Calling all Neurodivergent Final Year students! Navigating the graduate recruitment process can be daunting, even for your Neurotypical peers. There is so many exciting organisations to choose from, but how can you spot organisations who will support you in your career?
Is it better to share information about your Neurodivergence upfront or not share at all?
What careers are best for people who are Neurodivergent?
Follow these tips to help you navigate Graduate Recruitment process and secure the role you want.
1. Lean into your Strengths
Embrace your neurodivergence as a strength, not a limitation. Reflect on your specific abilities, whether it is attention to detail, pattern recognition, or creative problem-solving. These valuable skills are assets that graduate employers are looking for. Do not feel that you need to apologise for being you – instead own and market your differences and treat yourself as a valuable commodity.
2. Leverage your interests
Neurodivergent people tend to have interest lead brains. This means we do our best work when we are interested in the topic. It often also means it is nearly impossible to engage with work we are disinterested in. As such, even more so than other people, it is beneficial to use your interests to drive your career choices, rather than be ‘strategic’ and follow a career for reasons such as money, progression etc. These things tend to come anyway if you are good at something.
Make a list about the causes you are passionate about, your interests and the things you would love to change in the world. Use these to identify Career options and organisations you might be interested in.
3. Research Companies Thoroughly
Before applying, delve into company cultures, values, and diversity initiatives.
Seek out organisations that signal safety by openly talking about Neurodiversity and Disability on their websites and marketing material. Look beyond the surface—read employee testimonials and explore an organisation’s commitment to accessibility in terms of policies such a Workplace Adjustments.
4. Ask your University Careers Service for support
Although very few universities have Neurodivergent specific advisors, do not hesitate to ask your general Careers Service for additional support. All Services must provide equitable access to services and can support you with coaching, career planning and other services.
Don’t be afraid to ask for adjustments to participate in events e.g. If Careers fairs are too noisy and chaotic for you, request to be introduced to key employers during the set-up time by a Careers Counsellor.
5. Practice makes perfect
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but preparation is key:
- Research Common Questions: Anticipate questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Look at the key criteria on what to expect. See more common interview questions here.
- Prepare but do not script: Remembering a script uses valuable brain power. Instead, have an idea of what you want to say but practice speaking without scripting.
- Practice: Even rehearsing answers in the mirror can be helpful. if possible, get feedback from an expert by completing a mock interview. A coach can help you do this and will provide guidance on how to fine tune your answers.
- Disclose Strategically: You are not obligated to disclose your neurodivergence, but if you choose to, frame it positively. Explain how it enhances your abilities and will make you an asset to the organisation.
6. Ask for Adjustments if you need them
Do not hesitate to ask for adjustments during interviews or assessments. An inclusive organisation will always ask all candidates if they need an adjustment to participate.
Ask for more information on the Recruitment process before you ask for what you need. Common adjustments include receiving the interview questions 24 hrs in advance, a quiet waiting room, or specific communication preferences. Advocating for your needs is essential for you to perform to your ability. Good companies will be receptive and committed to accessibility and if they are not, well…. it is unlikely to be a good match for you in the long run.
7. Ace the Assessment Stage
Many graduate programs involve assessments or tests. Here’s how to excel:
- Remember Your Strengths: If it is a coding challenge, leverage your logical thinking. If it is a case study, showcase your analytical skills.
- Stay Calm: Remember, assessments are about assessing your abilities, not trick questions.
- Ask for an alternative: Standardised testing can be inherently biased. Do not be afraid to ask for an alternative type of assessment if you are not being assessed fairly for your Neurotype e.g. timed tests for a person with slow processing speed would be an unfair assessment.
8. Stay Resilient
Rejections happen. Unfortunately, not all organisations are inclusive (yet!), and we still have a long way to go in terms of neuro-inclusion in many workplaces. Do not allow an organisation’s failure to understand your unique value to impact your mental health. Learn from each experience, even if you are not successful, apply a growth mindset and look for the next, better opportunity. Persistence pays off.
9. Maintain Perspective
Whilst your graduate role may feel like the biggest decision you have made so far, remember this is one of many moments of choice in your Career. Most people will have between 5-7 different careers over their lifetime. All you need to do right now is identify and follow the best choice you can now. Sometimes there will be several steps in-between the job you can do right now and the job you really want and sometimes, you may realise you need to rethink.
It's all part of the process.
10. Celebrate Your Successes
When you land that first role after University, you should celebrate big!
You have succeeded in demonstrating your capabilities and are on your way to creating an exciting future. Your neurodivergence will be an asset in your career if you make it so. Good luck! 🌟🎓
 | About The AuthorAn ex-Graduate Recruiter and program manager, Samantha Nuttall, founder of ‘The Neurodivergent Coach’ is on a mission to increase the employment of Neurodivergent people globally. To talk to her further about how she can help your organisation recruit and hire more Neurodivergent Graduates through your Graduate program OR how she can support your Neurodivergent employees to flourish at work, contact her:
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