Reasonable Adjustments for Job Interviews
Practical prompts for candidates and recruiters: identify barriers, request interview support and confirm arrangements before the assessment.
Identify the part of the process that needs changing
Interview support starts with the assessment itself: the invitation, travel, meeting space, online platform, questions and any timed task. The useful question is what would allow the candidate to demonstrate the skills being assessed.
GOV.UK’s recruitment guidance says employers can ask candidates about adjustments and must make adjustments where reasonable. Its examples include an accessible interview location and using a computer for a written test.
The prompts below are ideas to discuss, not a standard package for everyone with the same condition.
Examples to discuss with the recruiter
- Information: Ask for the interview format, approximate duration and assessment tasks in advance.
- Communication: Discuss written prompts, accessible documents or communication support relevant to the assessment.
- Environment: Check step-free access, seating, lighting and a quieter waiting or interview space.
- Timing: Discuss breaks, scheduling or changes to a timed task where there is an access barrier.
- Online interviews: Confirm platform accessibility, captions and how to reconnect if technology fails.
Explain the barrier and the proposed change together. For example, “I find spoken multi-part questions difficult to retain; could each part also be provided in writing?” gives the recruiter a specific arrangement to consider.
A request you can adapt
Use the recruitment contact listed in the invitation. Where possible, raise the request early enough for arrangements to be made. If the need becomes clear later, explain it when it arises.
Example wording
“Thank you for inviting me to interview for [role] on [date]. I would like to discuss an adjustment to [part of the process]. The barrier is [brief explanation relevant to the assessment]. Would it be possible to [proposed change]? Please confirm who will arrange this and let me know if we should discuss an alternative. My preferred contact method is [method].”
You can select and copy this wording into your own message. Keep it focused on the support being requested; this website does not collect your completed request.
For recruiters: confirm what will happen
Give the candidate a named contact and acknowledge the request. Clarify the proposed arrangement, discuss alternatives when needed and confirm the outcome in a format the candidate can use.
- Tell the candidate what has been arranged and which details still need confirmation.
- Brief the people delivering the interview on the arrangements they need to implement.
- Check the room, platform and assessment materials before the interview.
- Explain how the candidate can raise a problem on the day.
A confirmation such as “Your interview will be in [accessible room], with [agreed arrangement]. Contact [person] if you need help on arrival” is more useful than a general statement that the organisation supports accessibility.
Keep interview and workplace support connected
Support for an interview may differ from support in the job. If recruitment progresses, have a separate conversation about the duties and working environment rather than assuming the interview arrangement covers everything.
Read how to request workplace adjustments or use a passport template to organise support preferences. The adjustment plan template helps record agreed workplace actions, owners and reviews.