When trying to hire a team with different backgrounds and skills, business leaders can be left wondering how to find candidates who are different enough from each other to ensure varied viewpoints and experience levels, but also similar enough to each other to work well together and create a cohesive team culture.
Fortunately, there are some questions leaders can ask themselves to help make the hiring process a little easier. Below, members of the Young Entrepreneur Council discuss seven of these questions and why they are so effective in helping you determine whether or not someone would be a good fit for your team.
1. Is this candidate self-employed?
The first question you should ask yourself is, “Does this candidate exhibit the traits of a self-starter?” This is because freelancers tend to bring a strong sense of ownership, adaptability and proactivity to the table. They are eager to learn, lead and take on new challenges, which can be invaluable in a diverse team. – Kelly Richardson, Infobrandz
2. How will they fit into the company’s culture?
When weighing whether or not to hire someone, business leaders should ask themselves, “How will they fit into the company’s culture?” They may not be a good fit for a people-focused business if they don’t seem outgoing or willing to work with others. I suggest preparing some questions so you can gauge how potential hires feel about this topic before making a final decision. – Daman Jeet Singh, FunnelKit
3. Are your skills transferable?
If you want to hire a team with different backgrounds and skills, ask yourself if their skills are transferable. In other words, can your skills be used in a way other than the main job offer? If so, they are a safe bet for your team. Hiring people with diverse skills is important because you can change them as needed. – Chris Christoff, MonsterInsights
4. Will this candidate bring a unique perspective?
When you’re considering hiring someone for your team, ask yourself, “Will this candidate bring a unique perspective, enhancing our team’s problem-solving capabilities?” Diverse backgrounds foster innovation and resilience, resulting in a stronger and more competitive company. Embrace diversity to unlock your team’s full potential. – Michelle Aran, Velvet Caviar
5. Will this person be able to grow and adapt?
It’s important to ask yourself, “Does this person have the potential to grow and adapt?” I value having a team of people who are willing and able to learn new things quickly and who are also comfortable with changes and adapt to new circumstances. This is especially important in today’s dynamic business environment, as people who are willing to grow will be more innovative and, in turn, help. you grow up. – Blair Williams, MemberPress
6. Is this candidate aligned with the company’s mission and values?
Ask yourself whether the candidate is truly aligned with the company’s mission and values, regardless of their background or skills. Shared values and a passion for the company’s mission can help create a strong team culture, regardless of individual differences. This can help ensure that the new hire is aligned with the company’s goals and motivated to contribute to its success. – Adam Preiser, WPCrafter
7. Am I considering all the ways they could contribute?
One benefit of a diverse team is that they can bring new perspectives and skill sets to the table. One of the first things to ask yourself is whether you are considering all the possible ways someone can contribute to the team. Make sure you are not limited by preconceptions. For example, someone might have life skills or soft skills that would be a valuable addition to the team. – Kalin Kassabov, ProTexting
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Are you looking to hire a diverse team that can bring unique perspectives and experiences to the workplace? If so, there are a few key questions you should ask yourself before you start the process.
At Ikaroa, we understand that a diverse team is essential to productively tackling challenges and developing solutions that are creative, innovative, and successful.
Here are seven key questions to consider when trying to hire a diverse team:
1. What demographic is underrepresented in your current team?
Take a close look at the makeup of your current team. Are there any demographics that are under-represented? You can consider data from the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or create your own internal review.
2. What is the criteria for measuring success in a diverse hire?
It’s not enough to simply hire diverse candidates — you need a criteria to measure their success. Determining this criteria ahead of time is important in setting your team up for success down the road.
3. How do you plan to integrate diverse hires into the team?
It’s important not to view new diverse hires as a “token hire” but rather as an integral part of the team. Take steps to ensure they feel included and respected by their peers, such as setting up mentorship opportunities.
4. Does the recruitment process prioritize diverse candidates?
Ensuring diverse candidates are represented in remote interviews is just as important as in-person. Investing in diverse recruitment initiatives is also key, such as attending tech conferences or attending events specific to minority groups.
5. Are you providing adequate compensation for diverse hires?
It’s not just about recruiting diverse hires — you must also ensure they’re equitably compensated. Research the going rate for similar positions and look at external market data. Consider factors that may impact salary such as experience, qualifications, and the diversity of their position.
6. How can the team work to promote a culture of inclusion?
Creating a supportive workplace culture is essential to the success of diverse hires. Look for ways to implement policies and procedures that promote diversity and inclusion, such as offering unconscious bias training and flexible working arrangements.
7. How will you evaluate and improve the process going forward?
It’s important to continuously measure and track the results of your efforts. Monitor the retention rates of diverse hires as well as assess feedback from team members. Adjust your strategy as needed to ensure you’re hiring the best candidates from an increasingly diverse talent pool.
Diversity is a powerful tool and can open up a world of opportunities for any team. Asking yourself these seven questions can help you ensure you’re setting up your recruitment process for a successful and diverse hire. At Ikaroa, we believe in harnessing the potential of diverse teams to reach our goals.
