reasonable adjustments

[LnC1234]

Hi
Looking for some guidance here. I am applying for a role with a 3 stage interview process- an application form, an employee engagement exercise and an interview. There is a guaranteed interview scheme for meeting the minimum criteria

In the past two years I have been diagnosed with conditions that together have a devastating effect on my long term memory. I literally cannot remember anything from over 1 year ago without the aid of prompts. That means in order to write anything in the job application I would have to hope my extensive notes since the problem began cover it...

Here's the issue- I want to apply for a role with very specific criteria. The trouble is I did meet those criteria in my last jobs but can't remember the specifics. For example I know I led and delivered a major project but in terms of my day to day actions/challenges etc that I overcame to do so I can't remember anything. I don't think without the detail I would get an interview

It's treatable but Doctors have advised it'll take a while for them to a) find the right dose and b) by memory to recover- up to another 18 months.

What reasonable adjustments can I ask for in the application? It doesn't affect my ability to perform the job as I would be able to do the day to day tasks just fine (with my trusty notebook)

There is a guaranteed interview scheme for meeting the minimum criteria

Are you saying that you can't demonstrate that you meet the minimum criteria? Or that you can't sell your experience beyond the minimum?

I can sell it but not sure if I can remember enough details to go beyond minimum...though not sure what minimum is as criteria is "significant experience of x in y type environment "

That's really difficult. If I'm totally honest I'd be concerned about how you would fulfil the role and I think that's a concern you would need to address up front with employers. E.g. if you can't remember the substantial experience of xyz needed, how are you going to draw upon it to perform the role?

I know this won't be what you want to hear, but is it the right time to be applying for this particular role if you're 18+ months from recovery?

If you are capable of performing the role but the support you need goes beyond reasonable adjustments, have you looked at Access to Work? It's there to fund (or partially fund) needs that go beyond reasonable adjustments - but ultimately they won't fund anything that's covering a capability issue. E.g. it might fund a PA but not someone to do the role/substantial parts of the role for you.

Do you still have contact with any of the people you worked with in the previous roles?

Is there a charity that supports people with your condition who might have employment advisers with experience of how to manage this type of scenario?

Would the adjustment be that you want them to assume you meet the minimum criteria without you having to evidence it fully, on the basis that you can't remember the details?

I can't think that would be reasonable and here's my reasons:

At application stage, you are allowed through to interview regardless of the quality/depth of your application because you can't remember enough detail to evidence your suitability for the role.

At interview stage, if the same adjustment is made, you don't have to evidence your suitability for the role in the same depth as other candidates, therefore potentially they have to give you the job anyway regardless of other candidates, because they have to assume you would be able to evidence you're the best candidate.

No that wouldn't be fair

More would they accept a statement saying "OP did this" from a colleague ( who has offered) in lieu

In terms of why applying because we are moving and job not remote

I’m not sure really. If you can’t remember your experience past one year how will you have the experience needed?

I think this is the crux.

Would you be able to demonstrate the required experience at interview?

Would you be able to draw on the required experience to perform the role?

I think you'll also have problems if it's competency based questions at interview. If they ask "tell me about a time when X happened and what you did to resolve it, or tell us what experience you've had with Y and Z"

I'm sorry op. You'd be asking them to 'trust' you have experience and knowledges based on a statement. I'm sorry but that goes way beyond what a reasonable adjustments and I think you'll struggle to find employers who would be willing to accommodate that.

If you are 18 months plus, away from recovery, I would question whether this particular role is suitable for you right now? What RA could the employer make?

Maybe focus on something less challenging, until you are recovered?

I think the only reasonable adjustment the potential employer might be expected to make, is to allow you use of copious notes in the interview. But you are going to have put these notes together in the first place, if you have a colleague that says they can help would they be able to help with that?

I think it would go well beyond a reasonable adjustment for an employer to either take your word for it or take the word of a former colleague.

I too would be concerned that if you cannot remember your past experiences for an interview, then how would you be able to draw upon it whilst performing the role. I would also be inclined to think this is not the time to change role and it would be better to tread water where you are whilst you focus on your recovery.

I’m so sorry about your health problems. That sounds really hard.

You’re going to need to find a way to do the initial application to show you meet the minimum criteria. Perhaps with help from a current or former colleague to assist with examples

for interview options might be:
1/ ask for the questions in advance. This is quite common and would give you time to ask same person for help assembling your notes
2/ ask to take the notes in with you - if it’s a video interview this won’t be a problem. Candidates often refer to notes.
3/ request scenario based questions “tell me how you would approach X situation” rather than ones that ask for previous examples

1 and 2 are not uncommon accommodations. 3 would be more unusual, but in your situation might actually be better for the employer as it may better show what you are capable of now despite

Good luck