Hiring managers and recruiters play a vital role in creating an inclusive workplace, and one way they can do so is by making the interview process accessible to neurodivergent candidates. Neurodivergent candidates may experience challenges during the interview process that can affect their performance, but with some adjustments, managers can help ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to showcase their skills and potential. Here are some tips for making the interview process accessible to neurodivergent candidates.

Communicate With Candidates in Advance

The first step in creating an inclusive interview process is to communicate with candidates in advance. One way to do this is to ask candidates if they require any reasonable adjustments during the interview process. This could include extra time, a quiet interview room, or the option to complete a written test instead of an oral one. By asking candidates what reasonable adjustments they may need, you can ensure that the interview process is accessible to all candidates, including those who may experience challenges in certain areas of the process.

In addition, providing information in advance about the format, questions, and evaluation criteria of the interview can help candidates, including neurodivergent individuals, feel more comfortable and prepared for the interview. This can reduce anxiety and increase the likelihood that candidates can showcase their skills and potential during the interview.

Provide Reasonable Adjustments

Making reasonable adjustments is a critical aspect of ensuring that the interview process is accessible to neurodivergent candidates. It is important to have a clear process for implementing reasonable adjustments, so that candidates can request and receive the accommodations they need.

Common accommodations for neurodivergent candidates may include extra time for tasks or questions, a quiet interview room, or a written test instead of an oral one. Additionally, providing clear instructions and feedback, or breaking down complex tasks into smaller parts, can be helpful for some candidates.

Avoid Unconscious Bias

It is important to recognise that unconscious biases may arise when assessing neurodivergent candidates during the recruitment process. These biases can influence how you evaluate candidates and may result in overlooking their skills and potential. To eliminate bias in the interview process, hiring managers should take proactive steps. For example, avoid using jargon or colloquial language that may be difficult for some candidates to understand.

It is also essential to avoid assuming that a lack of eye contact or other social cues indicates disinterest or disrespect. Instead, focus on the candidate’s abilities, knowledge, and potential to perform well in the role. It is essential to use objective criteria for evaluating candidates, such as qualifications and job-related skills, rather than personal characteristics or stereotypes.

Structure Your Interviews

Structure is essential for creating an accessible and inclusive interview process for neurodivergent candidates. Hiring managers or recruiters can use structure to support neurodivergent candidates during interviews in a variety of ways. Providing a clear and consistent interview format, breaking down complex questions into smaller parts, providing visual aids, allowing time for reflection, and offering feedback and clarification are all examples of how structure can be used to support neurodivergent candidates.

By incorporating structure into the interview process, hiring managers can create a more accessible and supportive environment for neurodivergent candidates, ensuring that all candidates have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills and potential.

Provide Feedback

Finally, providing feedback to candidates after the interview is an essential part of the interview process. Be clear and specific about the strengths and areas for improvement for each candidate. Additionally, be open to questions or feedback from candidates, as this can help them improve their skills and performance for future interviews. By providing feedback, managers can help neurodivergent candidates understand how they performed during the interview and what they can do to improve their skills and performance.