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How to request reasonable adjustments during a job interview

How to ask for recruitment adjustments clearly and early, with examples for interviews, tests and online platforms.

Last reviewed: 6 July 2026 · UK guidance

In brief

Reasonable adjustments can apply to recruitment as well as employment. Examples include accessible venues, extra time, written questions, captions, breaks, a different test format or an alternative to an inaccessible platform.

Ask as soon as the barrier is known and explain how the adjustment allows fair participation. The employer may discuss alternatives, but should not simply ignore the request.

Identify the exact recruitment barrier

Look at every stage: application, timed test, telephone screen, video interview, assessment centre and travel. A single request such as “extra time” may not solve captions, sensory load or inaccessible software.

Make the request practical

State the adjustment, the stage and any deadline. Offer an alternative where possible. You can ask that medical information is handled by HR rather than the panel.

Test technology beforehand

Request platform details, captions, dial-in backup and a practice link. If the platform fails, report it immediately and ask for the attempt not to be scored as non-attendance.

If the employer refuses

Ask for the reason and what alternative was considered. Keep the correspondence. ACAS or equality advice can help assess the response and relevant time limits.

An interview adjustment email

Send this to the named recruitment contact.

Thank you for inviting me to [stage] on [date]. Because of a disability or health condition, I need [specific adjustment] to participate fairly. This addresses [brief barrier]. An alternative that may also work is [option]. Please confirm the arrangement and who I should contact if the technology or venue is inaccessible.

A practical checklist

  • Check every recruitment stage.
  • Request the adjustment before the deadline.
  • Test online platforms and backups.
  • Keep any refusal and reasons in writing.

Check the current information

These are the most relevant official or specialist places to confirm live rules, availability and application details.

Job interview adjustments — GOV.UK

gov.uk

Open official information
Reasonable adjustments at work — Acas

acas.org.uk

Open official information
Disability rights under the Equality Act — GOV.UK

gov.uk

Open official information
Work, rights and employment support

gov.uk

Open official information

The Disabled Job Seeker’s Guide to Disclosing Conditions to Employers

How to decide what to disclose during recruitment, request adjustments and keep the conversation focused on barriers and support.

Read this guide

Exam adjustments for ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other disabilities

How exam access arrangements are decided, what evidence may help and why support should reflect normal ways of working rather than a last-minute advantage.

Read this guide

Reasonable adjustments at work

How to identify a workplace barrier, request an effective adjustment and keep the conversation focused on doing the job safely.

Read this guide

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