Equality and Human Rights Commission

Shortlisting is when an employer decides who to meet or interview to discuss their job application. The meeting or interview could be face to face or by phone.

Equality law does not say that an employer has to meet someone or interview them before offering them a job.

But if an employer does decide to have a meeting or interview with one or more job applicants, then they must not unlawfully discriminate against you when they decide who to meet or interview.

Use the list in Avoiding direct and indirect discrimination to make sure you know what equality law says your employer must do to avoid unlawful discrimination.

If you are a disabled person

An employer may have a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled people. In this case, if you meet the minimum criteria for the job then the employer should shortlist you for interview.

Equality law does not say an employer has to have a guaranteed interview scheme. If an employer does not, they must still take account of how reasonable adjustments could enable you to do the job, if they know or could reasonably be expected to know that you are a disabled person.