If you’re not following the basic principles of inclusive recruitment, you’ll miss out on some incredible people.
While we don’t work in recruitment, we have been privy to some great work in the years we have been advising organisations on inclusive cultures and employee experience.
Green Flags for Success in Organisations
Here are a few green flags that we have implemented personally but also seen work incredibly well in several organisations:
- Offer various options on how people can apply for the opportunity. Written, audio, video etc
- Send all interview questions beforehand (or give people the option, as some folks may prefer not to have them). Also, be very clear on what people can expect from the interview, e.g., the number of interviewees, the roles, the length of the interview, etc
- If you require folks to do a presentation, ensure you compensate them for their time. And if you’re expecting people to travel for an interview, pay travel expenses
- As well as adjustments for those with a physical disability, ensure you accommodate those who may be neurodiverse, e.g. quiet room for those who may struggle with sensory overload
- Every JD should have the salary (not from) but the range so it’s completely transparent
- Clear feedback after the interview – too many underrepresented folks receive vague, contradictory feedback or nothing at all
- Give opportunities for folks to do some work shadowing so they can observe the culture before they need to make a decision
- Avoid small talk, as this can evoke bias. If this feels odd, stick to a topic like the weather
Hopefully, these micro shifts can help make a big difference in how people feel after applying.
Are there any more tips you’d include, or have you been to any interviews you felt were exceptional? Please share below!
If you think this advice might be helpful to others in your network, please share.
Alt text: I’m sitting behind a table talking about something to someone who is sitting in front of me (I think it might be the lovely Joanna Parsons). One of my fingers is in the air and I’m looking towards the ceiling because I can’t seem to talk without using my hands.
