Is this an ADHD trait?

[Glastonbobbi]

I’m currently awaiting diagnosis to confirm but it’s highly likely I have the inattentive ADHD subtype. One thing I really struggle with in conversations or interviews, is when I am asked to give a specific like a favourite movie for example. It’s like my brain forgets every movie that has ever existed. However, if someone is talking about their favourite movie conversationally, this will trigger memories to unlock for me of movies that I have watched and I can go on to talk about them at length.

I’m currently facing some changes at work that are meaning I’m needing to look for other jobs and the interview process terrifies me for this reason. I can prep some great examples in advance but if there’s anything I’m not prepared for and I’m just asked to “give an example of a time when…” my mind just draws a complete blank. Most employers now give the option of asking for reasonable adjustment but what adjustments would be best to ask for? I kind of need more probing questions to unlock the memories of the examples they’re asking for but don’t want to feel as though I’m cheating my way through an interview by being helped at the same time. What are some reasonable adjustments other people have asked for and how have they worded the request? And more importantly is this an ADHD trait/result of burnout or is it just really poor memory?

[Ugadhd]

Hi, I always have the same reaction when someone asks me a broad question—like “What’s your favorite movie?” or “What’s your favorite song?” My usual response is something like, “It depends on the genre,” or I try to get them to rephrase the question or give me time to think. Sometimes, I just say whatever pops into my head just to keep the conversation going.

I’m not great with random questions because they don’t give me enough time to process my thoughts—especially if I’m still mentally wrapping up the previous part of the conversation. I honestly hate interviews because I never manage to structure my answers the way they’re expected, and that makes me come off poorly in conversations.

People often lose confidence in me because of that, and I get even more anxious because I’m constantly trying to read their reactions to what I’m saying. It stresses me out and makes it hard to focus on the rest of the conversation or interview.

So yeah, I do think this might be an ADHD trait. I’ve tried explaining it to people around me, but I always end up feeling like I just made myself look foolish.

[Glastonbobbi in reply to Ugadhd]

I really like the idea of thinking time by rephrasing the question that’s a really good shout and something I will definitely be trying

[jinglis23]

I also experience this all the time and it gets frustrating in regular meetings too. I'm much better when I am given times to process something and much worse on the spot and it's so frustrating. But don't be terrified of interviews.

I actually recommend getting a notebook out, asking ChatGPT or the like for common interview questions for the roles you are looking at, specifically focused on "tell me about time when" questions. Then write down your answers to those questions as you have time to think about them. It's not perfect but it gives you a little memory bank you can pull from and even if the questions aren't the exact same, those same projects or past experiences might apply.

Also just breathe. Doesn't solve anything but my memory gets worse when I let myself get frustrated in the moment. We just might need more prep than others.

Hope this helps and good luck on your search!

[Glastonbobbi in reply to jinglis23]

Love this. I have prepped quite a few questions and I use chatGPT for lots of things like structuring my cover letters etc but interview questions isn’t something I’d thought to use it for so this is a really good idea thank you!

[Mamamichl]

for accommodations, a google search is a good idea. For me, I was able to get meeting notes, and make sure I have passing time between responsibilities. Call center work for my partner doesn’t allow for extra time as it’s not reasonable.

I have always drawn blanks and need examples given to me. It was that way even for school assignments.

[NotAChevy]

also, over the last 80+ weeks, I, like others, have listed quite a few accommodations that are helpful to us and others. Please check these out!!

[My2girls2boys]

The same thing happens to me! I can prepare for a situational interview and when they ask me to describe a situation, I go blank. I try to write questions on notecards for Video interviews but I have to be lucky to get one of my questions and I still stumble. I’m ADHD and have anxiety. I don’t understand why this happens and what to do about it it.