Websites are the first impression for companies; they’re often the first thing potential customers, partners, and employees see. And just like with people, first impressions matter. A lot. In fact, studies show that it only takes 50 milliseconds (that’s 0.05 seconds!) for users to form an opinion about your website. So if your website is outdated, difficult to navigate, or not inclusive, you could be inadvertently turning away diverse talented individuals who might be a great fit for your company.
Read on to learn how to improve your website to attract more diverse talent and actually get them to apply for your open jobs.
Often, diverse candidates are not represented on company websites. Most companies don’t provide information about their diversity initiatives, community impact, or human-centered aspects of the company, such as commitment to equity and inclusion. The lack of diverse website imagery and information creates a barrier that deters talented, diverse candidates from applying.
But there is something you can do.
High-quality, informative company websites that are designed with diversity in mind help job-seekers envision their potential role within the company. When diverse candidates can see themselves as a fit for the company, they are exponentially more likely to apply. Below you’ll find some best practices to get you and your team going in the right direction.
Best Practices for attracting more diverse talent through your company website/career page.
- Instead of selecting stock images, use photos, videos, and testimonials from your current diverse employees on your website. Allow your diverse team to share what it’s like to work for your company. There’s no more genuine cheerleader for your brand than your own team! Ask your diverse team members why they love working for your company, and then share those experiences on your website. Display your team’s racial and gender diversity in your imagery and videos.
- Emphasize your company’s culture, including ERGs, and development programs. If you have excellent Employee Resource Groups, put them on your website! If you’re in the process of creating ERGs or development programs, write about your commitment to diversity and equality on your career page. No matter where you are in building your DEI initiatives, it’s worth sharing that diversity and inclusion are non-negotiable attributes of your company.
- Display the community impact of your company. Explain why diverse candidates would want to participate in your initiatives and be a part of your team. From volunteer work to offering classes to providing scholarships, if your business makes a community impact – particularly related to diversity – share it on your website! Knowing that community is important to your company will inspire more diverse candidates to apply and join you in making a difference.
- Make your career page and open positions easy to locate on your website. Job-seekers shouldn’t have to dig to find information about your company’s values and initiatives. Easy-to-find information will enhance your user experience, which keeps applicants on your site. Once a candidate is inspired to apply, your open positions ought to be located in a convenient, easily-identifiable position on your site. Poor website experiences can discourage or prevent candidates from applying altogether, so don’t let your website be the reason you lose out on talented, diverse applicants – design your career page and open positions with job-seekers in mind.
So what can you do to make sure your website is sending the right message? Check out our latest guide, “Attracting Diverse Talent: Website Guide” for tips on how to make your website is more welcoming and inclusive for everyone. The guide covers the essential first steps toward making your website more inclusive. Click here to download the guide today and start making a positive impression on potential customers, partners, and employees!
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