When you apply for public positions, you have a special right as a person with a disability: Priority access (Fortrinsadgang). This means you have the right to be invited for a job interview if you apply with priority access. It's a door that is ajar – and you have the right to walk through it.
Priority access is not a guarantee of getting the job. But it is a guarantee that you get to show what you can do. And that is often the biggest barrier for people with disabilities: getting the chance to prove their worth.
The scheme applies not only to regular positions. It also covers apprenticeships, taxi licenses, kiosks, and market stalls. It's about creating equal opportunities across many areas.
What is priority access?
Priority access is a scheme that gives people with disabilities priority for a job interview when they apply for advertised positions in public companies.
How it works:
- You apply for a public position: Municipalities, regions, the state, or other public institutions.
- You state that you are applying with priority access: Either in your application or by contacting the company directly.
- You have the right to a job interview: The employer must invite you for an interview.
- You are assessed on equal terms: You are only hired if the employer considers you the best qualified for the job.
It is important to understand: Priority access gives you the right to an interview – not the right to the job. You still have to win the job on your skills.
What does the scheme cover?
Priority access applies to:
- Advertised positions in public companies: All types of positions in the state, regions, and municipalities.
- Apprenticeships: If you are applying for an apprenticeship or trainee position in the public sector.
- Taxi licenses: If you are applying for a license to operate a taxi.
- Kiosks: Certain public kiosk licenses.
- Market stalls: Fixed spots at markets or similar.
The scheme is thus broader than many think. It is not just about regular jobs.
Who is covered by the scheme?
You are covered by the scheme if, due to a disability, you:
- May have difficulty obtaining employment under normal conditions
- Have difficulty obtaining employment under normal conditions
It's not about the diagnosis, but about the consequence: Does your disability make it harder for you to get a job? Then priority access may be relevant.
How to use priority access
You can choose to apply with priority access in two ways:
Option 1: With help from the Jobcenter
- Contact the Jobcenter: Tell them you want to apply for a position with priority access.
- The Jobcenter assesses: They assess whether you can use the scheme.
- The Jobcenter contacts the employer: They inform the employer about the priority access.
- You have the right to an interview: The employer must invite you.
The advantage of this method is that the Jobcenter can help ensure the process goes correctly.
Option 2: Without help from the Jobcenter
- You apply for the position yourself: You write in your application that you are applying with priority access.
- You meet the formal requirements: You have the right to an interview if you meet the formal educational requirements mentioned in the job posting.
- The employer must invite you: They cannot reject you without an interview.
This method is faster, but you are more on your own in the process.
Tip: If you are unsure, use the Jobcenter's help. They can ensure everything goes correctly and follow up if the employer does not comply with the rules.
What happens if the employer doesn't want to hire you?
If the employer, after the interview, considers you not the best qualified, they must:
- Send a written explanation to the Jobcenter: They must explain why they do not want to hire you.
- Wait to fill the position: They may not hire another person until the Jobcenter has conducted a dialogue with them.
The Jobcenter must ensure:
- That your skills have been taken into account
- That the employer knows the rules about disability support schemes
- That the employer has considered whether support schemes could enable you to do the job
It's about ensuring you have been given a fair chance – not forcing the employer to hire you.
Priority access vs. positive discrimination
It is important to understand what priority access is NOT:
- It is NOT positive discrimination: You do not get the job just because you have a disability.
- It is NOT a quota system: There is no requirement to hire a certain number of people with disabilities.
- It is NOT a guarantee of employment: You must still be the best qualified.
Priority access is about ensuring you get the opportunity to show what you can do. The rest is up to you.
How to prepare for the interview
When you have gotten the interview, it's about making a good impression. Here are some tips:
- Focus on your skills: What can you contribute? Why are you the right person for the job?
- Be open about your disability: Briefly explain how it affects your work and what support schemes can help.
- Show that you have solutions: "I need X, but with Y in place, I can handle the task fully."
- Ask questions: Show interest in the job and the workplace.
Read more about the job interview in our dedicated module.
Practical tips
- Clearly state in your application that you are applying with priority access
- Contact the Jobcenter if you want help with the process
- Focus on your qualifications – they are what determine whether you get the job
- Be ready to explain how support schemes can help you
- Prepare thoroughly for the interview
- Follow up with the Jobcenter if you don't hear back
Frequently asked questions
Does priority access also apply to private companies?
No, priority access only applies to public companies. Private companies are not covered by the scheme, but many choose voluntarily to be open to candidates with disabilities.
Can the employer reject me without an interview?
No, if you apply with priority access and meet the formal educational requirements, the employer is obligated to invite you for an interview. If they don't, you can contact the Jobcenter.
Do I have to tell about my disability in the application?
You must state that you are applying with priority access, but you decide how much you want to tell about your disability. It can be a good idea to briefly mention it and explain how it affects your work – and how support schemes can help.
You have completed the module!
Congratulations – you have now gone through all seven disability support schemes. You now know about:
- Personal assistance for work and education
- Aids and equipment
- The icebreaker scheme for recent graduates
- The mentor scheme for personal support
- Priority access for public positions
The next step is to consider which schemes are relevant for you and contact your caseworker at the Jobcenter (Danish employment office) for a specific assessment. Remember: The schemes are there to help you – use them.
Continue your journey with the module about CV or Motivation to further strengthen your job search.