Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Create an Inclusive Interview Environment

In today’s difficult hiring market, diversity and inclusion are top of mind for candidates seeking employment. In a survey by Monster, 62% of respondents said they would turn down a job offer if the company didn’t seem to support diversity. Your hiring managers and recruiters have an opportunity to display company culture in every interaction they have with candidates.

Share these pointers with your hiring team to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive interview process.

Show up early.

Block your calendar before an interview to allow time to review the candidate’s resume, prepare questions, and turn off or mute your electronics. Make sure the meeting room is free of clutter. There is no easier way to show candidates they are valued than showing up on time (or early).

Share your preferred pronouns.

Introduce yourself, your title, and the pronouns you use. Modeling this behavior tells candidates that you are curious about their preferred pronouns and want to affirm their gender identity.

Confirm you are pronouncing the candidate’s name correctly.

Mispronouncing a candidate’s name can sour an interview. Think about how important your name is to you. Hearing your name pronounced correctly reaffirms your identity. If you accidentally mispronounce it, be gracious and apologize.

Use virtual meeting tools to make interviews accessible for all.

One of the ways you can show an inclusive environment is by turning on closed captioning and using visuals whenever possible. This best practice encourages participation from candidates with disabilities and alternative learning styles.

Treat the interview like a conversation (not an investigation).

Interviews are the first conversations in building a working relationship. Hiring managers should encourage a free-flowing discussion that allows candidates plenty of time to express themselves. Target a speaker split of 75% candidate/25% interviewer.

Make it easy for your hiring team to showcase your company’s culture and commitment to diversity by sharing these simple action items.

Originally featured in UBA’s October 2022 HR Elements Newsletter.