How Would You Find Candidates From Underrepresented Communities
Businesses have good intentions when they say they want to hire more diverse candidates or hire talent from underrepresented communities. But how is this accomplished? The hiring manager may have ideas, but they want your opinion on how to find these types of candidates. You need to offer your interviewers some workable ideas that can show you are a forward-thinker, and you have the means to advance the cause of diversity.
For one thing, you can point to the numerous job boards, like Hire Autism or Recruit Disability. Or, as another sample answer, you can propose establishing targeted internships or scholarships by contacting minority-focused organisations or educational institutions.
For the most part, the purpose of this question is to gauge your resourcefulness and creative thinking.
How To Talk About Diversity In An Interview: Top Tips
Are you a multicultural job seeker, military veteran, part of the LGBT+ community or have a disability? More than ever before, the answer is likely to be yes. Increasingly, employers pay attention to diversity and inclusion so candidates should know how to talk about diversity in an interview setting.
How Would You Describe The Typical Day Of A Diversity And Inclusion Manager
This is to measure if you know and understand the responsibilities of a D& I manager. Explain how you can lead teams, build relationships, and research and implement strategic initiatives. Describe how you would track metrics and create a DEI dashboard for the organization to be able to make data-driven decisions.
Don’t Miss: What Kind Of Questions Are Asked In An Exit Interview
How Would You Describe The Way You Think About Diversity And Inclusion Now How Has It Changed Over Time
This question allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and maturity over time. Showcase how movements like #MeToo or Black Lives Matter have risen, and how the new traditions of the annual diversity reports have come about.
Discuss how organizations have shifted from D& I as just a tick-box exercise to evolving as a business imperative and strategic advantage. Explain how the understanding is changing from diversity to inclusion through diversity, equity and inclusion to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
How Would You Encourage Expressions Of Diversity In Colleagues During Projects
Although the major branches of diversity focus on age, gender, race and sexual orientation, which are immediately visible, the topic also covers invisible differences, such as culture. This might come up in interview questions about diversity and inclusion.
Having cultural awareness in your interview questions and answers is valuable to employers culture is an unchangeable part of identity. DEI interview questions like these are especially important when jobs require meetings with clients, on-site visits and cross-cultural communications.
For example, being culturally aware is valuable to the employer when the job you apply for involves meetings with international clients, visits to other countries and cross-cultural communications. So prepare to show it in your answers to DEI interview questions.
Sample Answer:
I will strongly encourage colleagues to share cultural knowledge if they want to do so. Listening to their perspective and knowledge of other languages and cultures will provide us with guidance, so we can make culturally sensitive decisions which will ultimately broaden our reach. Likewise, I will recruit a diverse range of people to participate in projects to ensure this.
Also Check: How To Prepare For A Special Education Teacher Interview
How Would You Handle Hearing Or Seeing Discrimination In The Workplace
This diversity and inclusion question is for leaders and regular employees. Workplace discrimination is never tolerated, and inclusivity interview questions like these allow you to show how you adhere to DEI principles. Ensuring equity for marginalized and/or radicalized communities workplace include creating an environment where they are free from harm and harassment.
HR takes harassment policies seriously therefore this DEI interview question is likely to be asked.
Sample Answer:
If I witness workplace discrimination, I will first interrupt the situation, regardless of who is involved. I will call out the incident as offensive and stop the situation. In the same time, workshops about equity should be held. I’d also suggest the company educate every one n the importance of DEI concepts. If the situation continues, I will report it to management, HR or the diversity or inclusion manager immediately. I will also check in with the affected person to see if they are okay.
How Can You Prepare For The Diversity Question
You can always prepare for the diversity question just by writing out responses to the common interview questions above. And I do mean, write out your responses. You are looking for a paragraph, maybe two, no more. Use the STAR framework you learned about in Transition Assistance Program class to talk about the Situation, Task, Action and Result.
A better way to prepare is to actually use this opportunity to think through your private thoughts about diversity and inclusion. We all have them. If you live in this country, you have complicated thoughts on diversity. It is one of our central issues.
One framework that may work for you comes from General CQ Brown Jr., who is now the Air Force chief of staff and the first Black officer to lead one of the United States’ military branches. After the death of George Floyd in 2020, he wrote a piece called Heres What Im Thinking About. Most sentences started with the words, “I’m thinking about …” He wrote about his childhood, his career, the worlds we live in.
You can read his example and then write your own version. You never have to share it with anyone, but it can help you think through your own experiences, what you believed when you were younger, what you experienced in the military, what you are thinking now.
Diversity, equity and inclusion are not topics we think about solely so we are prepared for an interview. This is what we prepare for so that we are ready for all challenges of the workplace to come.
You May Like: What’s An Exit Interview
Why Is Diversity Important To Your Company
This question is similar to the previous one as it aims to figure out why you think diversity has such an important value. The difference is that instead of looking at the benefits, you’ll focus on why diversity is essential to your company.
How to Answer:
Again, if you haven’t researched the subject matter, you might end up saying something vague such as: “We believe that diversity brings strength to organizations and companies.” But, if you have done your research, you could say something more specific like: “Our customers demand diversity. They expect products that reflect the world around them. Our customers demand quality products made by people who care about their job. Diversity is crucial to our business.”
What Is Your Approach To Understanding The Perspectives Of Colleagues From Different Backgrounds
Thriving in a diverse work environment is easier said than done. Research suggests that working on diverse teams produces stronger outcomes because the diversity of perspectives can actually make the process harder. It requires teamwork and a good deal of effort to create the type of connection and understanding across differences that will result in positive business outcomes. 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.
Read Also: How To Prepare For Investment Banking Interview
Its Your First Day On The Job Here What Is The First Task You Will Tackle
Theres no real answer for this but rather an opportunity to showcase your personality and priorities. Mention that you would set up meetings with key stakeholders, not only senior members. Also, meet with employees experiencing D& I issues on the ground. Talk about the research and data you would like to get a hold of and how you would introduce your approach to your team and the company.
What Do You Know About Diversity
This question aims at finding out what kind of person you are. It would be best if you answered it with confidence and enthusiasm. If you don’t know this topic, you might want to research online before answering. However, if you’re confident enough in your answers, there shouldn’t be any problem.
How to Answer
You could say something like: “Well, I’ve always been interested in learning more about different cultures and ethnicities. I’m fascinated by other people and their backgrounds.” Or maybe you could say: “I am very passionate about diversity because it helps us understand each other better. We learn from each other and become stronger when we embrace our differences.”
Use words like “culture” and “ethnicity” to leave a knowledgeable and enthusiastic impression.
Recommended Reading: How To Prepare For A Graphic Design Interview
How Do You Respond To Somebody Who Says We Just Hire The Best Person For The Job
A lot of critics of diversity hiring and inclusion campaigns will routinely remark that the office should only hire the best person of the job, regardless of skin colour, disability or background. A human resource manager may be curious about how you would respond to this statement.
This is a chance to put a spotlight on your corporate experience and managerial prowess by going into detail about how hiring diverse talent gives the company a competitive advantage. Why? Someone with a different background may provide a unique perspective on a wide array of subjects, areas, and projects. You understand this, which is why you fully endorse diversity and inclusion hiring.
What Are The Diversity And Inclusion Challenges That You Have Faced In Your Current Job How Were They Addressed
This can help interviewers identify a candidate’s personality traits, how they interact and communicate with others. Interview questions about previous incidents or challenges at work can determine if the applicant will have the right approach in the future.
You want to make sure that the person you hire is able to professionally address and overcome the challenges that can arise in a work environment that incorporates members of different backgrounds. These challenges include communication barriers, different working styles, and trust issues.
Read Also: How To Schedule An Interview Email
Tell Me When You Experienced Discrimination Due To Your Race/gender/sexual Orientation/disability
This question tests your ability to handle difficult situations. It also tests your ability to deal with conflict, especially when dealing with someone else’s prejudice.
How to Answer:
Start by describing what happened first. Ask the person to elaborate if you’re uncomfortable talking about the issue.
Become A Certified Diversity And Inclusion Professional
1. What do you know about diversity?
2. How does diversity affect your organization?
3. Why is diversity important to your company?
4. What can you tell me about diversity and inclusion in your current workplace?
5. Tell me when you experienced discrimination due to your race/gender/sexual orientation/disability.
6. Describe how you would go about addressing discrimination in your workplace.
7. How do you feel about diversity?
8. Why should I care about diversity?
9. What is your definition of diversity?
10. Describe a time when you felt uncomfortable due to someone else’s race, culture, religious beliefs, political views, or physical characteristics.
11. Describe a situation where you faced discrimination based on your race, religion, national origin, sex, or disability. How did you react?
12. Tell me when you had to work with a group of employees who did not share your cultural background. How did you manage the situation?
13. Explain how you plan to address issues related to diversity within your organization.
To ensure your workplace is diverse and inclusive, you must create a positive working environment. It includes knowing the types of questions you can ask in an interview for diversity and inclusion.
If you’re interested in learning more via video, then watch below. Otherwise, skip ahead.
Don’t Miss: What To Wear To A Job Interview Teenager
What The Question Reveals About Employers And Job Seekers
Employers may be reticent to bring up racial inequity in the workplace because it requires the other party to acknowledge its very existence and how they benefit from the disadvantages of others, which can be uncomfortable.
When an employer starts talking about racism and oppression in the workplace, Cynova says, they have “changed the unwritten employer-employee contract. People will say, ‘I signed up to work for an innovative arts organization, and now they’re requiring mandatory meetings to talk about racism and White fragility.'”
This could cause job seekers to not apply, and it can make existing employees feel like they’re being asked to take on values in the workplace that they don’t personally feel are right.
The risk is that , “you’ll lose employees, donors and board members,” Cynova says, “but you were already losing amazing people doing the work who want to see those efforts and want to be a part of that.”
“That attrition of staff leaving is probably good attrition,” Ruffin adds. “Someone who can’t step out of their own shoes to empathize with others is probably a bad colleague.”
Please Explain An Instance Where You Personally Advocated For Diversity Equity Or Inclusion In A Workplace
With this question, employers can see how much initiative you take in the workplace and how your values determine your actions. It’s important to be authentic, so consider picking an example where your action had specific results.
Example:”In my research and development position was involved with the planning for an initiative targeting a new audience. I realized our team didn’t have anyone from the demographic we were trying to reach, and our initiative might not serve the audience as well as a result. After a conversation with our hiring team, we were able to bring on board several people for this project who would help us reflect the communities we were trying to serve.”
Related: How To Prepare for an Interview in 11 Steps
Read Also: What Questions Should I Ask Employers In An Interview
What Deib Training Have You Received
Start with your most recent D& I training and work backward. For example, mention your Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging certification. Be specific about your educational background so if you have a Human Resources or Organizational Psychology degree, expand on the specific diversity & inclusion modules you completed.
Also, showcase an element of continuous learning. This might be recent conferences or workshops you attended or a webinar series youre subscribed to. Highlight a few key pieces of training that are a must-have .
How Can You Advocate For Diversity Equity And Inclusion With Colleagues Who Don’t Understand Its Importance
Unfortunately, people who don’t understand the importance of inclusion and diversity in the workplace might still be present in your organization. This question will help you determine how the candidate can contribute to raising awareness among co-workers by sharing their knowledge or previous experiences.
Recommended Reading: How To Set Up A Phone Interview
How Do You Feel About Workplace Diversity Today And How Have Your Views Changed Over The Years
Diversity has been a part of the corporate conversation for many years however, the conversation has changed significantly over time. Today, corporations consider many more groups when building their Diversity & Inclusion plan.
The interviewer would like to know how your views have evolved over the years, and where you stand today on diversity and inclusion topics and efforts.
Answer Example
“I believe that diversity in the workplace is one of the fundamental components to a company’s success, brand story, and reputation. Today, diversity is a much broader conversation versus when I first entered the workplace twenty years ago. Then, the biggest conversation was about the increase in women in the workplace. Today, a company’s diversity plan includes race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical abilities, socioeconomic status, and more. The most significant change in my personal view of diversity over the years is my realization that diversity has to go far beyond thought and move into action while including a broader range of groups. I am passionate about D& I, and I look forward to bringing my perspective to your organization.”
What Can You Tell Me About Diversity And Inclusion In Your Current Workplace
This question aims to determine how well prepared you are for working in a diverse setting. Focusing on your own experience shows that you are aware of diversity and inclusion issues.
It’s best to start by talking about yourself. Talk about things you’ve learned during your time in school or work. Then, move on to discussing the topics mentioned above. It will allow you to explain how diversity has affected your life.
You May Like: How To Interview A Person For A Job
Whats The Biggest Challenge Of Working With People Who Are Different From You
What they are asking: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge of working with a diverse team?
There is an opportunity for conflict any time you bring people together with different world views and experiences. This means, your perspective on diverse opinions and backgrounds is an important assessment during the interview process. You are being judged for fit into a work culture. In the process of diversifying the workforce, employers also need to be sure to hire for understanding, open-mindedness, and cooperation.
When the interviewer asks what challenges you expect to arise from working with people of different backgrounds, dont assume its a loaded question and dismiss the obvious obstacles. Instead, consider ways teams connect in the workplace, such as through celebrations, and suggest solutions for how the company could create a more inclusive environment for different cultures.
Imagine That A Colleague Starts Talking To You About Their Religion They Try To Introduce To You Some Thoughts And Concepts But In Fact You Believe A Complete Opposite Is True How Will You React In Such A Situation
Say that you will try to avoid sensitive topics altogether. Sure, religion may be extremely important for some of your colleagues, and perhaps it matters a lot to you as well. But you want to build bridges, not fences. Hence you will avoid such conversations, and especially any overreaction if they start one with you.
Speaking about the particular situation from the question, you will simply thank them for telling you. But you will not agree or oppose their opinion. You will thank them and try to move to another subject, or simply end the conversation with saying thank you. After all you should work, not talk.
In no way will you start an argument. Because you understand that they come from a different background, they had different childhood, role models, everything. If you were in their shoes, youd likely share their beliefs. And while you do not share them, you respect them and their right to see the world in the way they see it
You May Like: How To Do An Interview On Zoom
