Inclusive Recruitment Strategies and Interviewing Techniques – Workshop
Even well-intended employers may be missing opportunities to recruit top talent due to cultural biases and perceptions within the hiring process. To learn more on this important topic, Hire Immigrants Ottawa, in partnership with the Federal Government’s Racism Free Workplace Strategy, held a workshop on Inclusive Recruitment Strategies and Interviewing Techniques.
Fifty participants, including human resource professionals, hiring managers, and other stakeholders from a variety of sectors came together to share ideas. The workshop helped to improve participants’ understanding of the negative impacts that cultural biases have on the hiring process. These biases could include errors of perception that occur because of stereotyping; biases that result from language and accent; or those stemming from broad cultural differences in communication style. Participants discussed how such biases can hamper the search for best available talent, and learned practical tips for effective cross-cultural communication.
Video Credit: National Film Board of Canada
Given Ottawa’s increasingly diverse population, the workshop’s focus on best-practice approaches and strategies for recruiting and interviewing job candidates of diverse backgrounds was of much interest. Strategies and techniques discussed include:
- The fundamental best practice of undertaking job analysis at the very front end of the hiring process, and understanding legal obligations with respect to non-discriminatory practices
- Expanding beyond traditional recruitment sources: How employers can easily tap into the networks, resources and media used by persons of diverse background
- The importance of developing job advertising language that is clear, inclusive and unbiased
- Positioning the company for success with policies, programs and outreach indicating commitment to diversity
- Networking, sponsoring or partnering with organizations that support the integration of new Canadians and diverse communities. Posting job vacancies at visible minority employment centres or simply getting to know the job developers who are working with visible minority clients are two very practical examples.
More information about the Inclusive Recruitment Strategies and Interviewing Techniques Workshop and other educational tools and workshops available through the Racism Free Workplace Strategy can be accessed here.
A collection of short films addressing racism in the workplace can be accessed at the National Film Board.
