How do you incorporate diversity and inclusion into your social recruiting strategy?

1 Define your goals and metrics

Before you start posting and interacting on social media, you need to have a clear vision of what diversity and inclusion mean for your organization and your hiring needs. What are the gaps and opportunities in your current workforce and talent pipeline? What are the benefits and challenges of having a diverse and inclusive culture? How will you measure and evaluate your progress and impact? Having SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely) goals and metrics will help you align your social recruiting efforts with your organizational objectives and values.

2 Showcase your culture and values

One of the best ways to attract and retain diverse and inclusive talent is to showcase your culture and values on social media. This means highlighting the stories, achievements, and perspectives of your current employees from different backgrounds, identities, and experiences. It also means demonstrating your commitment to diversity and inclusion through your policies, initiatives, and actions. For example, you can share how you support employee resource groups, celebrate diversity-related events, or partner with community organizations. Be transparent, honest, and consistent in your messaging and avoid tokenism, stereotyping, or greenwashing.

3 Use inclusive language and visuals

The language and visuals you use on social media can have a significant impact on how diverse and inclusive talent perceive your organization and your opportunities. You want to use language and visuals that are respectful, inclusive, and relevant to your target audience. For example, you can use gender-neutral terms, avoid jargon and acronyms, and address potential barriers or accommodations. You can also use visuals that reflect the diversity of your workforce and your customers, such as photos, videos, or graphics. Avoid using stock images or generic slogans that do not represent your reality or your aspirations.

4 Engage with diverse communities and influencers

Another way to incorporate diversity and inclusion into your social recruiting strategy is to engage with diverse communities and influencers on social media. This means following, liking, commenting, sharing, and joining relevant groups, hashtags, events, or platforms that cater to different segments of your talent pool. It also means reaching out to and collaborating with influencers, such as bloggers, podcasters, speakers, or advocates, who have a large and loyal following among your target audience. By engaging with diverse communities and influencers, you can expand your reach, build trust, and generate referrals.