Allowance of a Support Person

By following these steps and integrating a support person into interviews effectively, recruiters can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that empowers candidates to showcase their skills and qualifications confidently. This approach reflects a commitment to diversity, equity, and accessibility in the hiring process, ultimately leading to positive candidate experiences and successful talent acquisitions.

​

• Provide Guidance and Support: Offer guidance and support to interviewers and team members on how to interact with candidates and support persons respectfully and inclusively.

• Respect Candidate Autonomy: Respect the candidate's autonomy and accommodate their preferences regarding the presence and role of a support person during the interview. Ensure that the candidate feels empowered and supported throughout the interview process.

 

Respect and Accommodation:

• Facilitate Open Communication: Foster open communication among interviewers, the candidate, and the support person to ensure a collaborative and respectful interview environment. Encourage all parties to communicate openly about any needs or preferences throughout the process.

• Coordinate Logistics: Coordinate logistics with the candidate and support person, including scheduling, transportation, and any specific accommodations required during the interview process.

 

Coordination and Communication:

• Clarify the Support Person's Role: Clearly communicate the support person's role and responsibilities to all parties involved, including interviewers and HR team members. Ensure everyone understands the purpose of the support person's presence and how they can contribute to a positive interview experience.

• Arrange Accommodations: Ensure the interview location is accessible and comfortable for both the candidate and support person. Provide designated seating areas and consider any additional accommodations needed, such as interpreters or assistive technology.

 

Logistics Planning:

• Understand the Candidate's Needs: Assess the candidate's requirements for accommodation and determine how a support person can assist in communication, mobility, emotional support, or other areas based on the candidate's needs.

• Communicate with the Candidate: Reach out to the candidate before the interview to discuss their specific needs and preferences regarding a support person. Ask about the role the support person will play and how they can facilitate a successful interview experience.

​

Pre-Interview Assessment:

As a recruiter committed to fostering inclusivity and accommodating diverse needs, integrating a support person into interviews can greatly enhance the experience for candidates with disabilities, neurodivergent traits, communication challenges, or unique needs. Follow these steps to effectively assess and accommodate the presence of a support person during interviews:

​

Resource: Integrating a Support Person in Interviews