As a DEI professional and chief diversity officer, you know that the hiring process is one of the most critical stages in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. By asking the right questions during interviews, you can help hiring managers identify areas for improvement and encourage a culture of growth and inclusivity.
Whether you're a seasoned DEI expert or just starting in the field, this article provides the key questions you should ask during interviews to ensure a more equitable hiring process.
How do you attract and retain a diverse pool of candidates?
One of the most critical steps in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace is attracting a diverse pool of candidates for job openings.
Hiring managers need to adopt recruitment strategies that attract talent from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. By asking this question, you can gauge their commitment to diversity and identify specific strategies they have used to create an inclusive talent pipeline.
How do you mitigate unconscious bias in the hiring process?
Unconscious bias can influence the hiring process and limit opportunities for underrepresented groups. Therefore, as a DEI professional, it's essential to ask hiring managers how they mitigate unconscious bias in their selection process.
For example, encourage them to use structured interviews, remove identifying information, and implement diversity metrics to ensure a fair and equitable hiring process.
How do you measure DEI success in the workplace?
Measuring diversity, equity, and inclusion success is essential to create a continuous growth and improvement culture. As a DEI professional, you need to know how hiring managers measure workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion success.
Encourage them to measure metrics such as retention rates, promotion rates, and employee engagement surveys to stay accountable and transparent.
What kind of DEI training do you provide for hiring managers?
Hiring managers have a significant impact on the diversity and inclusivity of the workplace. Therefore, it's essential to provide them with the training and skill set needed to identify and mitigate unconscious bias and create a more inclusive work environment.
As a DEI professional, you need to ask hiring managers about the training they provide to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to create a diverse and inclusive workplace.
How do you support underrepresented groups in the workplace?
DEI professionals should do their best so that underrepresented groups receive the support, mentorship, and resources needed to succeed. This also includes providing them with an inclusive and equitable work environment that recognizes and values diversity and inclusion.
Ask hiring managers about their strategies for supporting underrepresented groups and how they create a welcoming workplace for all.
Additional helpful questions to ask during your interview:
- What is your organization's stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion?
- What are your thoughts on the current state of DEI in this industry/sector?
- What resources (time, budget, etc.) do you anticipate will be necessary to achieve our goals?
- Do you have any concerns about my ability to perform this job effectively, given my background/experience?
- How can I address any concerns you may have?
- How will my performance be evaluated?
- What are the opportunities for advancement within the company for someone in this position?
- What are some specific examples of how your company embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion?
- What challenges do you see that our industry/sector faces when it comes to DEI?
- What unconscious bias training have you and/or your team undergone?
- How do you create an inclusive environment within your team/department?
- What are some things that you would like to see the change in the industry/sector regarding DEI?
- Have you ever faced any challenges when it comes to being an ally to underrepresented groups? If so, how did you address them?
- How do you ensure that all voices are heard and respected within your team/department?
- What steps does your company take to ensure that its workplace is accessible for employees with disabilities?
- What policies or practices does your company have in place to support employees who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community?
- Does your company offer any family-friendly benefits or policies (e.g., parental leave, flexible work arrangements, etc.)? If so, could you tell me more about them?
- Do you have any suggestions on ways that I can further develop my skills in diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Conclusion
As a DEI professional, asking the right questions during interviews can contribute to a more diverse and equitable workplace. And by bringing these topics to the forefront, you can ensure hiring managers commit to fair and inclusive practices.
Implementing these essential questions will ultimately contribute to a continuous growth and improvement culture while promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment.
