Inclusion in the workplace is about more than just having a diverse workforce — it’s about making sure everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. When it comes to hiring, this means creating a process that is open to all and that takes into account the needs of everyone involved. Keep reading to find out how you can make your hiring process more inclusive.
Be aware of your own biases.
The first step to inclusive hiring is to become aware of your own biases. We all have them, but it’s important to be aware of them and how they may be impacting your decisions. Some of the most common biases include confirmation bias, the halo effect, and the horns effect. All of these biases can impact our hiring decisions, often without us realizing it.
Biases can also influence how we judge candidates during the interview process. For example, if we meet a candidate who is very confident, we may be more likely to hire them, even if they’re not the best candidate. Or, if we meet a candidate who is shy and seems unsure of themselves, we may be less likely to hire them, even if they are the best candidate. The key to overcoming these biases is to be aware of them and to try to be as objective as possible when assessing candidates. We can’t completely eliminate our biases, but we can try to minimize their impact on our decisions.
Create a process that is open to all.
Creating a process that is open to all is key to making your hiring process more inclusive. This means that everyone, regardless of their race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, etc., is given a fair chance to be considered for a job. This means not only offering accessible options for applying and interviewing with your company but considering these alternative forms in as similar a way as possible.
When creating a process that is open to all, it is important to remember that not everyone is the same. You will need to tailor your process to fit the needs of your business and the people you are looking to hire. This will help you find the best possible candidates for the job, and it will help you create a more inclusive workplace.
Be aware of your language.
When writing a job posting, it is important to be aware of the language you use. Avoid using language that is exclusive or that may be seen as offensive. You may want to consider using gender-neutral language in your job description, like the singular “they,” whenever possible. This will help ensure that your job posting is inclusive and welcoming to all potential applicants.
You should also avoid using offensive language. Phrases like “crazy,” “lazy,” and “stupid” are just a few examples of language that can be seen as offensive. For example, referring to a submission considered anonymously as a “blind” application can be viewed as offensive. Using such terms can deter qualified candidates and can even lead to legal trouble due to discrimination.
Hiring a diverse workforce is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also good for business. Despite this, many companies still have a long way to go when it comes to inclusive hiring. If you realize that your hiring process is not as inclusive as it should be, be willing to make changes. It may take some time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end. By creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace, you can attract a more talented and diverse workforce, which can help your business grow and succeed.
