Diversity in Recruitment and Selection

Diversity in Recruitment and Selection - Course Outline

This workshop is designed to help hiring managers develop a framework and practice for legally and ethically diverse recruitment and selection practices. Delegates will consider the implications and practicalities of creating an inclusive environment in which all employees are diverse in gender, race, culture, language, education, values, lifestyles and family structure.

Course Objectives

A clear understanding of the meaning and benefits of diversity in your organisation.
Culturally sensitive recruitment and selection strategies.
A good understanding of the pitfalls of selection interviewing.
Your non-bias interviewing skills.

Course Designed For

Hiring Managers and HR professionals who are part of an organisation's programme to embrace and develop a diverse workforce. It is particularly relevant to those who are frequently responsible for attraction, recruitment and selection of employees.

Course Content

Definition and components of diversity
Rationale for diversity
Benefits and challenges of diversity
Impact of diversity on the manager and the HR advisor

The Employment Act
The Sex Discrimination Act
The Race Relations Act
The Disability Discrimination Act

What's your communication "style"?
Cultural differences in communication styles
Gender differences in communication styles
Communication between a person with a disability and someone without
Giving feedback in sensitive ways
Communicating clearly using non-stereotyping and non-jargon words and phrases

Examining the Recruitment Process

Application Stage

How can applicants apply for jobs? – Is it accessible?
Where do you post jobs to attract diverse talent?

Screening Stage

What are the screening criteria?
Are they bona fide requirements?
What influences our screening decisions – religion, our own life experiences, cultural background?

Interview

Type of questions – do they meet legislative requirements?
How are candidates evaluated?
Terminology – inclusive language

Common Interviewing Biases

Stereotyping
Inconsistency in questioning
First impressions and negative emphasis
Halo and Horn Effect
Contrast Effect
Accents, eye contact, a firm handshake etc.
Physical appearance
English language fluency

How to Prepare for an Unbiased Interview

Being Self Aware
Being Other-Oriented
Adjusting your speech patterns; speak appropriately
Modifying your proximity to the candidate

Selection

What are your selection criteria?
Are they legally defensible?
Are they culturally based?
Observed behaviours and competence

Gaining Knowledge of target groups and their experiences
Target group's values and views
Cultural and religious requirements
Developing Community Relationships
Making Contributions (self-disinterested, sponsorships, in-kind supports)