How to Minimize Unconscious Bias in Hiring

Providing interview candidates with an unbiased hiring process is not just fair; it’s the law. Biases can easily lead to discrimination in hiring, which is illegal based on several legal precedents like the Equal Pay Act, Civil Rights Act, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and more. One of the best practices for creating an inclusive workplace is to identify and prevent unconscious bias in decision-makers and employees. Learn more about unconscious bias, its impact on recruitment, and effective strategies to create a work culture that values diversity.

Understanding Unconscious Bias

Unconscious bias refers to the subtle, automatic judgments and attitudes individuals hold about others based on characteristics such as age, gender, or appearance. There exists a spectrum of unconscious biases, each rooted in different societal norms and cultural contexts. Whether based on protected characteristics or other factors, these biases can inadvertently impact interactions in the workplace, such as interviewing and hiring.

Beyond the obvious biases of sexism and ageism, a few examples of unconscious bias include name bias, which involves making assumptions about a person’s gender or race based on their name. The halo effect occurs when one positive trait overshadows any negative qualities, while the horns effect involves ascribing a negative perception to someone based on one trait that the interviewer doesn’t like or is not inherently positive. Confirmation bias entails favoring information that aligns with preexisting beliefs, and conformity bias occurs when individuals conform to group opinions. Affinity bias emerges when individuals favor others similar to themselves, a major concern in the interview process. Authority bias involves blindly following authority figures, such as in their hiring decision, without critical examination.

These various types of unconscious biases can come up in hiring, clouding an interviewer’s decision that should be based on appropriate considerations. These biases can significantly influence decision-making, leaving some candidates (particularly in minority groups) behind in the hiring process despite their qualifications. Of course, these biases can work in the favor of others, who may be hired or given higher salaries based on factors that are irrelevant to actually fulfilling the open position.

The Cost of Unconscious Bias in Hiring

Unconscious bias can cause hiring decisions that are based on personal preferences rather than qualifications or merit, resulting in qualified candidates being overlooked in favor of less-qualified candidates. Unconscious bias can also lead to decisions that are based on favoritism or prejudice, again with negative consequences primarily for minority groups.

Unconscious bias in hiring also goes beyond just the impact it has on an individual. Biased decisions can negatively impact overall business performance by creating a hostile work environment, stemming from employees who are aware of biases against themselves or others. When skilled candidates are disqualified based on bias (or an unqualified candidate moves forward based on bias), those on the hiring team can feel unmotivated and unproductive. In fact, employees who witness bias are almost three times more likely to experience disengagement in their workplace. This makes the elimination of unconscious biases both a matter of ethical responsibility and a strategy to boost your bottom line.

Strategies to Minimize Unconscious Bias in Hiring

Reword Job Descriptions

Using neutral language in job descriptions can help eliminate bias, making the hiring process more equitable. By writing job descriptions with inclusive language that focuses on skills and qualifications, companies can attract a diverse range of candidates and create a welcoming environment for all applicants.

Blind Resume Review

Implementing software for blind resume reviews ensures that hiring decisions focus solely on an applicant's qualifications rather than their characteristics. This approach promotes a fair and unbiased selection process that values individuals for their expertise and experience.

Structured Interviews

Adopting structured interviews with a set of standardized questions for each candidate promotes fairness and consistency in evaluations to provide a comprehensive understanding of each candidate's capabilities, enabling better-informed and unbiased hiring decisions.

Diverse Hiring Committee

Forming a diverse hiring committee brings varied perspectives and unique opinions to the decision-making process. By incorporating individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, the committee enhances the overall fairness in hiring.

Widening the Talent Pool

Avoiding coded language in job postings and actively recruiting from diverse sources can broaden the talent pool and minimize biases. Proactively reaching out to underrepresented groups and minorities to enter your interview pipeline will help add value to your company.

Regular Bias Awareness Training

Conducting regular training on unconscious biases educates employees and creates a culture of awareness and inclusivity. These courses will empower individuals to recognize and address their biases in order to create a workplace culture that values and respects the differences among its members.

Overcoming Unconscious Bias for a Thriving Workplace

Minimizing unconscious bias in hiring is an ethical duty for employers, as well as a strategic decision for success. Implementing the best practices in this article can help your company build a workplace that values diversity and inclusion, ultimately leading to increased innovation and productivity. Creating a bias-free hiring environment requires continuous effort and commitment, and EasyLlama’s training courses in Unconscious Biases, Employment Laws For Supervisors, and Interviewing and Hiring can help. By understanding unconscious bias, recognizing its costs, and implementing effective strategies, organizations can pave the way for a diverse and inclusive workplace that benefits everyone. Access your free course preview today to learn more about our engaging and modern training!