What is a DEI Interview?
What is a DEI interview and how can it help your hiring process? Cynthia Rodriguez, our Director of Client Services, had the idea of incorporating specific DEI-related questions in the interview screening process to get a sense of where a candidate is on their DEI journey and how they can be an asset in the company's DEI mission.
So what does a DEI interview entail? Why should an organization conduct a DEI interview? Cynthia answers all of your burning questions below.
What is a DEI interview? What kind of questions does the interviewer ask?
A DEI interview is essentially a conversation that allows an organization to understand a candidate's view on DEI in the workplace, where they may be on their personal DEI journey, and how DEI would relate to/manifest in their role at the organization. Questions range from how they define DEI and organizational/cultural challenges in the workplace from their perspective to what lived experiences they've had that have informed their views on DEI to this point.
Possible questions:
How would you define DEI?
Tell me about a situation you've experienced or witnessed that has influenced your current view on DEI in the workplace.
How did you come up with this idea?
As a candidate in the interview process myself, I was always wondering how much value organizations placed on inclusion and belonging in the workplace. I found it to be an essential point in creating a positive employee experience. Also, having been a recruiter in a past life, I knew how difficult it was to find good people who aligned with an organization’s values and mission. Once someone is hired, it's too late, so asking the questions during the hiring process made sense to me.
Why should organizations incorporate the DEI interview in the overall candidate interview process?
It gives an organization the opportunity to continue with candidates in the process who align with the organization’s DEI values and strategies. Also, it's an opportunity to understand and continually take the pulse of candidates in the marketplace so the organization can build initiatives, programs, and educational opportunities for their employees that mirror what candidates are looking for. Essentially, it helps an organization with its branding and value proposition. They can continually be working towards being an employer of choice where people want to be and feel a sense of belonging.
What is some feedback you’ve received from people who have implemented the DEI interview?
Candidates are always impressed by an organization that values DEI so much that they have a specific interview for it!
How can employers customize the questions to meet their needs?
There should be basic questions so there's a baseline to work from. However, from there, certain questions should be based on what the organization does and how DEI manifests, or should manifest, in the mission and/or work they do and products they make, sell or promote.
Interested in learning more about DEI interviews and other things you can do to create a more diverse hiring pipeline?
Drop us a line at info@holisticindex.com!