To hire more diverse students for internships, explicitly say you’re looking for diverse candidates

At College Recruiter, we’re seeing a massive increase in the desire by most employers to hire more diverse students for internships and recent grads for entry-level jobs. In years past, it was typically for legal compliance reasons or societal pressures. More recently, the desire has driven more by the realization that the more diverse a workforce, the more productive is that workforce.

That said, hiring more diverse students and recent grads is easier said than done. Fortunately, we received a few great tips from Ian Kelly, vice president of operations for NuLeaf Naturals:

1. Reach beyond your usual avenues. If you have not had success hiring diverse candidates or feel there is a shortage of applicants, really examine where you are posting your job posts. Find more niche avenues, such as student union groups and clubs that prioritize diversity so you can widen your reach.
2. Explicitly say you are looking for diverse candidates. It is a common mistake to try and write job postings that are as “neutral” as possible in order to avoid excluding anyone, but this doesn’t mean that you are being inclusive. You need to state openly and without any room for confusion that you are actively hiring qualified candidates regardless of race, ability or background.
3. Diversify your internships. If your company offers internships, make them more diverse from the start. It is a great way to get to know more candidates and better prepare them for careers in your company or in others.