Inclusivity in the Workplace
Due to current events inclusivity and privilege have been on my mind recently. I’m not an expert on creating and sustaining an inclusive workplace, so really this week I’d like to direct your attention to some people who I think are helping make inclusivity in hiring the norm.
First up we have Invisible Network. Invisible Network is a job search tool where professionals enter in their information, to include but not limited to: their dream job and title, what kind of culture they are looking for and a range for their salary requirements. Then someone from the Invisible Network team scrubs their profile to ensure that there is no information that would reveal their name, gender, race, sexuality or any other identifying factors. Employers look through these anonymous profiles and request introductions if they would like to meet the person behind the profile. Then the IN team will reach out to whoever is behind the profile, sharing context about the opportunity and company or individual that would like to speak with them, and asks if they would be open to an introduction. This system does an extraordinary job at eliminating bias, and cuts a lot of the “We’re an inclusive workplace, BIPOC, LGBTQ members are encouraged to apply…” out of the way. Additionally, if you put a profile up and get contacted you know it is because a company wants to meet you based on your skills, interests, and background, not because you have the potential to fill a quota.
If you are looking for work I highly recommend putting a profile up (it’s free!), if you are hiring I highly recommend checking out Invisible Network and seeing who might be a good fit.
You can check out their website here: https://www.invisiblenetwork.com/
Next, we have Soladay Olson, which is specifically for connecting creative professionals. I have had the pleasure of working with Heather when applying for jobs and she does an excellent job encouraging her clients to be inclusive and highlighting inclusive projects. Soladay Olson works with employers to fill roles as well as with employees to help them find jobs and refine their resume, cover letter and online presence. Heather is not your typical recruiter, a quick look through her personal LinkedIn or Soladay Olson’s page will show you that she cares deeply about creating inclusive and equitable workplaces and hiring practices.
If you are looking for a job or looking to hire I would highly recommend using Soladay Olson, you can check out the website here: https://soladayolson.com/
Lastly, we have Zeus Jones. Zeus Jones is not a recruiting, hiring or job matching company, they are an in between of a strategic consultant and a creative agency. In my opinion what makes Zeus Jones great is their application is largely essay based. This gives applicants a chance to write about what might be missing on their resume, and show off their writing and other creative skills. While this application process takes much longer it gives Zeus Jones the opportunity to really see what the applicant is made of. Additionally, the Zeus Jones position requirements are all experience and quantitative skills based, rather than requiring a degree or certain years of education.
Zeus Jones is hiring currently, so if you are looking for a job or you are looking for an excellent creative agency or a business consultant you can learn more about them here: https://zeusjones.com/
These are all excellent examples of inclusive hiring and workplaces but I encourage you to do your own research and most importantly talk about it. We will never get anywhere if no one talks about the issues at hand. So talk to your HR department about what they are doing to create a more inclusive workplace, talk to your friends about what their places of employment do and what they think they should be doing, talk to your coworkers about the inequalities that exist in your workplace and how to fix them.
