Navigating Job Interviews with Dyslexia: Tips and Strategies

Ace interviews by leveraging your strengths.

Job interviews can be challenging for anyone. But for those of us with dyslexia, they often bring an extra layer of pressure, thinking on your feet, remembering examples, and making a strong impression, all at once.

The truth is: you can prepare in a way that works for your brain, and you can succeed.

Here’s how to approach interviews with clarity, confidence, and control.

1. Prepare Your Talking Points, Your Way

You don’t need to memorise your answers, and you don’t need to sound rehearsed. What matters is knowing your key stories, examples of when you’ve worked through a challenge, solved a problem, or helped a team succeed.

Structure each example using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This best-practice approach keeps your answers clear, focused, and impactful.

💡 Tip: Use voice notes to rehearse out loud. Hearing yourself speak can help you feel more confident, and it's far more natural than writing a script.

2. Practice Common Questions Effectively

Interviews are full of familiar questions:

• “Tell me about yourself.”

• “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

• “Why do you want this job?”

• “Describe a time you faced a challenge.”

These are predictable, and that works in your favour. You can practise.

We’ve created Top Interview Questions Flash Cards to help you prepare for these and more.

📥 You can download them for free in our [Resource Centre].

💡 Best practice tip: Practice answering out loud and timing yourself. Aim for answers that are clear, confident, and under two minutes.

3. Remember: They Want to Hire You

You’ve been invited to interview because they saw something in you. They already think you could be right for the role.

Instead of focusing on what might go wrong, remind yourself:

“I’m here because they see potential. I just need to show them how I work.”

Reframing the situation helps reduce anxiety and puts you in a position of agency, not defence.

4. Be Strategic About Disclosure

You are not required to disclose your dyslexia when applying for a job, and in many cases, we recommend waiting until the interview stage if you choose to share it at all.

At that point, you’re in the room because they see your potential, and you can control the narrative. You can explain how your brain works, what helps you perform at your best, and how you’ve adapted and succeeded.

If you need a reasonable adjustment, like having questions in writing or extra time for a task, you can absolutely ask for it.

💬 Try saying:

“I process information differently, so I work best when I can see things written down. Would it be possible to have a copy of the questions in writing?”

Inclusive employers won’t see this as a problem; they’ll see it as someone who knows how to advocate for themselves.

5. Know That Strength Takes Many Forms

Not everyone has a long list of achievements or neatly packaged strengths. That’s okay.

If you’re still learning how to talk about your abilities, start here:

• Have you kept going when things were difficult?

• Have you adapted when the system wasn’t designed for you?

That’s resilience, and it’s a strength.

You don’t need flashy accomplishments to show value. Start with the real things you’ve overcome, and build from there.

6. Follow Up Like a Pro

A thoughtful follow-up email shows professionalism and helps you stay top of mind. It’s also your chance to reinforce your interest or mention something you didn’t get to say.

💬 Here’s a simple example:

Subject: Thank You – Interview for [Job Title]

Hi [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I really enjoyed learning more about the role and your team. I’m especially excited about [insert something you discussed that stood out]. If there’s anything else you need from me, I’d be happy to provide it. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,[Your Name]

You’ve Got This

Interviewing with dyslexia might mean preparing differently, but that’s okay. You bring something unique to the table, and the more you learn to navigate the process your way, the more confident you’ll become.

Start with your stories. Prepare in a way that works for your brain. And remember, you don’t need to be perfect to be impressive.

🛠 Need support? Explore our [Interview Coaching Service] or grab your free Top Interview Questions Flash Cards from our [Resource Centre] today.