Can We Reduce Bias in the Recruiting Process and Diversify Pools of Candidates by Using Different Types of Words in Job Descriptions

Intuitively, we all know diversity matters in recruiting and leadership development. McKinsey research points out that companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians. Strategic diversity recruitment is a way to effectively send talent through the recruitment pipeline, but it is crucial to mitigate bias. A candidate’s first interaction with employers is often through a job post that includes the job description and responsibilities. Without examining potential unconscious biases, job postings can include language that might deter a certain pool of candidates from applying, thus reducing the diversity of candidates. Through our research, we identified the beneficial use of gender fair language and flexible and inclusive wording in job advertisement and postings.