some basic business etiquette: shaking hands in a way that leaves a good impression; maintaining eye contact; and remembering names.

Dinah Day has worked as a teacher, actress, sportscaster and spokeswoman. For over 16 years, Day has been active in the field of "image makeover" and executive coaching, first through the national career-transition firm Fuchs Cuthrell & Company, and then through her Midtown-based The Image Circle (dinahdayimagecoach.com).

Summary of the MAADDSG presentation, 9/15/05

by Gia, addcareerhelp@aol.com

Yesterday night, the topic of the MAADDSG meeting was Job interviewing Skills for People with ADD, given by Dinah Day, an image consultant on the topic of interviewing with ADD.

Her web site is: dinahdayimagecoach.com.

Here are some interesting points from her presentation:

1) There are several subtypes of ADD, and different subtypes have different issues.

2) However, self esteem and the "right" preparation for many seem to be the biggest hurdles.

3) Dinah made a wonderful point of how consistency plays a role in how we are judged on the interview and on the job. ADDers tend to have a problem with being consistent, however being consistent in the interview process is important from the initial interview to the final interview. The information on being consistent was particulary relevant for the ADDer. Most information on interviewing is pretty much generic.

Consistency seems to be an issue for ADDers, and to make it work for you, not against you on the interview, Dinah made the following suggestions:

4) To capitalize on familarity and consistency, which has a positive impact on job interviewing, she suggested that we dress as consistently as possible on the second interview as the first. Wear the same type of outfit, colors, etc.

5) Also, try to use the interviewers name at least three times during the interview. We want to appear consistent and familiar to the hiring parties.

-- "It's good to meet you, Mr Brown."

-- "I'm looking forward to hearing from you, Mr Brown."

6) For those ADDers who need to wing it and be more spontaneous, work in elements of consistency where it makes sense for you. Perhaps in how you dress, and in certain areas of the interview.

7) This is where feedback, and preparation will work for you. A career coach or a friend can role play with you and help you with preparation part. There are stand up comics and trial attorneys with ADD who believe they are at their best when they are spontaneous.

8) Some ADDers talk too much and give too much extraneous information. I have personally use a coach to give me feedback on how I interview. For me, it is important to have scripted answers and a two minute pitch to guide me through the interview. This may not be the case for everyone; however, preparation is important.

9) The night before:

-- have three copies of your resume ready the night before.

-- have what you are planning to wear ready.

-- have someone review it with you if needed.

-- have business cards ready.

-- work out travel times and directions.

10) Many ADDers give too much information away. One person asks if is appropriate to disclose any information on ADD at the interview. Absolutely NOT!