Building a diverse and inclusive workforce doesn’t just happen organically – it requires intentionality and effort throughout the recruitment process. Here are some tips to improve your diversity recruiting:
Before you post:
- Audit your hiring practices: Take a critical look at your entire recruitment process, from sourcing candidates to making offers. Identify any potential biases or bottlenecks that could be preventing diverse candidates from progressing.
- Set clear diversity goals: Establish specific, measurable goals for increasing diversity in your workforce. This will help you track your progress and stay accountable.
- Build a diverse recruitment team: Having a team with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives will help you attract and identify diverse talent.
Attracting candidates:
- Target your outreach: Post your jobs on platforms and boards frequented by diverse candidates, such as niche job boards, professional organizations, and HBCUs/HSIs.
- Use inclusive language: Avoid jargon and technical terms that could exclude candidates from certain backgrounds. Focus on the skills and qualities you’re looking for, and use language that is welcoming and encouraging.
- Highlight your commitment to diversity: Showcase your company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives in your job postings and employer branding materials. Let candidates know that you value different backgrounds and perspectives.
Screening and interviewing:
- Use standardized interview processes: This will help to reduce unconscious bias and ensure that all candidates are evaluated fairly.
- Blind resumes: Consider removing identifying information from resumes during the initial screening process. This can help to focus on skills and qualifications rather than names or schools.
- Diverse interview panels: Involve employees from different backgrounds in the interview process. This will give candidates a chance to see themselves represented in your company.
Making offers and onboarding:
- Negotiate salary and benefits fairly: Ensure that you are offering competitive salaries and benefits packages to all candidates, regardless of their background.
- Provide mentorship and support: Once you’ve hired diverse candidates, make sure you provide them with the support and mentorship they need to succeed. This can help them feel welcome and valued in your company.
Tip: Track your progress! Regularly assess your diversity recruiting efforts and make adjustments as needed. Data can be a powerful tool for identifying areas where you can improve.
