Are you a dyspraxic job seeker and feeling overwhelmed by the job-hunting process? We completely understand it can be a bit of a minefield, especially when employers have little knowledge of the condition & assume you can do the job faster than everyone else.

Being a dyspraxic means your way of doing things may be different. For example, lifting heavy objects or operating machinery may be challenging. Working at Bar can also prove problematic when delivering multiple drinks to other tables faster. Being a data entrist can also be challenging because of difficulty with short-term memory & numbers.

Don’t worry, thousands of jobs are dyspraxia-friendly out there & you can use your skills to excel within them. Here are some tips on how you can find dyspraxia excellent job:

Note down your challenges

We want to start from the point of self-awareness, being mindful of your weaknesses and understanding when it’s likely an issue. For example, being dyspraxic could mean the following;

Challenge with speed

Speed can be an issue for dyspraxias due to difficulty with fine motor skills and organisational ability. Therefore, jobs that require you to work physically rapidly will prove difficult and overwhelming. In this case, we rule out the bartender, checkout waitress, accountant, etc.

Challenge with multitasking

Multitasking can be a challenge for dyspraxics due to difficulty with organisational ability and spatial awareness. In this case, we rule out roles such as sales & logistics.

Challenges with short-term memory

Short-term memory can challenge dyspraxics due to difficulty processing information quickly. Therefore, jobs that require you to remember multiple pieces of information and deadlines will prove difficult and overwhelming. In this case, we rule out roles such as data entry,  etc.

Sensitivity to noise

It can be overwhelming for dyspraxics to work in loud environments due to neurological sensitivities. In this case, we rule out roles such as retail, construction sites, welding, etc.

Once you have identified the roles to avoid, you must focus on what you are good at. Make sure to look for jobs that use your strengths and interests. For example, as a dyspraxic person, you likely have strength.

Note down your strengths

Interpersonal skills

You will likely be a great listener and understanding, making you an excellent colleague or boss. This is invaluable for roles such as customer service, college teacher, middle school teaching, child care provider, IT specialist etc. Interpersonal skill goes a long way, and employers tend to look for positive, motivated and outgoing individuals.

Creative Skills

Dyspraxics often have a creative flair that can be used to make them stand out from the crowd. For example, you love writing, design, photography and art. Companies are looking for individuals with these very skills.

Spotting details easily

As a dyspraxic person, you will likely have an eye for detail and spotting mistakes others may not see. For example, you can tell when a glass is about to fall on the floor, or a wrong figure enters the spreadsheet. This type of attention to detail makes you an asset for roles such as proofreading, call centre representatives, detective, etc.

Excellent problem solver

Of course, this is something you have always been. You think out of the box and create creative solutions to challenging problems. You developed this skill out of the difficulties you face & the need to predict and be keenly aware of the surroundings. This makes you an excellent problem-solver and a suitable candidate for roles such as research paper writer, analyst, developer, counsellor, special needs teacher, lab tech etc.

Strategies for researching job listings that are dyspraxia friendly

Once you know what types of roles are suitable for dyspraxics, you can start researching companies and job listings that offer them. Some good places to start include:

Use Enna

Enna is a neurodiversity specialist jobs board, that only advertises jobs with companies that are neurodiversity friendly. Have a browse on our site for job opportunities and other helpful resources to help you with your job search.

Job sites

Jobs listing sites such as Monster and Indeed are great places to start when looking for Dyspraxia-friendly jobs. Have your editable CV ready, and search keywords related to your areas of expertise. For example, “Work from home data entry”, “childcare”, or “Web design”. Filter those with dyspraxia-friendly keywords, for example, “remote”.

Social media

Besides online job sites, social media can be a great way to land a job. For example, LinkedIn is a platform that allows you to connect with neurodiversity-friendly employers. Use hashtags to search for roles such as “#Dyspraxia” or “#Neurodiversity”.

Forums

You can also search for job postings on forums such as Reddit. There are subreddits related to Dyspraxia and Neurodiversity that can help you find the perfect fit. Use social notifiers to catch up on new job posts as soon as they are posted.

Recruitment agencies

To avoid all the hassle of applying for jobs yourself, you can also approach recruitment agencies that specialise in finding Dyspraxia friendly roles, such as Enna. Not only will this save you time, but they can also provide valuable advice on what type of jobs to apply for, how to prepare and how to land the perfect fit.

The job search doesn’t have to be stressful, especially when you know what you are looking for and where to look. With some research and determination, you can find the perfect job that fits your needs and interests. If all fails, try contacting a recruitment agency that guides neurodiverse people in finding employment. They’ll do an incredible job.