Unfortunately, people are biased without even noticing it sometimes. Managers typically look for someone that reminds them of themselves when hiring a new employee. When you are hiring someone, however, it is important to address these unconscious biases and make an effort to reduce them. Here are a few ways you can do that.
Introduce Blind Skills Tests
A good way to reduce hiring bias is to require candidates to take skills assessments. These tests should be blind, meaning you cannot see the personal information of the person who took the test. You can only see how proficient they are in the skills you are testing. For hiring managers, this forces you to only look at the facts and not consider anything else. You won’t have the person’s race, gender, name, or physical appearance to take into account. Instead, you will focus solely on their skills.
Remove Gendered Wording From Job Descriptions
Gendered wording can prevent a wide variety of people from applying to work with your company in the first place. Believe it or not, your bias can start with your job description. Review your listing and remove any wording that may exclude a certain demographic of applicants. For example, the words “driven” and “active” are often considered to be masculine. Similarly, “support” and “interpersonal” are considered to be more feminine in nature.
Use New Advertising Channels for Jobs
There are so many places you can find new candidates these days. Recruiters often find candidates on social media and through online job boards. However, it is a good idea to look beyond these websites. Consider looking at job sites that cater to certain demographics that you want to serve. For instance, there are several networking sites that support mothers looking for flexible work. These may be candidates that you wouldn’t have considered otherwise. By taking a moment to review a new advertising channel, you could find the perfect fit for the job.
Structure Your Interview Process
Have a set structure for the interview process. This helps ensure every candidate gets treated the same. Sometimes, it is easy for a hiring manager to want to ditch an interview structure to try and get to know the candidate on a more personal level. Sticking to the same set of general questions ensures that every applicant is tested and treated the same way.
Have a Panel of Interviewers
An interview panel can also help you reduce bias when hiring. Make sure the people you include in your panel of interviewers are diverse individuals that present the best interests of your company. This will help you consider a wider variety of perspectives on each candidate.
Eliminate Bias by Working With Timpl
One of the best ways to eliminate hiring bias is working with a staffing agency like Timpl. Our recruiters will review resumes, vet candidates, and verify their skills before sending them to you. We can work with you to meet diversity and inclusion goals while simultaneously partnering you with top talent in the industry. Contact us to learn more about how we can help your company reduce bias while hiring.
