Talent

Eliminate Bias in Hiring to Combat Low Unemployment

At nearly full employment for certain pockets of the population, we need to look at typically under served workers as potential hires to fill the demand.

US unemployment in the 2nd Quarter stood at 3.5%. This is the lowest rate since the 1960s. It caps the culmination of the trend starting in 2010. However, this rate isn't equal. At nearly full employment for certain pockets of the population, we need to look at typically under served workers as potential hires to fill the demand.

Young African American Unemployment Remains Stubbornly High


source: tradingeconomics.com

We've talked before about unretirement and job hunting amongst the elderly, but younger people are at just as much of a disadvantage.

Across the age range of 25-34, Asian women fair the best with 2.1%. White men & women, Asian men, and Hispanic men have roughly equal unemployment rates (2.8-3.2%). Where things are a little different are with African American men and women and Hispanic women. Hispanic women are a full point higher than Hispanic men. African American men and women have similar rates (around 6.0%), but double that of all other ethnic groups.

LGBTQ Inclusion

While there are no hard statistics on LGBTQ unemployment. Discrimination amongst transgender remains strong. As does, LGBTQ persons of color. It would stand to reason that their unemployment is likely higher than their non-LGBTQ counterparts

Eliminating Bias in the Hiring in Hard Work

Eliminating bias in hiring is extremely difficult. As humans, we all carry a perception of people different from us. It how we evolved, and it's how we are socialized. Our tribe vs. theirs. This doesn't let us off the hook, but rather, we all have to be honest with ourselves, however difficult it may be, to acknowledge where our biases lie. Only then can we deal with them.

Tips to Help with Eliminating Bias

According to the Harvard Business Review, here are some dos and don'ts to consider in your hiring process to eliminate unintentional bias in the process

Do's

  1. Experiment with the wording of job listings by removing adjectives closely associated with a particular gender.
  2. Ask candidates to take sample work test, or provide a sample of how they solve a problem appropriate for the job. It's useful in comparing applicants and it's an effective predictor of future job performance.
  3. Control for your personal feelings about a particular candidate by giving likability a numerical score.

Do Not's

  1. Engage in unstructured interviews. Instead, standardize the interviews process by asking candidates the same set of defined questions.
  2. Â Allow surface demographic characteristics to play into your summary review. Use a software program that blinds that information and ensures a level playing field. If you can't afford software, blind the names

In Summary...

With the economy near full employment, bias can hurt our ability to compete and obtain the best candidates; so eliminate that mentality. Plus many States have tax incentives geared towards helping these disadvantaged groups. For example, New York State Youth Jobs Program provides up to $7,500 in tax credits for hiring disadvantaged youth. Even if you put half of that into job training, you will still come out ahead.

Founder Headshot

About the Author

Brian Cairns, CEO of Prostrategix Consulting. Over 25 years of business experience as a corporate executive, entrepreneur, and small business owner. For more information, please visit my LinkedIn profile

Join the 1000's who receive our weekly Small Business Tips
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Recent Blog Posts
Small Business Ratios: The Terms to Know
A sample of three of the major Small Business financial terms to know: cash flow, liquidity, and "quick or current ratios" that help in the short-term.
Small Business Banking in 2020: The 3 Things to Know
The look of banking in 2020 has changed. See how building a relationship with a banker or banking expert is even more important than ever considering a new normal.
Top 3 Small Business Financial Ratios COVID Made Critical
Financial ratios for small business is not a sexy topic. But, if there was a way to know if your business was on fire, would you want to know?
Get Where You Want to Be.
Today is the day to build the business of your dreams. Share your challenges with us — and we'll help you make them go away.
Start Now

ProStrategix Advisors Copyright 2020 © All rights Reserved.