06 December 2024

5 Ways to Make Your Hiring Process More Inclusive

Creating an inclusive hiring process is necessary for organisations that want to attract top talent and build a workplace where everyone feels valued. An inclusive hiring process helps create a diverse team and increase creativity and employee satisfaction. If you want to make your hiring practices more equitable and accessible, here are five key strategies to implement.

1. Craft inclusive job descriptions

The language in your job postings is crucial in shaping who applies. To encourage a diverse range of candidates to apply, focus on making your job descriptions more inclusive:

• Use gender-neutral language: Instead of using terms like ‘strong’ or ‘dominant,’ choose neutral phrases like ‘proficient,’ ‘skilled,’ or ‘experienced.’
• Avoid excessive requirements: Only include the qualifications necessary for the role. Too many ‘nice-to-haves’ may deter qualified candidates.
• Highlight diversity commitments: Make it clear that your company values diversity and actively seeks candidates from various backgrounds. A simple sentence like, ‘We encourage applications from underrepresented groups’ can go a long way.

2. Expand your talent pool

Relying on the same recruiting channels can limit your access to diverse candidates. To broaden your talent pool:

• Use employee networks: Encourage your employees to refer candidates from different backgrounds.
• Use multiple sourcing channels: Social media, university networks, and diversity-focused career fairs can help you reach different talent pools.

3. Implement blind hiring practices

Bias, whether conscious or unconscious, can influence hiring decisions. One way to combat this is through blind hiring, which involves removing personal information from applications to prevent bias based on gender, race, or other factors.

• Anonymise resumes: Remove names and photos before they reach the hiring manager. This ensures candidates are judged solely on their experience and skills.
• Skills-based assessments: Incorporate standardised assessments that focus on evaluating candidates’ abilities. These can offer an objective way to compare applicants.

4. Train hiring managers on unconscious bias

Providing the right training can help reduce unconscious bias during the hiring process:

• Conduct unconscious bias training: Regular training sessions can help hiring teams identify and mitigate their biases. Awareness is the first step toward more objective decision-making.
• Use structured interviews: Standardise your interview process by asking all candidates the same questions. This makes it easier to compare candidates fairly based on their responses.
• Diversify interview panels: Include team members from various backgrounds on the interview panel. A more diverse panel can bring different perspectives to the hiring decision, and candidates will feel more comfortable if they see diversity reflected in the company.

5. Ensure accessibility and inclusion for all candidates

Inclusion means considering the needs of all candidates, including those with disabilities or different access needs.

• Make the application process accessible: Ensure that online application forms are compatible with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
• Accommodate different interview needs: Be flexible with your interview process. Some candidates may need extra time for tests, remote interview options, or other accommodations. Make sure your interview spaces are physically accessible and comfortable for all.
• Provide constructive feedback: Offering feedback to candidates, successful or not, can help them improve for future opportunities and leave a positive impression on your organisation.

Final thoughts

Building an inclusive hiring process is well worth it. By implementing these strategies, you’ll create a more diverse team. Your organisation will be better positioned to attract, hire, and retain top talent from all backgrounds, leading to more innovation and a better work climate.

Want more advice on how to implement some of these strategies? Get in touch with us today.