The interview question “How you do you describe yourself” can be a challenging inquiry, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. However, with the right approach and full preparation, you can effectively tackle this question and impress potential employers. In this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide specifically designed to assist neurodivergent job-seekers in answering the “How to Describe Yourself” interview question. By following these strategies, you’ll have the tools to confidently articulate your unique qualities and qualifications.

Why do employers ask this question?

Employers ask the question “How do you describe yourself?” during interviews to gain insight into your self-awareness and how you perceive your own abilities and qualities. For neurodivergent job seekers, this question offers an opportunity to showcase your unique strengths and skills that set you apart from other candidates. Employers want to assess if your self-perception aligns with the qualities they seek in a successful candidate. By understanding why employers ask this question, you can prepare thoughtful responses that highlight their strengths, experiences, and potential contributions to the organisation.

To assist neurodivergent job-seekers in answering this question effectively, here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Reflect on Your Strengths and Experiences.

Take the time to reflect on your personal, educational, and professional journey. Identify your key strengths, skills, and experiences that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. Consider your unique perspective as a neurodivergent individual and how it adds value to the workplace.

Step 2: Create an Engaging Introduction.

Craft a concise and captivating introduction that encapsulates your background, skills, and enthusiasm for the role. Focus on presenting a positive and authentic representation of yourself. Remember to tailor your response to align with the specific job requirements and company culture.

Step 3: Highlight Relevant Accomplishments. 

Share specific accomplishments that demonstrate your abilities and accomplishments. Choose examples that showcase your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and resilience. Emphasize how these accomplishments align with the job description and the impact they had on previous employers or projects.

Step 4: Discuss Your Unique Perspective and Skills. 

As a neurodivergent job-seeker, you possess unique perspectives and skills that can be an asset to employers. Share how your neurodivergent traits, such as attention to detail, analytical thinking, or creativity, have positively contributed to your work. Talk about how these qualities can benefit the prospective employer.

Step 5: Align Your Answer with the Job Requirements.

Talk about how your skills, experiences, and personal qualities align with the job requirements. Connect the dots between your background and the specific needs of the position. By doing so, you’ll demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively to the role.

Step 6: Practice Active Listening and Responding.

During the interview, practice active listening by paying close attention to the interviewer’s cues and comments. This will allow you to adapt and tailor your responses as needed. Additionally, be prepared to provide further clarification or examples when requested.

Example:

“I’m a dedicated software engineer with a passion for problem-solving and creating innovative solutions. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on complex projects that required strong analytical skills and attention to detail. As a neurodivergent individual, I’ve found that my ability to think outside the box and approach challenges from different perspectives has been invaluable. In my previous role, I successfully led a team in developing a cutting-edge software application that significantly improved operational efficiency. This experience showcased my ability to collaborate effectively, adapt to changing requirements, and deliver results. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and unique perspective to this position, as it aligns perfectly with my passion for creating impactful software solutions.”

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Read our How to Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Job Interview Question here.