Asking for adjustments before an interview can feel awkward, especially if you’re not sure how the employer will react. A clear written request takes a lot of the stress out of it. That’s why we created a free PDF template that neurodivergent job seekers can fill in and send to a recruiter or hiring manager.
Employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled job applicants, not just employees. Acas gives examples such as extra time for interview tests and an accessible interview room. Asking is your right, and a well run employer will be glad you did.
Download the Reasonable Adjustments Request template (PDF)
What the template helps you do
Say it in your own words
The template gives you a structure without putting words in your mouth. You decide how much to share and how to describe it.
Lead with your strengths
There’s a section for what you’re good at and what you’ll bring to the role. It reminds the reader that adjustments are about letting them see your ability, not about lowering the bar.
Explain what gets in the way
Every neurodivergent person is different. The template gives you space to describe which parts of a typical recruitment process create barriers for you, such as unclear questions, timed tests, bright or noisy rooms, or a panel of strangers.
Ask for specific adjustments
You can list the changes that would help you most. Common examples include receiving questions in advance, extra time, a quiet waiting area, a written version of the questions, the option of a video or in person interview, or breaks during longer assessments.
How to fill it in
- Reflect first. Think about past interviews or assessments. What made them harder than they needed to be, and what helped?
- Write in your own voice. Be clear about what you need, but you don’t have to share your diagnosis or any medical detail unless you want to.
- Get a second opinion. A friend, family member, careers adviser or the Enna team can help if you’d like support.
- Check it through. Make sure it says what you mean before you send it.
Sending your request
- Write a short covering email. Thank them for the opportunity and say you’ve attached details of some adjustments. Our reasonable adjustment email templates give you wording you can adapt.
- Attach the completed PDF. Send it with your application or as soon as you’re invited to interview, so there’s time to arrange things.
- Invite a conversation. Say you’re happy to talk through the adjustments. This often leads to better solutions than either side would think of alone.
- Finish positively. Mention that you’re looking forward to showing what you can do.
If an employer doesn’t respond or refuses something simple, that tells you something useful about what working there might be like. Our guide on questions to ask to find a neurodiversity-friendly employer can help you judge.
Other support for interviews
For practical tips on the day itself, read our post on how to reduce interview anxiety. Depending on your needs, the government’s Access to Work scheme can help pay for communication support at a job interview. If you’re unsure whether to mention your neurodivergence at all, our guide to disclosing your neurodiversity sets out the options.
How Enna can help
Ready to put your request to use? Browse current vacancies on the Enna jobs board, and register for job alerts so new roles reach your inbox. Before you apply, our CV help page will help you present your experience and strengths with confidence.
