Power of Perspective: How to Attract Diverse Candidates

We all know it takes a village to raise a child, but as mom entrepreneurs you’ll find it also takes a village to grow a successful business. Who you allow into your village is key: you need talents of all kinds, with experiences from all walks of life. 

Corporations identified as more diverse and inclusive are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors and 87% better at making decisions. Why? Diversity in the workplace brings different perspectives, experiences, and strengths to the table to problem solve, brainstorm, and innovate. The benefits of diversity in the workplace stretch far and wide. 

What does diversity look like in the workplace? Diversity can come in many forms: age, ethnicity, gender identification, and more. Here are our tips for attracting more diverse candidates in your search.

Set diversity hiring goals, and hold yourself to them. 

Hold yourself accountable to diverse hiring practices when considering new applicants. Avoid making hasty hiring decisions for the sake of filling a role. Reflect on past hiring practices to see how the process can be made more inclusive moving forward. 

Post more inclusive job opportunities. 

Language matters when trying to appeal to more diverse candidates. Write your job descriptions with care, avoiding words that are exclusive and biased. Studies have shown that phrases such as “ninja” and “superstar” are interpreted as masculine, subconsciously implying you wish for a male applicant. Skip the fluff and opt for broad, general language.

Post to a wide range of job boards. 

Diversify your pool of candidates by diversifying your job board listings. Post on job boards that are targeted towards specific groups you wish to add to your team. 

Offer internships to specific groups. 

Offering exclusive paid opportunities, whether internships or scholarships, to specific groups of individuals can help broaden your workforce and shape your next generation of applicants. The best way you can start hiring diverse talent? Get involved in the communities around you! 

Do you have your own tips on how to attract diverse candidates? Share your experience with us over on Instagram, @heymamaco.