How to Attract, Recruit, and Retain Diverse Talent

A diverse workforce does not guarantee an inclusive work culture. Therefore strategies to support a diverse talent pool should be established and upheld throughout every stage of the hiring process. It is crucial for organizations to operate with the overarching goal of creating an inclusive workplace. A truly diverse and inclusive work culture embraces and encourages diversity by creating conditions for everyone to succeed.

Most companies understand the importance of diversity in the workforce to succeed in a global market. It’s the inclusion part that gets overlooked later down the line in the hiring process. 

How to Attract Diverse Talent

‍Attracting diverse talent is the first step to developing a workforce that upholds Diversity & Inclusion. In order to attract diverse talent it is crucial that internal and external communications are aligned. 

1. Ensure all job announcements are worded in a way that attracts diversity.

2. Build multiple content streams that are relevant to a variety of audiences.

3. Make diversity and inclusion a priority from the top down. Do you have a diverse group of leaders?

4. Talk about D&I and talk about it often. This demonstrates the company understands and supports the value of workplace diversity.

How to Recruit Diverse Candidates

‍When it comes to recruiting a diverse talent pool, the immediate response that job postings receive speaks volumes. If you don’t see a diverse pool responding to the posting, go back and revise the ad or reach out directly to diverse candidates.

1. Grow a diverse candidate pool through collaborative efforts. Oftentimes recruiters focus on candidates with specific university degrees and they miss out on quality and unique talent. Make sure to include community colleges, historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, etc.

2. Share a comprehensive and detailed Diversity & Inclusion plan. This demonstrates the company is actively working towards a goal.

3. Emphasize advancement by talking about growth opportunities. Clear paths to career progression are important.  

4. Assemble diverse interview panels. This ensures a potential employee will feel welcomed and included.

5. Use diversity recruiting software. Technology is not going to fix diversity problems, but it can help simplify and create recruiting initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. ‍

How to Retain Diverse Talent

‍To retain employees in any company or organization, focus on inclusion, not diversity. You can offer all of the typical work perks - free coffee, competitive benefits, generous raises, etc - but the only way to truly retain an employee is to make sure they are heard and feel appreciated in their environment. 

1. Offer mentorship programs. Mentors are effective at sharing experiences, providing networking opportunities, and pointing out community resources. 

2. Ensure that top management is talking about Diversity & Inclusion. Top management should especially be well versed on the company’s Diversity and Inclusion Plan.

3. Hold one-on-one meetings often. Check in with employees and understand their career aspirations. Make it a priority to create a collaborative plan to support their goals.

Diverse Talent Solutions

The best way to attract, recruit, and retain diverse talent is to eliminate the term “culture fit” and focus on the term “culture add”. This ensures everyone is invited to sit at the table and empowered to make an impact. At Advantis Global, we are committed to expanding our diversity and inclusion. Our belonging efforts and have an active diversity council leading our team to more progress.