Landing your dream job often feels like a skill entirely separate from actually doing the job.
You can be the most qualified candidate on paper, yet the interview process itself can be a significant hurdle.
For some, particularly those who are neurodivergent, meaning individuals whose brain functions differently from what is considered “typical,” navigating traditional interview expectations can present unique challenges.
What do Elon Musk, Emma Watson, Bill Gates, Jerry Seinfeld, Jennifer Aniston and Simone Biles have in common? They’re all successful, and they’re all neurodivergent.
“Neurodiverse people might think and learn a little differently,” said career coach Lisa Maile.
For many with neurodivergent conditions, the traditional job interview process can be difficult.
“There’s such a big difference between doing the job and getting the job,” said Maile.
Maile is teaching “power interviewing” techniques.
“Truly, it’s very unrealistic to expect your best possible answers to magically appear while you’re sitting in the hot seat on the spot. You have to do preparation,” explained Maile.
Kelly Castino dreaded interviews, then a few years ago, working as a receptionist, she met Maile.
“I really hated to smile. It literally does hurt when I do it too much,” said Kelly Castino, a school psychologist.
Castino, who was diagnosed with high-functioning autism in college, says learning to present herself authentically has been transformative.
“I did not have much confidence when I started with Lisa. I didn’t know what to wear. I didn’t know what to say,” said Castino.
“Your body language must say, ‘I’m confident in my skills,’” said Maile.
Maile emphasizes that 85% of the interviews should be done with preparation.
“Approximately 22% of neurodiverse individuals are hired in their lifetime, the businesses are actually losing out because they use that interview process as the hurdle. And unless someone is prepared, they may not see the special qualities that they have,” explained Maile.
“She helped me with the three main points. The smiling, the getting the stories down and then the confidence,” said Castino. “I have autism. I’m proud to empower my students through my work.”
For those looking for support, you can also find free power interviewing videos featuring Maile on her website at lisamaileseminars.com — just click on “branding videos.”