How to Avoid Implicit Bias in Your Hiring Process

2023-06-02 by Abbey Proa

How to Avoid Implicit Bias in Your Hiring Process

How to Avoid Implicit Bias in Your Hiring Process

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts remain a top priority in hiring trends in 2023. Diversity and inclusion are key ingredients in the recipe for success in today's rapidly evolving tech industry. As companies strive to innovate and improve employee engagement and retention, it has become clear that embracing workforce diversity is both a moral imperative and a strategic benefit. But the path to achieving true diversity and inclusion is challenging, and one major hurdle lies in the hiring process. 

 

Implicit bias is unintentional and can influence hiring decisions, leading to a lack of diversity in tech teams. In this blog, we'll explore how companies and recruiters in tech can avoid implicit bias in the hiring process, create a more inclusive environment, and help companies tap into a broader range of perspectives, talents, and ideas.

The Lack of Diversity in Tech

Take a long, hard look at the tech industry –– you'll find that the absence of diversity has been an issue for some time and requires immediate attention and action. The statistics paint a stark picture: women, people of color, and individuals with disabilities are significantly underrepresented. For example, studies show that the U.S. computing workforce is just 26% female, and only 3% are Black women. On top of that, only 8% of the tech workforce is Black, and 7% is Latinx.

 

The lack of diversity contributes to systemic inequalities and hinders the industry's potential for growth and innovation. While these inequities have been happening for some time, it's not too late to turn the tide. By building diverse teams, businesses can bring in new perspectives and ideas, improve employee engagement, and ultimately drive better business outcomes. Here's how.

Acknowledge That There Is a Problem

The first step in fixing a problem is admitting you have one. Recognizing that implicit bias exists is a key step for companies committed to building inclusive and diverse work environments. These unconscious stereotypes and attitudes can negatively impact the workplace and create a toxic company culture. By acknowledging and actively addressing implicit biases, organizations can create fairer hiring processes, attract top talent from diverse backgrounds, and foster a culture of equality and inclusion. 

Assess Your Current Hiring Process

We all know there's been a lack of diversity and representation in tech –– it's time to take a good look in the mirror. Tech companies must look at their current hiring practices to eliminate any implicit biases that may exist due to the industry's past lack of diversity and underrepresentation. In addition, by evaluating the hiring process, companies show their dedication to providing equal opportunities to all candidates, regardless of gender, race, or background within the tech sector.

Remove Gendered Language

Gendered language reinforces traditional gender roles, norms, and stereotypes, which can negatively impact the workplace and discourage qualified people from applying. So, your company should craft gender-neutral job descriptions and advertisements to attract a wider pool of applicants. Small but important changes like this ensure that every candidate feels welcome and encouraged to pursue opportunities in tech.

Implement Diversity Initiatives and Policies 

Develop policies and initiatives that actively promote diversity and inclusion within your organization. These initiatives can include targeted outreach efforts, partnerships with diverse organizations, and diversity training programs for employees. Encouraging a culture of diversity and inclusion will attract diverse talent and help create a more balanced workforce.

Raise Awareness and Educate

Educate your employees, especially your hiring team, about different types of biases that may emerge during the recruitment process such as affinity, confirmation, and implicit biases. By creating awareness, they can make sure they check their biases at the door. Over time, you’ll empower your team to make conscious decisions and actively counteract these tendencies.

Create Objective Criteria

Objective criteria also promote fairness and equal opportunities for all candidates. By establishing clear and measurable standards, companies can focus on evaluating candidates based on their qualifications, skills, and relevant experience rather than subjective factors such as personal connections or implicit biases. When the hiring process is based on transparent and consistent standards, it reduces the likelihood of discrimination. It also ensures that candidates are assessed on merit rather than irrelevant characteristics or attributes.

Diversify Interview Panels

A diverse interview panel brings a variety of perspectives to the hiring process and broadens who the company ultimately brings on board. Not only should those involved in the interview process be a mix of genders and ethnicities, but they should also hold different job titles and functions. Keeping diverse voices in the mix can minimize bias, ensure fair evaluations, and provide a well-rounded assessment of candidates' qualifications and abilities. 

Structure Interview Questions

Design standardized interview questions based solely on the role's requirements. These predetermined questions help eliminate bias by ensuring all candidates are evaluated on the same criteria. Interview consistency allows for fairer comparisons and reduces the chance of subjective judgments.

Blind Resume Screening

Blind resume screening promotes fairness and diversity in hiring by leveling the playing field and creating equal opportunities for candidates from diverse backgrounds. Removing personal information such as name, gender, age, and ethnicity from resumes prevents bias from influencing initial screening decisions. In addition, it allows hiring managers to focus solely on candidates' qualifications. 

 

A bias-free hiring process is essential for fostering diversity and inclusion within organizations. By following the steps above, we can build stronger, more inclusive teams and create a fairer society where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. At eHire, we're passionate about revolutionizing tech recruiting by providing seamless experiences and tailored processes that align with your DEI goals. Get in touch with us today to discover how we can not only meet but exceed your hiring needs!