LUCERIA
Sign in
In this guide

Interviews and salary conversations

How to ask for adjustments to an interview

What adjustments you can ask for in interviews and tests, when and how to ask, example wording, and the official UK and US sources on your rights.

By LuceriaPublished

What adjustments can look like

Examples of adjustments in recruitment
Part of the processPossible adjustment
Online testsExtra time, a paper version or a break between sections
Interview questionsQuestions shown in writing as well as spoken
FormatVideo instead of in person, or the reverse
TimingA time of day that suits medication or travel
EnvironmentStep-free access, a quiet room, lighting changes
CommunicationA sign language interpreter or other communication support

When and how to ask

  1. Ask when you are invited, or as soon as you know the format. Earlier requests are easier to arrange.
  2. Address it to the person arranging the interview or the recruitment team.
  3. Say what would help, not your full medical history. You can describe the effect rather than the diagnosis.
  4. Ask them to confirm in writing what has been arranged.
Example request
Thank you for inviting me to interview for the [role] position on [date].
I have a condition that affects how quickly I process spoken questions. It would help if the questions could also be shown to me in writing during the interview, and if I could have extra time for the written exercise.
Please let me know whether this can be arranged, or if you would like to discuss other options.

What employers can and cannot ask

Rules on health questions during recruitment differ by country. In Great Britain, the Equality Act 2010 limits when an employer can ask about health or disability before a job offer; one permitted reason is to find out whether you need adjustments to take part in an interview or selection test. In the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act covers reasonable accommodation in the application process and limits disability-related questions before an offer. Read the official guidance for where you live.

Support you may be able to get

In Great Britain, the government's Access to Work scheme can help pay for communication support at a job interview if you are eligible. In the US, the Job Accommodation Network offers free guidance on accommodations for applicants and employers.

Common questions

Will asking for adjustments count against me?

In the UK and US, employers must not treat you less favourably for asking because of a disability. Many employers actively invite requests. If you are worried, focus the request on practical needs.

Do I have to disclose a disability to ask?

You need to give enough information for the employer to understand what would help. You do not usually need to name a diagnosis or share medical details beyond that.

Sources

Put it into practice

Prepare with interview practice
How to prepare for a job interviewAptitude and psychometric testsHow to manage interview nervesMore on interviews and salary conversations

Drafted with AI assistance and checked against Luceria’s editorial standards. Examples are illustrative, not real people’s results. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.