KeyAnna Schmiedl | December 15, 2021 | Harvard Business Review
Summary:
Although it can be challenging to get a full picture of a company before you actually land the job, here are some questions you can ask to understand if the organization you’re interviewing with prioritizes inclusivity.
- Do you have Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) or affinity groups? If the answer is “yes,” this is a good indicator that inclusion is a priority. If the answer is “no,” follow up by asking if they would be open to the idea.
- Are there frequent internal conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion? If the answer is “yes,” this is a strong signal for an inclusive culture. If the answer is “no,” follow up by asking if the topic of DEI is embedded more broadly throughout the company.
- Do you offer inclusive benefits and policies? If the answer is “yes,” this a great sign, but ask for specifics to better understand the extent of their offerings. If the answer is “no,” this could suggest the company may not be mature in its DEI journey.
- Is there a standard way that performance gets measured here? If the answer is “yes,” ask what performance reviews entail, how often they’re performed, and what guardrails are in place to ensure objectivity. If the answer is “no,” that’s a red flag.
- Are there mechanisms in place to collect and act on employee feedback? If the answer is “yes,” that’s a good sign that the employer is open to listening to new ideas. If the answer is “no,” ask if they are open to instituting an employee survey or feedback sessions.
- Are there trainings, events, and learning and development opportunities focused on inclusivity? If the answer is “yes,” ask follow ups to make sure the company is not simply “checking a box.” If the answer is “no,” that’s a red flag.
- Do you partner with any organizations to offer inclusive resources to employees outside of the office? If the answer is “yes,” follow up by asking for details on how to get involved. If the answer is “no,” ask if they would consider implementing these partnerships.
Read the rest of the article and learn more about how to ask these questions and understand the answers you might receive here.
