The interviewer wants to discuss your interest in expanding your understanding of diversity and inclusion. That is one of the most challenging aspects of working in a diverse environment, but its a challenge I embrace. The first step to solving any problem is admitting that the problem exists. For both employers and job seekers, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are more important than ever. What does inclusion mean to you? When discussing the importance of DEI, I like to lean on data. How Do You Know If a Company Truly Embraces Diversity? Companies want employees who will represent them well and demonstrate cultural competency. Below are sample diversity and inclusion questions you can ask during the interview, plus a brief description of what kind of answers to look for from a candidate: This is a standard thing to ask among diversity, equity, and inclusion questions. an equal number of male and female team members, a mix of new graduates and veterans, etc.). As you can see, using this distinction, diversity efforts mean much less when inclusion efforts do not occur in tandem. 4 Obstacles Holding Black Women Back at Work, 6 Little-Known Facts About the Job Interview Process, What to Do If Youre Asked Illegal Questions During an Interview, 7 Hostile Work Environment Examples + Key Signs Your Workplace Is Unsafe, What Does a Product Marketer Do? Biases are all around us, and unfortunately, they get in the way of even the most well-intentioned hiring teams. Split into two piles, one with 90 coins and the other with 10. (Action) I brought my concerns to the General Manager in the form of a few critical points, and I provided helpful resources. That is, the question should be about what you have thought about, or acted upon, to move forward in social issues in the U.S. As more and more systemic inequalities have been brought to light over the past two years, many companies are prioritizing interview questions about DEI to make sure candidates understand the necessity of creating an inclusive workplace and feel capable of upholding their values. Larger organizations will almost always have this information on their website, typically found in the 'careers' section. So you might tell your interviewer youd cite McKinsey research that found that companies in the top quarter for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to see financial returns above the median for their industry than their less diverse peers. Ask the applicant how she or he would respond in that situation. You might say: I believe strongly in ensuring that all members of my team feel capable of success. When you hear tell us about a time when or any similar request for a real-life example of how youve handled an issue in the past, its time to implement the STAR method. Cultivating a DEI mindset begins with committing to continuous education. If you were to create a diversity and inclusion plan for your current company, what would be your priorities? They need to feel they belong and are valued for their contributions to the organization. What to look for: Does the company consider a wide range of families, characteristics, and needs in their benefits package? What is your Creating a strong culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, starts with your hiring process. 107 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<3FDB69B5FD822041A882965D8123963E>]/Index[78 49]/Info 77 0 R/Length 131/Prev 402551/Root 79 0 R/Size 127/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream For example, they should focus on their colleagues work and expertise, not their age or sexual orientation. I also plan to support your anti-discrimination policies by continually educating myself on emerging inclusion programs and practices.". What Is Your Approach to Understanding the Perspectives of Colleagues From Different Backgrounds? What is your understanding of diversity? Questions About Your Ability to Effectively Work in Diverse and Inclusive Environments The best way hiring managers can learn about your ability to work with A responsible employer will ask the right questions to ensure they hire only those willing to help build a positive workplace environment. In this article, we review six diversity and inclusion interview questions and sample answers, define diversity and inclusion in the workplace and discuss the This question checks the candidates ability to follow DEI principles: will they take an active or passive role in the companys DEI initiatives? However, the vast majority of suggestions I received were for male innovators (and most of them white). While working as an HR Assistant, I learned how to write formal job criteria and promotion criteria to help managers avoid biased workplace decisions. How Would You Handle a Situation Where a Colleague Was Being Culturally Insensitive, Sexist, Racist, or Homophobic? Join InHerSight's growing community of professional women and get matched to great jobs and more! 8 diversity interview questions and answers. For instance, a company can hire a female executive; however, if she does not have an equal voice, this diversity hire is simply lip-service. There are many ways to support further the idea of workplace inclusion, such as building awareness of unconscious bias or asking your co-workers to assess and review their assumptions of others. How do you prepare? By being aware of biases, the candidate holds themselves accountable for replacing preferences with inclusive attitudes, which fosters a sense of belonging to the organization. I knew from a diversity and inclusion workshop Id attended that having most conference rooms named after men could be a subtle turn off for female candidates, and I knew that we needed to attract more women. Tell Me About a Time When You Advocated for Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace. At InHerSight, we use data to help women find and improve companies where they can achieve their goals. If I encountered colleagues who are still unaware of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the first step Id take would be to present them with facts. In my last position, every employee was required to take a diversity, equity, and inclusion training course when they were onboarded. It's approaching a diverse hire and ensuring that the individual also experiences equity in the workplace. One way this shows up is in the way I run meetings. There is an essential difference between diversity and inclusion, and the interviewer would like to know that you are aware of the critical distinction. Plus, learn about the challenges of the position, Language is especially important for women, The number of U.S. companies that provide fertility benefits is up 30 percent since 2020, Discover how to advance your career in this lucrative field, Plus, how to view career maps through a DEI lens. With those goals and concerns in mind, interviewers are starting to ask all candidates about their thoughts on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Also, the GM provided days off and flexibility around these important dates.". Diversity refers to 'what' the company is doing to create a diverse workplace, and inclusion is 'how' the company is developing a culture that is safe for all. For instance, do they offer paid maternity and paternity leave? "Inclusion is taking a diversity plan and putting it into action. Answers should reflect how a candidate displays inclusive behavior at work. You want to confirm if the applicant advocates for equity for the underrepresented groups in the company, which includes ensuring a work environment that is free from harassment and bullying. Our company leaders agreed, and this choice resulted in a much stronger team that has brought our company greater strides in innovation than ever before. How do you define workplace diversity? "I plan to support your anti-discrimination policies in a variety of ways. In answering this question, youll want to demonstrate your willingness to take action. Together, we came up with a plan that would further support inclusion. 30 Diversity and Inclusion Interview Questions & Answer Examples, Ask The Interviewer: Work From Home Edition, Cover Letters are Hard to Write, But This is Why They Matter. She is a graduate of Rice University, cum laude, and Stanford Law School. What kind of answer to look for from a candidate: Make the candidate define each term - diversity, equality, inclusion- and the distinction between each. This question should be given extra attention, especially since HR takes company harassment policies seriously. As a recruiter, you want to know how dedicated the candidate is to their DEI advocacies. People who dont naturally grasp the personal benefits of working in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment might be more convinced by the business case and how these values are proven to affect the companys bottom line. I like to know what matters to people outside of work, what drives their engagement at work, the values they hold and why. The interviewer wants you to recount a time when you experienced firsthand or witnessed a lack of inclusion in the workplace. While attending the University of XYZ, I took coursework on gender, diversity, and leadership in the workplace. Inclusive behavior can be spotted in various ways, like how the manager: Asking this question lets the recruiter know how involved candidates will be in the companys goal of building an inclusive company culture: Will the candidate tolerate racist, homophobic or sexist remarks of a coworker and let it slide? If that were the case, Id gently but firmly push them to recognize that while diversity might be uncomfortable, its worth seeking out a diverse team in order to push ourselves to think beyond our own experiences and assumptions. Here, the interviewer wants to learn about your approach to dealing with conflict. The STAR method gives you a way to provide a fitting example in a straightforward, compelling manner. Get the exclusive tips, resources and updates to help you hire better! Provide hypothetical questions about how they will handle a particular situation. We discuss the importance of preparing well-thought-out responses that are meaningful and genuine. Youll want to dig deeper to show that you not only recognize some of the challenges, but that you also have thought through ways to overcome the challenges. 1. Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Three women in the office discussing the company's diversity and hiring issues. Finally, inclusion means that everyone feels involved, respected, and embedded in the culture, like they belong and can be their whole self. Celebrate the strengths of those different from you. If you havent received any training, express your interest in learning, and you can even politely turn the question back around to them. Then, I look at applicants objectively, sometimes removing identifiers like universities and names, to compare their actual qualifications. We all know by now that biases are all around us. References. Select the career path that aligns with you: How many years of experience do you have? 10. This addition to your knowledge base will be valuable as you search for new employment. Most importantly, keep your answer positive. Find out how theyll address disagreements with a colleague. Your interviewer wants to see that you wont be a passive bystander in the event of a sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise problematic situation. 1. What to look for: Does the company partner with outside organizations such as a national center for diversity and inclusion, or a disability employment network? Your experience in the workplace matters! Your interviewer may ask you this question to see how you would respond to someone with opposing views from you. Having a diverse workforce doesnt only mean ensuring that employees from different backgrounds are well represented. One significant example was when our company planned the mass hiring of over 100 individuals in its technical department. 47. I approached him, asking that he consider acknowledging a wider variety of religious and cultural holidays. I suggested that we find and hire an independent diversity mentor to inspire us to look at our new talent attraction strategy without bias. In this guide, Mock Questions discusses 10 essential interview questions related to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As a result, I formed a DEI employee resource group to discuss cultural awareness, belonging, and anti-harassment., I havent yet received any DEI training at work, but Im very keen to learn more about my own biases and prejudices, and its become an integral part of my job search. You have to let go of the expectations of how individuals should think and act. "Although my former employers have not offered formal diversity and inclusion training, I did take the initiative to attend a self-paced e-course from Microsoft on Unconscious Bias. ${ company.headquarters}. One way I help employees feel included is through the way I run meetings. SEARCH OPEN JOBS ON THE MUSE! 2608 Erwin RoadSuite 148 #300Durham, NC 27705, InHerSight's 50 Best Companies to Work For, 93 Questions to Ask in an Interview That Will Actually Tell You About the Job. You certainly dont want to stick your foot in your mouth or ramble about a time you struggled to connect with a colleague of a different gender or religion. Inclusion is such an important value for all employees to embrace and champion, but perhaps especially for those in management and leadership roles who can set the tone for others. For example, if I notice that weve gotten to a solution fairly easily but that we havent heard from someone on the team, Ill ask that person to weigh in on the solution. WebWhat were the circumstances at the time? In my last role, using these strategies over the course of several years allowed me to grow the most diverse department in the organization and it really boosted our creativity and performance as a team. "I believe that diversity in the workplace is one of the fundamental components to a company's success, brand story, and reputation. Another way to reframe this question is by asking how the candidate can incorporate DEI into the role theyre applying for. Please share with us what diversity, equity, and inclusion Thats why I appreciate that your company offers quarterly team-building retreats that focus on equity and inclusion.. What do diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you? I wanted to create a democratic process, so I invited the rest of the team to provide name suggestions around a theme of famous innovators throughout history. ", If I saw a coworker speaking or acting offensively, I would take it upon myself to stop and educate them about their behavior. Discuss your exposure to the topic of diversity in the workplace, show that you have a solid understanding of the depth of diversity and inclusion in business environments, and assure the interviewer that you will succeed in their diverse work community. Kelli now devotes her time to advancing racial justice as a partner at Notley, an Austin-based social impact firm. The company's head office was impressed with our plan, and they ended up deploying our ideas across all other locations.". I might say, That is a sexist comment. Take your time practicing these questions while thinking about how you can make a meaningful contribution to your next employer and team. However- there are certain methods that can be quite helpful. One of our Best Companies to Work For, Intuit is rated most highly for Maternity and Adoptive Leave, Family Growth Support, and Support for Diversity, and their benefits back up their stellar reviews for those metrics. Or report it to their manager or HR? Need an example to ground your understanding of DEI before you prepare your interview responses? Likewise, theyll want to see that you wont overstep or ignore company protocol in your response. Better workplaces for women. As the former head of people at two quickly growing startups and the cofounder of a nationally recognized workplace inclusion strategy firm, Ive seen firsthand how questions of DEI are being centered in the hiring process for all roles. Free, unlimited access to career advice, inspiration, and job matching for women. How would you define diversity? ${ company.score } stars Bring your hiring teams together, boost your sourcing, automate your hiring, and evaluate candidates effectively. How to Answer Behavioral Questions About Intercultural Fluency Will the person approach or console the affected party? Look for answers that point out that the candidate is aware of their discriminatory behavior and is taking steps to correct it. Otherwise, you can respond with an answer outlining what you would do if the situation was happening in front of you, as well as what you would do if you heard about the situation after the fact. 1. This question is another example of walking the talk. Talk about the efforts that you plan to make, should you be hired. For those in positions to hire others, these subconscious biases can come out in subtle ways, such as feeling that a candidate isnt a good fit, though you cant quite put your finger on why or why not. These behaviors include soliciting feedback from introverted team members, ensuring that all opinions are heard and considered, and everyone gets credit for their contributions. A Step-by-Step Guide to Success, 130 Adjectives to Describe Yourself In the Workplace, Your Guide to Fertility Benefits: The Coverage You Need & What to Expect from Employers, What Does a Marketing Director Do? hbbd```b`` "H f Employers want to know that you wont be just a passive bystander, but will proactively help make the work environment a friendlier place where everyone feels encouraged to contribute and feels positive about their opportunities for growth, regardless of their background. Inclusion is the 'how' referring to what the company is doing to embrace this diversity plan. You can practice more diversity and inclusion interview questions here: An equitable employer wants to know that you will embrace their diversity and inclusion plans. Diversity is often explained as 'what the company is doing' to attract a range of workplace talent. Being an inclusive leader in your organization, means promoting a positive company culture and amplifying your employer's brand to future employees. What specific actions or steps did you take to handle the situation? What is the hardest part of working in a diverse environment? Over the past six months, I have immersed myself in multiple online courses, including a course called Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History. Discuss what you know to be the difference between diversity and inclusion. ", Read more: Ways Women Work: How Emotional Labor Weighs On Women & 10 Ways to Ease the Burden. We just launched AI for Job Descriptions. In my previous role with Company ABC, the General Manager recognized many traditional Christian holidays; however, very few other events. There are many ways to approach the topic of diversity and how it positively affects our workplaces. Or that youd share a 2018 study by Harvard Business Review that showed that companies with higher-than-average diversity had 19% higher innovation revenues. Read our complete diversity and inclusion guide! An anti-discrimination policy should also protect employees from various forms of harassment, including sexual harassment. Flip over every More. I believe that diversity means representation across a wide range of traits, backgrounds, and experiences. We encourage you to use as many as the questions as appropriate to evaluate and assess each candidate. Countless studies have cited the benefits: enhanced innovation and creativity, increased productivity, and positive employer branding, to name a few. Or, will they stand up for this unacceptable behavior and call them out? "I would help a co-worker to increase the value that they place on workplace inclusion by being consistent in my actions and providing education and resources at every opportunity. Describe a Time When You Felt Uncomfortable Due to Someone Elses Race, Culture, WebAsking questions about diversity, hiring managers try to understand how you will react when experiencing this diversity, and whether you can actually exist and thrive in Due to ingrained behaviors, people cannot help but favor people with the same opinions and beliefs. It was a simple way to send a message of inclusivity and ensure that every person in the office was treated with respect in terms of their identity.. Keep in mind stories are more memorable than facts and figures, so strive to show instead of tell. 3. Of course, it's important to mention that I would build a way to measure and assess the programs' impact.". You may try providing context when they ask for more information, like presenting the common challenges mentioned before. To understand someone, you first need to know their beliefs, aspirations, and personal history. I find that its more effective to lend the floor to my reports and listen to their feedback directly., Create a free account to get unlimited access to our articles and to join millions of women growing with the InHerSight community, Looks like you already have an account!Click here to login , If you already have an account, click here to log in. So asking this question does not only test an applicants problem-solving skills. This question is often used to assess how well you perform under pressure as well as your problem-solving abilities. I highly recommend this coursework, and I am eager to put my new knowledge into action.". Do their family health benefits cover same-sex partners? hb``f``y01G43001;20`Xjad0\_ y0:D&>~[31@,pkY u3 How to Answer: Why Do You Want to Work Here? Does the candidate also work on improving behavior like treating everyone with respect and understanding cultural differences? Read more: Allyship 101: Whats the Point of Pronouns in Email Signatures? Larger employers, especially Fortune 500 employers, have begun to add one or two diversity questions into their interviewing process. Your interviewer may ask you this question because such people are present in the organization youre seeking to join and they want to know how you would respond. In my experience, this builds a relationship that helps instill a level of trust. I would translate all of that to what it could mean for our own company in particular scenarios. Consumers are also starting to hold companies accountable for insensitive statements and biased blunders. What action steps would you take to help someone increase their awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace? This ensures that everyone is able to voice their ideas and concerns, even if they dont naturally feel comfortable speaking up or dont do their best thinking on the spot. As a recruiter, you want to know the candidates understanding of DEI and their stance on this issue. . As a result, they hired several women who reflected the communities we were trying to serve. Sample Answer: Utilizing diversity involves providing opportunities to share knowledge and experiences unique to an individual. Your answer might sound something like this: Diversity, equity, and inclusion are three very important topics to me. He took the feedback well and began to track these multicultural celebrations. Or if the applicant has worked in a company employing people with different backgrounds, let them relay experiences that have taught them about diversity, not only in aspects of race or age but also of what theyve learned about life in general from these experiences. Working through this allows teams to use more sensitive and productive decision making, in order to satisfy everyone. Today, a responsible employer will create an inclusive workplace culture and an environment of true equality. ${ company.industry} Research suggests that working on diverse teams produces stronger outcomes because the diversity of perspectives can actually make the process harder. Diverse teams drive innovative solutions precisely because they can be challenging. Share with us the outcome of that situation. The Most Cliche Interview Responses and What To Say Instead, How To Approach Difficult Leadership Questions. Then, the biggest conversation was about the increase in women in the workplace. The debate that can come with differing perspectives pushes everyone to think and work harder. I spent time explaining the differences between diversity and inclusion. Do they have a consistent way to measure performance when determining promotions and wage increases? Prepare for these 9 common workplace diversity questions. For instance, in my current position, we make a great effort to hire a diverse range of individuals with physical disabilities. It is perfectly normal to struggle when you work with people from various demographics. Udemy, Coursera, edX, and even Microsoft provide highly valuable D&I training options. There was very little assistive technology, and accessibility was not a priority. Then, I make sure to focus on each candidates skills and abilities. It also offers a glimpse of how open-minded candidates are in understanding opposing views and respectful when accepting a decision thats different from theirs. However, to have a successful career, you need an open mind. How do you incorporate this principle in your work? It was my job to oversee many of the logistics of the move, including naming these rooms. During the interview, ask the candidate what they would do if they heard a coworker say something offensive to a fellow employee about their race, age, or sexual preferences. The goal of this type of question is to determine how active you will be in building a bridge of understanding between your colleagues and yourself. Discover the best tips and tricks for improving your diversity recruiting strategy and how you can benefit from a diverse workforce. When we connect and engage with coworkers with different perspectives than our own, we can better achieve our goals since employees in inclusive workplaces feel more comfortable sharing their unique ideas and opinions., In the workplace, diversity means employees are celebrated for bringing new perspectives and backgrounds to the table. Not rated I am passionate about D&I, and I look forward to bringing my perspective to your organization.". The interviewer wants to hear how well-versed you are in the topic of DEI through training, classes, or workshops, whether you sought them out yourself or they were provided through a previous job. Ideally, this takes the form of a scheduled lunch or coffee. Here are 10 interview questions and answers on diversity. They also need candidates who will help rather than hinder their efforts to foster a welcoming and supportive environmentno matter what the job. Please Share With Us What Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mean to You and Why Theyre Important. The contractor was taken aback by being called out, but they pulled me aside later and apologized and thanked me for bringing the issue to their attention. While you can bring up a relevant experience if you have one, be aware that your interviewer is not opening the floor for a vent session. How can I better support you? If you have not experienced this situation in the past, you can speak hypothetically, being sure to address how you would handle the issue and how you plan to support your co-workers in achieving equality in the workplace. Employers want to gauge if your actions align with your words and beliefs on diversity, equity, and inclusion. I am pleased to say that I have learned a great deal about other groups and myself along the way. Are just starting to setup your diversity training, or looking into improving your efforts from last year? I would include a more flexible schedule, paid leave options, and provide recognition of various religious and cultural holidays and celebrations that may not have wide recognition on the traditional calendar. Or, if youre recruiting a Learning and Development Manager, what training opportunities will they design and implement to address DEI issues in the organization? This question gives you an opportunity to really show how youll shine in your role as a leader. Look for leadership teams that include all genders, people of color, or individuals with disabilities. By embedding equality and diversity interview questions into your hiring process you can both make the point with future hires that you take this seriously, whilst also testing whether potential applicants have views that align with your culture, and perspective on diversity, equality and inclusion. Developing an inclusive workplace culture is an ongoing process. By signing up, you agree to InHerSight's Terms and Privacy Policy, You now have access to all of our awesome content. There is an essential difference What company benefits are most important to you? Why do you think it is important to address diversity and equity issues in this position, and what are some ways you might do that? Employers want to know how active youll be in creating an inclusive environment. This article is part of InHerSight's Finding a Job series. "At my last company, I was tasked with planning an advertising initiative where the target audience was women of all ethnicities. See whos hiring here, and you can even filter your search by benefits, company size, remote opportunities, and more. Tips for Answering Diversity Interview Questions 126 0 obj <>stream Thats why I was drawn to your company: because of your active stance on DEI and your contributions to the Equal Justice Initiative., A common mistake organizations make is to focus solely on the diversity aspect of DEI. What to look for: Does the company use responsible hiring practices such as wording job postings responsibly, utilizing ATS systems to eliminate bias, or having a diverse interview panel? Is teamwork more enhanced when employees have at least a fair understanding of basic DEI principles? If you have not experienced this situation in the past, you can speak hypothetically, being sure to address how you would handle the issue and how you plan to support your co-workers in boosting their workplace inclusion efforts. An interview question on why diversity is important in the workplace can give the interviewer insight into how the candidate views diversity, how they approach it, and how they would Diversity in the workplace is essential for a successful business. endstream endobj 79 0 obj <. Employers want to know that you not only grasp the true meaning of each term, but that you also find merit in each of these concepts and share a commitment to fostering them in the workplace. Do they have a "blind' application process and a diverse panel of decision-makers? When differences of opinion arise, that level of trust weve already established makes it easier to understand one another and work through conflict.. In order to minimize bias in my hiring process, I begin by ensuring that the job opening gets broadcast to as many diverse networks as possible. If the incident is actively taking place, I view it as my job to interrupt the bias, regardless of who is making the insensitive remark or action. "This year I have taken a keen interest in diversity and inclusion efforts, especially in light of the Black Lives Matter movement, and other calls for equality. I used a structured interview process to make sure I was asking every candidate the same questions, all relevant to the position at hand, so that I was able to evaluate them on the same set of criteria. Employers want the competitive advantage provided by a team that reflects the diversity of their customers and brings a wide variety of viewpoints to the table. We all have unconscious biases, and your interviewer wants to know how youll avoid falling victim to biases like cultural fit hiring, for example. 0 If you are not familiar with diversity and inclusion plans and what they often include, take some time to research your favorite companies and peruse the D&I plans on their website. The training was very comprehensive, and we learned about topics like unconscious and implicit bias, marginalization, tokenism, microaggressions, and so forth. Finally, equity is important for making sure that every employees voice is included in the decision-making process, that everyone feels fairly compensated for their work, and that everyone has access to the same opportunities. The interviewer wants to see that you will openly and actively support their policies. If an employer is committed to addressing DEI in their workplace, Robert Sellers compares DEI to attending a dance, 18 Reasons Gender Diversity at Work Is More Important Than Ever, How to Handle Getting Called Out & Learn from the Mistake, 10 Questions to Ask a Prospective Employer About Their Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, Culture Fit: The Diversity Issues with This Hiring Practice & How to Build Culture More Inclusively, Ways Women Work: How Emotional Labor Weighs On Women & 10 Ways to Ease the Burden. From my experience in the hiring world, I advise all job seekers (regardless of the role youre applying for) to also expect interview questions about diversity and inclusion. Some of the efforts that I have been part of include changing job ads to include only inclusive phrasing and information. Web What does diversity, inclusion and belonging mean to you? WebProblem Solving You take a proactive approach to mediating misunderstandings or differing opinions Leadership You step up to ensure all team members are treated fairly. And despite the differences, do they try to see the valuable contribution this person is bringing to the team and eventually learn to respect them? I shared this context with our team when I asked for another round of suggestions and while I was met with some grumbles, we ultimately were able to work together and create conference room names that everyone loved. Another significant factor is the candidates awareness of his unconscious bias and how it creeps up in their behavior at work. Do you feel comfortable voicing your concerns, even when they stray from the majority? 1. 12 ways to improve your diversity recruiting strategy. Having systems like this in place are crucial for hiring great talent and increasing diversity in the workplace., In my last role, one thing I always tried to think about was how a candidate would add value to our team, not just fit in. This approach would be a good start. Unfortunately, there are still some people who do not understand the importance of workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion. Answer: I really enjoy working in a team environment. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the outcome. Microaggressions and discrimination are, unfortunately, very common in the workplace, and your interviewer wants to ensure that you wont be a passive bystander if you witness an inappropriate incident. Based on their answers, the recruiter can gauge the applicants commitment to DEI, managing conflict, and making sound judgments. If youre not expecting it, this diversity question could throw you for a loop. Together, the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion help create a workplace culture that drives the business forward.. WebHow do you overcome cultural bias in the interviewing process, questions, and your response? What to look for: Does the company practice equity as a way to achieve equality? Employers want to know that youre aware that you may have biases and that youve thought through what steps youll take to proactively avoid them when looking for new team members. That means if youre looking for a job these days, its no longer sufficient to only prepare for the traditional common interview questions and role-specific questions about your skills and background in digital marketing or customer service, for example. First, you must choose the right situation where there was evident adversity. Today, corporations consider many more groups when building their Diversity & Inclusion plan. Youll want to answer this question in a way that shows you recognize the power of relationship building. Future employees should also have the mindset of acceptance and respect for all people regardless of age, race, or educational background to cultivate an inclusive work culture. Explore more ratings and benefits, not to mention open jobs, at the link below. WebHYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS QUESTIONS Pose a situation/scenario involving issues of diversity. To help you succeed in the hiring process with an inclusive company, Ive put together this list of DEI questions you may be asked along with advice on how to answer them and sample answers to help you as you craft your own. Diversity, equity, and inclusion have much broader meanings than most people assume. When answering this question, talk through how you have respectful, constructive conversations about challenging topics. NEW! Acknowledge that diversity doesnt just refer to race and gender, but also encompasses categories such as age, sexual orientation, religion, military service, people with disabilities, and other traits and experiences that are reflected in a companys workforce. For instance, how will they approach a situation where a non-native English speaker coworker asks for help understanding technical documentation? Diversity and inclusion are growing in importance as companies focus on creating a diverse workforce. Does the company connect well with customers from all backgrounds due to its diverse workforce? . Equity means that we work to remove barriers, such as bias, harassment, and discrimination, in all processes so everyone can have access to the same opportunities. Describe the most difficult colleague or student Strategies Specify the need for skills to work effectively in a diverse environment in the job, for example: "demonstrated ability to work effectively in a For more practice answering diversity and inclusion related interview questions, visit this Q&A set with 30 questions and answer examples. I believe the only way to create real change is to be an ally and call out mistakes, whether big or small. In the meeting itself, Im mindful of who is speaking up and whose ideas are getting heard. We were moving into a larger office and had the opportunity to name the conference rooms. No matter how diligent the recruiting efforts are, people from underrepresented groups cant thrive in company cultures that arent prepared to embrace change. Q&A set with 30 questions and answer examples. This course was geared for managers and employees and provided a helpful overview of how diversity impacts employee productivity, happiness, and overall business success. Its much more than knowing broad diversity, equity, and inclusion terms and phrases. Look for specific examples of how the candidate makes people feel included in their team or department with their previous or current employer. We also provide 10 questions to ask the hiring company to ensure they are actively involved in creating and maintaining a supportive work environment that offers equal opportunity. Regardless of our own backgrounds, we all have subconscious biases. You now have access to all of our awesome content. Founded on the belief that data measurement leads to advancement, we manage the largest database of women-rated companies, and we use those insights to match our users to jobs and companies where they can achieve their goals. . Give examples of how youve made team members with different backgrounds feel included, uplifted, and welcomed. It may also give the interviewer the impression that you're lying because minor disagreements are often common in the workplace. 78 0 obj <> endobj Read on how to prevent workplace discrimination in 5 ways. WebFinally, it would be best to discuss how youve experienced diversity in your own life. Your answer to this question should highlight a specific way that you embraced and uplifted team members with different backgrounds and demonstrate how you helped make them feel welcomed. Can you tell me more about that?, Read more: 10 Questions to Ask a Prospective Employer About Their Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion. Hypothetically, if the call was entirely up to you, what would be your top priorities? I like to know what matters to people outside of work, what drives their engagement at work, and the values they hold. Interview questions on race and diversity can get you new talent that matches your values and helps companies become more inclusive. But you may also want to mention that youd tailor your methods based on the values and motivations of the person youre attempting to persuade. However, I also find times like passing each other in the hallway or breakroom to quickly connect on a personal level. It is first important to understand the type of question that you are being asked and what comprises a proper answer. I always felt better showing female candidates around the office after that and we were able to slowly increase the number of women at the startup.. "(Situation) I worked for a company many years ago that did not have proper inclusion efforts for employees with physical disabilities. Today, diversity is a much broader conversation versus when I first entered the workplace twenty years ago. 4. People who dont inherently grasp the benefits of working in a diverse environment might be more convinced by the business case and how these values are statistically proven to affect a companys bottom line. As a working professional, you should be ready to take your education, life, and career experiences to help you succeed in a diverse workplace environment. Remember, a responsible company will never be hesitant to share their values with you and how they promote those values. Discover our most popular and relevant resources for finding a job fastat a company that cares as much about your career as you do. Talk about how you handle 1:1s or team meetings, hand out work assignments, respond to complaints and concerns, and so on. Eagerly attended cultural training or diversity workshops. For a company to really achieve the benefits of diversity, it has to work to be inclusive in recruiting, hiring, retention, and promotions. For example, if we were struggling to bring in new audiences for a product within certain demographics, I might mention that a more diverse internal team with people belonging to those demographics could help us better achieve our goals.. In return, how can you be sure that the hiring company truly embraces equality? University of Michigans chief diversity officer Robert Sellers compares DEI to attending a dance: Diversity means that everyone is invited to the dance party, inclusion means that everyone gets to contribute to the playlist, and equity means that everyone has the opportunity to dance. Here, well dive into nine workplace diversity questions, why theyre asked, and how to answer them properly in an interview. Whether its my supervisor, report, or peer, I take the time to get to know everyone Im working with on a personal basis. Prepare your answer by thinking about what companies usually get wrong when addressing diversity in the workplace, whether it be releasing performative blanket statements with no measurable, actionable steps or companies not allocating proper funding to their DEI efforts. Create a free InHerSight account to get unlimited access to top companies lists, anonymous employer reviews, articles, career advice, daily job matches, and our growing community of professional women. Follow up queries should touch on the applicants listening skills, respecting other peoples opinions, and understanding of the advantages of diverse perspectives. Inhersight 's growing community of professional women and get matched to great jobs and more larger office and the. Other locations. `` candidates understanding of DEI and their stance on this issue drives. Coursera, edX, and positive employer branding, to name a few attending the University of XYZ, was. That are meaningful and genuine important to understand the type of question that you 're lying because minor are... Way to measure performance when determining promotions and wage increases: how many years of experience do you this... As you do policies by continually educating myself on emerging inclusion programs and practices ``. Increase their awareness of his unconscious bias and how it creeps up in their behavior at work, and other! Our awesome content they ended up deploying our ideas across all other.... Hiring how do you deal with diversity interview question Truly Embraces equality inclusion efforts do not occur in tandem to diversity and inclusion have broader. A priority $ { company.score } stars Bring your hiring process this issue my current position, we use to! Employees have at least a fair understanding of basic DEI principles assess each candidate the that... Them properly in an interview it 's important to understand the type of question that 're. A Colleague was being Culturally Insensitive, Sexist, Racist, or looking improving... They have a successful career, you want to gauge if your align! Protocol in your work that employees from different backgrounds higher-than-average diversity had 19 % higher innovation revenues creating. For specific examples of how open-minded candidates are in understanding opposing views and respectful when accepting a decision different. Often explained as 'what the company is doing to embrace this diversity plan in Email Signatures hired several women reflected. Everyone with respect and understanding how do you deal with diversity interview question differences, edX, and job for... To you so on company connect well with customers from all backgrounds due to diverse., well dive into nine workplace diversity questions into their interviewing process time explaining the differences diversity! Means promoting a positive company culture and amplifying your employer 's brand to future employees also find times like each! Starting to hold companies accountable for Insensitive statements and biased blunders strongly in ensuring that all of! Great effort to hire a diverse environment, but its a challenge I embrace making in. From different backgrounds feel included, uplifted, and evaluate candidates effectively not to mention that I build. Struggle when you work with people from underrepresented groups cant thrive in company cultures that arent prepared to embrace diversity... Truly Embraces equality doing ' to attract a range of individuals with disabilities other peoples opinions, and the.! Know to be the difference between diversity and inclusion how do you deal with diversity interview question DEI ) are more important than ever the exclusive,. Type of question that you 're lying because minor disagreements are often common the! Hiring teams can make a meaningful contribution to your organization, means promoting a positive company and! To mention open jobs, at the link below is one of the efforts that I would build a that. For diversity and inclusion have much broader meanings than most people assume XYZ, I coursework! Of success well and began to track these multicultural celebrations it could mean our... To Linkedin Three women in the workplace in understanding opposing views and when... Applicants objectively, sometimes removing identifiers like universities and names, to have a `` blind ' application process a! Automate your hiring teams together, we make a great deal about other groups and myself along the I. Get matched to great jobs and more unlimited access to all of that to it! People who do not occur in tandem the form of a scheduled lunch or coffee with plan! Inclusive workplace culture and an environment of true equality to track these multicultural celebrations typically found the... More information, like presenting the common challenges mentioned before showed that companies with diversity! Precisely because they can be quite helpful to include only inclusive phrasing and information should touch on the applicants to! A plan that would further support inclusion this: diversity, inclusion and belonging mean to you, what be... To approach Difficult leadership questions: does the company 's diversity and hiring.. Sure to focus on each candidates skills and abilities I might say: I believe diversity... Paternity leave resources and updates to help someone increase their awareness of the advantages of diverse perspectives rated I eager! Of Colleagues from different backgrounds are well represented previous role with company ABC, interviewer! To hold companies accountable for Insensitive statements and biased blunders communities we were trying to serve pressure as as... Along the way of even the most challenging aspects of working in a diverse and... 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And Privacy policy, you first need to feel they belong and are valued for their contributions to organization... Together, we make a meaningful contribution to your next employer and team your diversity recruiting strategy and it! Productive decision making, in order to satisfy everyone studies have cited the benefits: enhanced innovation and,... Other peoples opinions, and inclusion and tricks for improving your efforts from last?! The candidates understanding of DEI before you prepare your interview responses and what to look at applicants objectively sometimes. To gauge if your actions align with your words and beliefs on diversity, equity, and the values hold. Programs ' impact. `` would respond in that situation firsthand or witnessed a of... The topic of diversity their interviewing process Manager recognized many traditional Christian holidays ; however, few. Maternity and paternity leave own life emerging inclusion programs and practices. `` you. Its a challenge I embrace, at the link below or steps did you take to handle the?! Talk through how you would respond to complaints and concerns, even when they ask more... Efforts that I would translate all of our own company in particular scenarios best and. Preparing well-thought-out responses that are meaningful and genuine to InHerSight 's Finding job. Office was impressed with our plan, and Stanford Law School will represent them well began! A result, they get in the workplace addition to your organization. `` youll want to this. Benefits, company size, remote opportunities, and the outcome queries should touch on the commitment! Was entirely up to you as much about your career as you can even filter your search by benefits company! Positive company culture and amplifying your employer 's brand to future employees know to be an ally and call out! Workplace discrimination in 5 ways a diverse hire and ensuring that the individual also equity... Well dive into nine workplace diversity questions into their interviewing process knowing broad diversity, equity, and job for! Also, the actions you took, and the values they hold your interview responses and what to for... The General Manager recognized many traditional Christian holidays ; however, to have consistent. Also give the interviewer wants to learn about your approach to understanding perspectives... Their efforts to foster a welcoming and supportive environmentno matter what the company consider a wide of! Pushes everyone to think and act see how you have respectful, constructive conversations about challenging topics partner Notley... Well with customers from all backgrounds due to its diverse workforce aligns you. Equity, and inclusion question that you 're lying because minor disagreements are often common the... For our own backgrounds, we make a great effort to hire a diverse environment advertising initiative where the audience... Talk about the efforts that I would translate all of that to what the company a... Using this distinction, diversity efforts mean much less when inclusion efforts do not occur in tandem ask. The advantages of diverse perspectives accepting a decision thats different from theirs company 's head office was impressed our... These important dates. `` unconscious bias and how it positively affects our.... Approaching a diverse environment, but its a challenge I embrace hire a diverse?... Terms and Privacy policy, you must choose the right situation where a Colleague create real change to... A wider variety of religious and cultural holidays and unfortunately, there are ways. Website, typically found in the 'careers ' section of Rice University, cum laude, accessibility. Times like passing each other in the workplace question that you wont overstep or ignore protocol. You must choose the right situation where a Colleague work on improving behavior treating. Join InHerSight 's growing community of professional women and get matched to great jobs more... Employee was required to take action. `` Review that showed that with... Measure and assess each candidate example in a way that shows you recognize the power relationship! Hiring teams together, boost your sourcing how do you deal with diversity interview question automate your hiring teams together, we use data to help increase...: does the company 's head office was impressed with our plan, and making sound judgments,. Their beliefs, aspirations, and inclusion, starts with your words and beliefs on diversity, equity and.
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