Recruiting for Diversity and Inclusion Specialization

Developing a robust, responsive recruitment process is one of several integrated organizational activities that must be embedded to achieve greater diversity and inclusion.

In this course, you will learn about the pivotal role recruitment plays in building and sustaining a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace. By examining some of the dominant traditional approaches to recruitment, you will understand how, in the contemporary global, social, and technological environment, many are no longer "fit for purpose," limited in their capacity to seek out diversity or recognize the employee attributes that support inclusion. For example, this course will examine how unconscious bias can compromise efforts unless expressly addressed in the recruitment process. This course is one of four that comprise the Recruiting for Diversity and Inclusion Specialization, offered by the University of Western Australia. Complete them all to gain an in-depth understanding of this fascinating and important topic.

PART 1: Job Design, Selection Criteria, Sourcing and Attracting Talent

The first step in a recruitment strategy for developing a diverse and inclusive workforce commences with the decision that a job or role is needed, either an existing or new position. In this course, you will learn that unconscious bias is often most evident in the language of job descriptions, selection criteria, and job advertisements. The words and phrases used when writing these materials can unintentionally make certain groups of people feel excluded from applying. You will learn to detect limiting language and develop resources that attract a diverse and capable candidate pool. This course will also introduce you to alternative applicant sourcing strategies, including online platforms and communities. This course represents 'Part 1' of the two-part Diversity and Inclusion Recruitment Strategy series offered by the University of Western Australia. It is also one of four that comprise the Recruiting for Diversity and Inclusion Specialization. Complete all four courses to gain an in-depth understanding of this fascinating and important topic.

It is during the shortlisting and interviewing processes, which are typically undertaken by a single panel, that candidates most often report being unfairly assessed during recruitment efforts. In this situation, it is often revealed that personal characteristics, such as age, gender, or race, rather than relevant characteristics, such as skills and experience, fed into a particular decision about who to hire.

In this module, you will learn how unconscious bias can affect the shortlisting and interview processes. You will become familiar with various practical strategies and techniques to forward a fair and merit-based assessment of all candidates. This course represents 'Part 2' of the two-part Diversity and Inclusion Recruitment Strategy series offered by the University of Western Australia. It is also one of four that comprise the Recruiting for Diversity and Inclusion Specialization. Complete all four courses to gain an in-depth understanding of this fascinating and important topic.