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Asking for adjustments when you apply

Changes to how you apply, so you're judged on what you can do.

In England, Scotland and Wales, employers must make reasonable adjustments so disabled people and people with health conditions aren't put at a substantial disadvantage - and that includes changing the recruitment process so you can be considered for the job (GOV.UK: reasonable adjustments). Northern Ireland has its own disability discrimination law - the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland can advise.

Examples when you apply

  • More time, or a different format for a form or test
  • Another way to be assessed, instead of the standard screening conversation
  • An interview room that is accessible to you, or a video call instead
  • Communication support at an interview, such as a BSL interpreter - Access to Work can help pay for this

How to ask on GetMeHired

Adjustments are the employer's responsibility, so ask the employer you're applying to - their contact details are usually in the job advert or on their website. It usually helps to say what would help, rather than give a diagnosis - you choose how much to share.

If you're screened

If the employer you apply to uses BeCareers screening, the screening is a short AI screening conversation about the role, run by BeCareers, that you do in your own time and in your own language. If the standard screening doesn't work for you, ask the employer for an adjustment. What to expect from a screening.

Questions people ask

Will asking for an adjustment count against me?

It shouldn't. In England, Scotland and Wales it's against the law for an employer to discriminate against you because of a disability, and the Equality Act 2010 covers application forms, interview arrangements and tests (GOV.UK: disability rights). Northern Ireland has its own disability discrimination law.

Do I need a diagnosis to ask?

You can explain what would help without naming a condition. Share as much as you're comfortable with.

What if the employer says no?

Ask them to explain why. You can get free advice from Acas or the Equality Advisory and Support Service in England, Scotland and Wales, or the Labour Relations Agency or Equality Commission for Northern Ireland in Northern Ireland.

Sources

Last reviewed 20 October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.

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More guides: Do you have to tell an employer you're disabled? · Access to Work: support to get or stay in work · Your rights as a disabled jobseeker · Disability Confident employers: what it means · Screening and accessibility on GetMeHired.
Disability and work