How to Recruit for Diversity - Spark Hire

How to Recruit for Diversity - Spark HireWhen your workplace features people of various ethnic, religious, and educational backgrounds, it becomes a mora forward-thinking, dynamic place to do business. However, creating this type of environment requires time and attention it doesnt just happen on its own. If this is something youd like to become more aware of, here are some good ways to startReiterate that its a priority across the boardEveryone on your team should know that diversity is a priority at your business. This means that all personnel involved with hiring and recruiting is focused on it. When everyone is on the same page, it puts more power behind the initiative.Make your company accessibleAccessibility is an important parte of boosting the diversity found within your organization. By providing the opportunity for internships and on-the-job training, you let people of various backgrounds get an inside look at your business and a foot in the door. Its also important to take a look at a candidate as a whole when hiring for diversity, instead of zeroing in only on where they went to college or how many certifications they have. Sometimes the most productive employees arent the ones who went to Ivy League schools.Make connections in your communityYou can hope that people of diverse backgrounds apply to open positions within your office, but its also important to make a proactive effort to reach out and let these individuals know about the opportunities at your company. Develop relationships at career centers on your local college campuses. Attend networking events thrown by various business organizations. Make it a point to learn about the groups in your community. Get outside of your comfort zone. This way youre not hoping that applicants see the listing and decide to apply you can spread the word yourself.Choose the right people to represent your organizationWhen you want to attract certain groups, it often helps if you have members of these groups go out and speak to their community about job openings. People are often more receptive to your message if its coming from someone like them who understands their story and can relate to them. This isnt a necessity, but when its a possibility, use it to make your message more powerful.Make diversity a part of your companys brandLet the community know that diversity matters to your organization by incorporating messages about it in your marketing materials and mission statement. This way, people who may be different from the typical employee at your company can feel comfortable applying for a job, knowing that their skills and insight will be valued at your organization.How do you focus your efforts on diversity within your organization? Share with us in the commentsImage monkeybusinessimages/BigStock.com