Some hiring managers have been asking me about implementing blind hiring into our hiring process. I tend to disagree with this type of process because I feel it perpetuates systemic issues on not providing enough tools/resources/opportunities to candidates from under-resourced/marginalized communities.
– Hustle Crew Member
I’ve told my team members that filling the deck with diverse candidates won’t bring success if your interview team and hiring managers haven’t consciously acted to reduce bias in their hiring initiatives. What are your thoughts around this?
Hello! Abadesi here. I absolutely agree with you! Don’t get me wrong, if blind hiring is one initiative taking place alongside other processes to eliminate bias and optimize for equality – fine. But if you have a culture with people who are not challenging assumptions constantly and recognizing systems of oppression, the people who join from underrepresented backgrounds will never feel like they belong.
The onus to achieve equality lies with those who have the most privilege. Teams have to consider how as individuals we can constantly challenge stereotypes and assumptions and build greater empathy with anyone different to ourselves.