The first step to fair recruitment begins even before interviewing potential candidates: by setting up a diverse hiring panel. Remember, diversity is not just a checkbox to tick; it’s about weaving a rich tapestry of varied experiences, backgrounds, and viewpoints that can shed light from multiple angles.
Why is this important? A hiring panel of similar backgrounds might unintentionally favour candidates that fit their mould or understanding of an ideal employee, even if it’s not deliberate. This is the effect of unconscious bias. Having individuals from different backgrounds, especially from under-represented groups, can help in diluting this effect. When the panel itself is varied, it’s more likely that a candidate’s potential and qualifications are assessed holistically, rather than through a singular, possibly biased lens.
At its core, blind screening is the practice of evaluating job applications without any information that might reveal the candidate’s gender, race, age, or other potential sources of bias. Personal details, such as names, addresses, and even educational institutions, are omitted or anonymised, leaving only the raw data of a candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications.
Offer Diversity and Inclusion Training to Your Recruitment Team
Awareness is the cornerstone of change. Often, biases are not a result of deliberate discrimination, but rather stem from a lack of awareness. By offering diversity and inclusion training, companies can combat these unintentional slights.
Diversity and Inclusion Training – What does it entail? Primarily, this training aims to educate the recruitment team on the nuances of unconscious bias. This refers to the prejudices we all have but might not be aware of. Such biases can range from favouring a particular university to subconsciously believing in gender roles. Training helps in making individuals aware of these biases, so they can consciously counteract them during the hiring process. Further, cultural awareness and sensitivity training enables recruiters to understand, respect, and appreciate the vast array of cultures, traditions, and backgrounds they might encounter during recruitment. This ensures a more informed, respectful, and inclusive hiring process.
The Final Outcome – When the recruitment team is well-trained, not only do they ensure an equitable hiring process, but they also become ambassadors for the company’s EDI ethos. This positive ripple effect can inspire other departments and teams within the studio to adopt similar inclusive practices, thereby fostering an overall inclusive work environment.
By setting up a diverse hiring panel and equipping your recruitment team with diversity and inclusion training, you set the stage for a fair, inclusive, and forward-thinking recruitment process.
