Crafting a standout CV and cover letter feels like navigating a complex, winding maze. You know your goal (getting hired), but the path is full of twists, turns and potential dead-ends. Will you effectively showcase your abilities? Highlight the right experiences? Tell a compelling story about who you are?
If you have ADHD, that metaphorical maze can feel like an actual labyrinth - especially when it comes to crafting your CV/resume and cover letter. The executive function challenges we face create all kinds of potential pitfalls, from struggling with organization and prioritization to brushes with memory lapses.
But, just as explorers use navigational tools, you can equip yourself with tactics tailored for the ADHD brain. In this guide, we'll explore common stumbling blocks for folks with ADHD when it comes to CVs and cover letters, plus ADHD mastery tips to add to your personal job hunt toolkit.
How ADHD Can Trip You Up
Crafting an impressive CV and cover letter requires strong organizational, prioritization, and memory skills - areas where ADHD can throw a wrench in the works:
- 🛠️ Organizing. Like a juggler with too many balls in the air, staying on top of all your CV versions scattered across devices and folders is a struggle. You may find outdated copies lingering, unsure which is the latest draft.
- 🗂️ Prioritizing. With so much potential content, it's tough prioritizing what to include or exclude in your CV or cover letter. The forest gets lost among the trees as you get bogged down in details.
- 🧠 Memory. Despite your impressive achievements, the memory challenges of ADHD can make it easy to miss capturing key experiences, skills or accomplishments in your CV.
ADHD Mastery Tips: CVs & Cover Letters
Just as a sailor uses navigational tools to chart their course, these ADHD mastery tips can help guide you through the CV/cover letter process:
🎁 Life-Career Treasures Box
Think of this as a secure lock-box for safekeeping all your career gems:
- Have a dedicated folder solely for storing your CV documents
- Name files starting with the date (e.g. 20221112_CV_IlluminateUniverseApplication) to easily track versions
- Always keep the original editable master file
🗄️ CV Master File
This acts as your comprehensive career navigation map:
- Maintain a "mega" CV file encompassing all jobs, courses, volunteer roles, etc.
- Update this master file whenever you have something new to add
- When applying somewhere, open this master to create a tailored version, removing any irrelevant details
🏰 CV vs Cover Letter: Understanding Their Realms
Envision your CV as the bird's eye view of your background, while the cover letter is a closer look at your fit for that specific role:
- CVs showcase the full breadth of your experiences and impact
- Cover letters highlight specific examples tying your skills/background to the role's needs
➕ Bonus Section: Crafting Your "About Me" Story
The "About Me" can be a stumbling block for folks with ADHD. Use this formula to smoothly tell your personal/career narrative:
- My passion areas are: {topics}
- Which led me to study {major} at {school}
- I then applied that knowledge at {job}
- Now, I'm seeking an opportunity to {goal}
- My colleagues describe me as {attributes}
Pro Tip: Don't rehash your whole CV - use this section to succinctly share the most important highlights, like the accomplishments that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Full Speed Ahead
With this ADHD-friendly toolkit for crafting compelling CVs and cover letters, you're now equipped with the mindset and strategies to confidently navigate your career journey. From organizing your "career treasures" to understanding the unique realms of CVs and cover letters, these tactics will help light your path.
Still struggling? Don't go it alone on this important career expedition! Consider working with an ADHD coach who can provide professional guidance, accountability, and support as you chart your course. An experienced coach can help you maximize your natural talents while developing systems and approaches to overcome roadblocks.
The path ahead may feel treacherous - but it’s filled with as much opportunity as challenge. With preparedness and self-awareness, you have the power to showcase your skillset through stellar CVs and cover letters. Here's to smooth sailing and making a meaningful impact wherever your career takes you!
