We should probably start with a confession: job hunting is rarely fun. It’s up there with renewing your passport or assembling flat-pack furniture in the category of “things you absolutely must do but would rather put off indefinitely.”
Now, if you happen to be dyslexic, there’s an extra layer of myth to deal with — the idea that dyslexia is somehow a barrier to success. It isn’t. In fact, some of the world’s great success stories — Richard Branson, Steven Spielberg, Whoopi Goldberg — have dyslexia. These are people who’ve redefined their industries, often by seeing the world from an angle the rest of us had missed.
This guide isn’t about surviving the job search. It’s about winning at it, using the strengths dyslexia often gifts: creativity, problem-solving, and that knack for seeing the bigger picture.
Part 1: The Strategic Job Search
Know thyself (and write it down, preferably in a way that suits you)
Traditional job descriptions can read like they’ve been designed to frighten off anyone who doesn’t proofread Shakespeare for fun. But let’s be honest: jobs are rarely about who can read the fastest or spell “accommodation” without checking. They’re about whether you can lead, persuade, innovate, and deliver results.
So, start with your strengths. Are you brilliant at spotting patterns no one else sees? Do you thrive in a room, talking through ideas out loud? Are you a natural leader who can turn a team of strangers into a pub quiz-winning machine? Write these down. A mind map works well, though a good old-fashioned list on the back of an envelope will also do.
Now consider the sort of workplace where you’ll flourish. Look for organisations that talk about diversity and inclusion not just in their glossy brochures but in how they actually operate. A place that values conversations as much as emails, results as much as rigid processes — that’s your stage.
Finding opportunities (without drowning in job boards)
Scrolling endlessly through vacancies is like looking for a decent sandwich at a motorway service station: possible, but soul-destroying. Try being more strategic:
- Specialist job boards: The British Dyslexia Association and other neurodiversity-focused sites often list roles where employers actively want your strengths.
- Networking: Use your communication skills. Chat to people on LinkedIn. Ask for informal coffees (or virtual coffees). These aren’t job interviews; they’re opportunities to be remembered when a role does appear.
- Keywords: If you’re on mainstream sites, look for words like “inclusive employer” or “neurodiversity.” These are green flags.
Part 2: Crafting an Application That Doesn’t Induce a Migraine
The CV: your highlights reel
Think of your CV as a film trailer, not the full box set. Nobody needs 14 episodes on how you “assisted with” things. Instead:
- Achievements, not chores: “Improved team reporting efficiency by 20% by introducing verbal check-ins” is infinitely better than “did some reports.”
- Clarity is king: Sans serif fonts, white space, bullet points. Recruiters skim. Make it easy.
- Proofread like your career depends on it (because it sort of does): Get someone else to check it. Even Spielberg needed an editor.
The cover letter: your story, not your CV in drag
This is where you show passion. Why this role? Why this company? How does your unique way of thinking make you a brilliant fit? If writing feels like trudging uphill, use speech-to-text or Grammarly. And for editing, read it out loud — if it sounds clunky, it probably is.
Disclosure: to share or not to share?
Some dyslexic professionals disclose, others don’t. Both approaches are valid.
- Pros: You can request adjustments and frame dyslexia as a strength.
- Cons: Unconscious bias still exists.
If you do disclose, do it positively: “My dyslexic thinking style has sharpened my problem-solving skills.” Short, confident, done.
Part 3: The Interview — Turning Nerves into Narrative
Preparation: the polite form of showing off
Do your homework. Look up the company’s latest projects, their culture, even your interviewer’s LinkedIn (but don’t bring up their holiday snaps). Prepare questions that show curiosity, not desperation.
For answers, remember STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It’s the Swiss Army knife of interview techniques.
Taming nerves
Everyone gets nervous. The trick is to appear like you’re not. Try:
- Deep breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth — not the other way round, unless you want odd looks.
- Positive self-talk. Remind yourself you’ve earned this interview.
- Pausing. If you need time, take it. Thoughtful beats panicked every time.
Showing your value
Play to your strengths. Treat it like a conversation. If you’ve got a portfolio or examples, bring them. If they ask for a test, you’re entitled to adjustments — extra time, instructions in writing and verbally, and software support. Ask for them. It’s your right, not a favour.
Conclusion: Playing the Long Game
The job search is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be knockbacks. That’s normal. But dyslexia has already equipped you with resilience, creativity, and a fresh perspective — qualities every modern workplace claims to want.
And don’t forget the final flourish: a short, thoughtful thank-you email after the interview. Reiterate your interest, and reference something you enjoyed discussing. It’s simple, it’s professional, and it leaves a good taste in their mouth.
The aim isn’t just to land any job. It’s to find the role where you don’t merely fit in but thrive. Dyslexia isn’t a hurdle here. It’s part of your superpower.
Now, off you go — that next great role isn’t going to land itself.
