Job hunting asks for exactly the things many people with ADHD find draining: repetitive forms, long waits with no feedback and a dozen applications to keep track of at once. It also rewards things many people with ADHD do well, like enthusiasm, quick thinking and the ability to pitch an idea with energy. The trick is to set up your search so it plays to the second list and puts structure around the first.
Start by giving yourself time to work out what you actually want. Roles that match your interests and strengths are easier to apply for with energy, and far easier to stay in once you get them.
Get specific about what you are looking for
Searching for “marketing jobs” will return thousands of results and a lot of noise. Narrow it down by specialism, location and working pattern, for example “digital marketing, hybrid, Glasgow”. A shorter list of better matches is less overwhelming and lets you put proper effort into each application.
It is also worth thinking about environment as well as job title. Do you do your best work with variety, or with long stretches of focus? In a busy office, or at home? Our post on turning your passions into a career can help you think this through.
Learn from people already in the field
Online communities, professional groups and forums are a good way to find out which skills employers are asking for, which companies have a good reputation and what interviews are really like. Pay attention to the words people use to describe their work, because those are often the keywords recruiters search for. Our guide to networking with ADHD has tips on making those connections without burning out.
Consider internships, placements and returnships
Internships and placements can be a practical way into a new field, giving you experience, references and contacts. Check the terms before you commit. Under UK law, an intern who counts as a worker is normally entitled to the National Minimum Wage, so a long unpaid “internship” doing real work may not be lawful.
Write a CV that is easy to scan
Recruiters often spend very little time on a first read, so clarity matters more than length.
Use short bullet points for achievements
Swap long paragraphs for concise bullets that start with what you did and, where possible, the result. “Cut report turnaround from five days to two” says more than a paragraph about being hard-working.
Open with a short personal profile
Two or three sentences at the top should say who you are, what you are good at and what you are looking for. For example: “Primary teacher with eight years’ experience designing creative, hands-on lessons. Looking to move into learning design, where I can build engaging training for adults.”
Match the language of the job advert
If the advert asks for HTML and CSS, say HTML and CSS, rather than a general line about programming. Many employers use software to filter CVs by keywords, and human readers skim for them too. Tweak your CV for each role you apply for. Our guide to tailoring your CV walks through how, and our cover letter tips cover the next step.
Decide whether and when to share that you have ADHD
You do not have to mention ADHD on your CV or in an application, and many people choose not to. Others prefer to be open from the start because it helps them judge whether an employer is a good fit. Both are valid choices.
What is worth knowing is that you can ask for adjustments at any stage, including at interview, such as extra time or questions in writing. Employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled candidates, and ADHD can count as a disability under the Equality Act. ADHD UK’s guidance on ADHD and work is a helpful starting point, and our disclosure templates can help you word it if you decide to share.
Keep track without relying on memory
Keep a single list of every application with the date, contact and next step, and set calendar reminders for follow-ups. Batch similar tasks together, such as writing three cover letters in one sitting, and take breaks between them. When you get to interview stage, read our interview guide for neurodivergent candidates and following up afterwards.
How Enna can help you land the right role
Our neurodivergent jobs board brings together roles from employers who want to hire people with ADHD and other ways of thinking, so you spend less time guessing who will be supportive. Sign up for job alerts to have new roles sent to you.
For more on presenting yourself well on paper, our CV help page brings together practical advice written with neurodivergent jobseekers in mind.
