Interviews identified as biggest barrier for neurodivergent jobseekers

A survey conducted during Neurodiversity Celebration Week found that 66% of respondents identified interviews as the most challenging stage of the hiring process. Job attraction and advertising (14%) and career progression (12%) were seen as moderately challenging, while onboarding (8%) was viewed as least problematic.

The findings come as UK employers continue to face skills shortages, with concerns growing that traditional hiring practices may be unintentionally excluding suitable candidates.

Abigail Farnham, director at Pertemps, said conventional interview formats can disadvantage neurodivergent individuals, even when they are well suited to a role. This is because interviews typically rely on rapid responses, reading social cues and unstructured communication.

"This research shows that meaningful change requires more than intent," she said. "It requires practical adjustments to how candidates are assessed."

Pertemps is encouraging employers to consider offering alternative interview formats such as task-based assessments, providing questions in advance, allowing additional processing time and training hiring managers in neurodiversity awareness.

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