One of the top issues organizations face is the limited pool of candidates from diverse backgrounds in their location. The reason for this is due to various factors such as geographic location, barriers to education, small talent pipelines, and much more. Despite these challenges, there are several strategies that companies can implement to maximize the potential of their recruiting pool and build a more inclusive workplace.
1. Understand Your Location Limits
Before implementing any strategies, it’s crucial to understand the current state of diversity within your recruiting pool. Discriminatory practices, larger socio-economic issues, and predominantly homogeneous regions are common barriers to a more diverse workforce. Analyze your existing demographics and compare them to the available talent pool. This will help you identify the gaps and set realistic diversity goals.
For instance, a tech company in a predominantly homogeneous region can analyze the demographics of their local universities’ STEM programs to understand the diversity of upcoming graduates.
2. Broaden Your Recruiting Channels
Expanding your recruiting channels can help you reach a more diverse pool of candidates. Consider partnering with organizations, universities, and professional groups that support the development of talent from diverse backgrounds. Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), women in tech groups, and LGBTQ+ professional organizations are a few examples.
3. Implement Inclusive Job Descriptions
Ensure your job descriptions do not discourage candidates. Avoid gender-biased language and emphasize the organization’s commitment to equal opportunity. Many job descriptions will include a paragraph after the qualifications reassuring candidates that if they do not check off each one to still apply.
Try this gender job description decoder here.
4. Provide Bias Training for Recruiters
Unconscious biases can influence recruiting decisions, often unintentionally. Providing bias training for your recruiting team can help them recognize and mitigate these biases. Offer workshops or online courses that teach strategies for making more objective hiring decisions.
5. Forego Traditional Qualifications
A common qualification is academic achievement yet this is not something every candidate can obtain. Instead, consider skills, experience, and other markers of professional achievement. This approach can help you identify qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds who may have been overlooked or unable to apply.
6. Foster an Inclusive Workplace Culture
Recruiting is one of the first steps to a more inclusive workplace. Ensure that your company policies, practices, and values support diversity and inclusion. Implement mentorship programs, employee resource groups, and diversity training to create an environment where all employees feel valued and included. By building a better pipeline, it opens the door for more candidates.
7. Highlight Your Diversity Efforts
Promote your diversity and inclusion efforts on your company’s website, social media channels, and press releases. Transparency about your commitment to diversity can reach a broader audience and attract candidates who prioritize these values. Share testimonials from employees, and showcase new partnerships.
8. Measure and Improve
Regularly track and measure your diversity recruiting efforts to identify what’s working and where there’s room for improvement. Track the applicant pool, interviewees, and hires, and use this data to adjust recruiting strategies accordingly.
While a limited diversity recruiting pool can present challenges, there are numerous strategies organizations can employ. Ultimately, these efforts will not only enhance workplace diversity but also drive innovation, creativity, and overall success. Embracing diversity is a journey, and with commitment and strategic planning, organizations can create a more equitable and dynamic workforce.
Expand Your Diversity Recruiting Strategies with TalentAlly
TalentAlly, a rebrand of the Professional Diversity Network (PDN), connects job seekers nationally to companies that truly value DEI. Contact us today to find out how we can help with your unique recruitment needs.
