Strategies for inclusive talent acquisition and diverse hiring

The staffing industry is known for its rapid innovation and constant evolution, and in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of diversity in the workplace. Diverse teams bring varied perspectives, foster creativity and improve problem-solving. 

Unconscious biases and dated hiring tactics can limit your hiring pool and contribute to the lack of diversity in organizations. It’s important your hiring practices reflect the diverse, professional landscape. 

Here are 7 tips for inclusive hiring based on our diverse talent acquisition efforts: 

1. Create an inclusive job description

Job descriptions often set the tone for the type of candidates you attract. Avoid jargon and terms that might discourage underrepresented groups from applying. Instead, focus on the skills and competencies required for the role. Use inclusive language and emphasize your commitment to diversity and inclusion.

At Horizontal, we utilize Veritone Hire and Staffing Engine to best create inclusive job descriptions and postings. 

2. Expand your recruitment channels

Relying on the same recruitment channels can limit the diversity of your candidate pool. Partner with organizations and educational institutions that focus on underrepresented groups. Participate in diversity job fairs, and use platforms dedicated to promoting diverse talent.

To further support our clients’ commitment to hiring diverse talent, we post our jobs on over 50 specialized niche job boards to reach a more diverse audience. Some platforms we post on are:

• Broadbean
• Professional Diversity Network
• CareerDiversity
• Disability Solutions
• Veteran & Military Job Match 
• LGBTQ+ Career Network

 

3. Implement blind hiring practices

Blind hiring involves removing personal information from resumes such as photos, addresses and educational institutions to eliminate unconscious bias. This allows recruiters to focus solely on candidates' skills and experiences, promoting a fairer selection process.

We evaluate and implement tools to remove unconscious bias within interviews and skill-based assessments, as well as AI-powered conversational bots to break down barriers. Some tools we use include:

• Sense
• Staffing Engine
• Glider AI
  
  
  

4. Partner with diversity-focused organizations

Collaborate with organizations that promote diversity in the workplace. These partnerships can provide access to a broader talent pool, offer training and development programs and enhance your company’s diversity initiatives.

At Horizontal, it’s important that we are connecting with the right partners. We are always looking for new organizations to partner with to reach diverse audiences within specialized communities. Some current diverse partners include:

• NMSDC 
• WLiT
• WBENC
• WomenHack
• USPAAC
• DFW MSDC
• LEDC
• NGLCC
• AnitaB.org
  
  
  

5. Foster an inclusive company culture

An inclusive culture is vital for attracting and retaining diverse talent. Provide diversity and inclusion training for all employees, encourage open dialogue about inclusivity and celebrate diversity within your organization. Ensure that your company policies support work-life balance, parental leave and other initiatives that promote inclusivity.

• In January 2023, we launched our first-ever DEI committee to encourage education, conversation and reflection about social issues. Our DEI committee hosts monthly “Better Together” meetings with themes such as Black history, Pride, women’s equality and honoring veterans.
• We have 5 ERGs (women, LGBTQ+, veterans, people of culture and parents), and we continually connect with employees to determine additional ERGs to launch.
• We have partnered with organizations like The Diversity Movement to train all employees and leadership, and our HR team and DEI committee hosts sessions on mental health, pronouns and more.
  
  
  

6. Utilize diversity metrics and goals

Set specific, measurable goals for diversity hiring and track your progress. Use data to identify areas for improvement and hold your recruitment team accountable for meeting diversity targets. Transparency in your diversity metrics can also enhance your company’s reputation as an inclusive employer.

We use Litmos, Bullhorn and Workiva Carbon to measure our ESG efforts annually. 

7. Continuous improvement

Diversity hiring is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process. Regularly review and update your hiring practices to ensure they remain effective and inclusive. Seek feedback from employees and candidates to identify areas for improvement.

Diversity is a necessity for innovation and growth. Embracing diversity not only benefits your organization but also contributes to a more equitable and inclusive society. By implementing these strategies, companies can create a more inclusive hiring process, attract a diverse range of talent and build a stronger, more creative workforce. 

Learn more about our DEI efforts on our ESG page, and start your inclusive hiring process with Horizontal today.