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7 Diversity Recruitment Strategies To Strengthen Your Company 

18 Dec 2024By Team J1X

It will be critical to empower workplaces with diversity recruitment strategies in 2025 and beyond. Companies with diverse teams are more likely to grow and innovate. According to a McKinsey report, companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity on executive teams were 39% more likely to achieve above-average profitability than those in the bottom quartile.

Another study by Glassdoor found that 67% of job seekers consider workplace diversity an important factor when evaluating job offers, highlighting the need for diversity recruitment strategies to attract top talent. Therefore, recruitment strategies for diversity should be a priority for companies everywhere.

Simply hiring more diverse employees isn’t enough. A clear strategy is needed to make it happen. Without a plan, old habits may take over, and you won’t see the desired results.

Keep reading to learn more about building a diversity recruitment strategy and its benefits for your business. In this article, we’ll highlight key diversity recruitment strategies to help you strengthen your organization. 

Expand Your Recruitment Channels

If your recruitment efforts only target the same sources, you’ll likely end up with similar candidates time and again. To build a diverse workforce, consider expanding your reach. 

Start by connecting with universities that serve underrepresented groups, attending diversity-focused job fairs, and partnering with professional organizations that advocate for minority groups. Partnering with organizations like these can help you diversify your candidate pipeline and signal your company’s commitment to inclusivity. Check out our J-1 Trainee and Intern Program!

Write Inclusive Job Descriptions

Words have power, and the language in your job postings can either attract or repel candidates. If you’re unintentionally using language that feels exclusive, you could be narrowing your pool of applicants. So use inclusive language that appeals to a broad audience, especially when you’re looking to hire internationally. 

For instance, avoid overly technical jargon that might intimidate someone without a traditional corporate background. Instead, focus on the skills and qualifications that are truly essential for the role. Using phrases like “we value diverse experiences” or “open to candidates from all industries” can also encourage a wider range of applicants to apply.

Related: How to Write More Inclusive Job Descriptions

Leverage J-1 Visa Programs for Global Talent

If you’re a US-based company planning to hire diverse talent, the J-1 cultural exchange program is a goldmine. The program allows you to host interns, trainees, teachers, and other professionals from around the world, giving you access to fresh perspectives and unique skill sets.

By welcoming participants from different countries, your team gains firsthand exposure to new ways of thinking and problem-solving. Also, international candidates bring a global lens to projects, which can be invaluable if your company operates in international markets.

Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, hosting J-1 participants allows you to exchange ideas, share skills, and foster cultural understanding. To qualify as a J-1 host organization, you’ll need to:

  1. Identify overseas candidates you plan to host, ensuring they align with your organization’s goals.
  2. Have the necessary resources to provide meaningful, hands-on training that contributes to their professional development.
  3. Organize or support cultural activities that help trainees and interns experience American culture and engage with the community.
  4. Offer continuous supervision and mentorship at the worksite, ensuring a safe and productive learning environment.
  5. Complete program evaluations as required, providing feedback on the trainees’ progress and the overall experience.

J1 Visa Exchanges is where we help US companies host global talent with ease. Check out the details here or feel free to contact us for more information! 

Tackle Unconscious Bias in Hiring

Even the best intentions can fall short when unconscious bias creeps into the hiring process. These hidden biases can influence decisions, often without anyone realizing it. To counteract this, implement training programs that help hiring managers and teams recognize and mitigate bias.

One effective approach is to use blind resumes during the initial screening phase. By removing identifying details like names, gender, and age, hiring managers can focus solely on a candidate’s qualifications. Technology can also play a role—AI-driven recruitment tools can help identify patterns in hiring practices and suggest ways to improve inclusivity.

Showcase Your Commitment to Diversity

Your company’s stance on diversity should be visible and authentic. Potential candidates often look at your website, social media, and branding to gauge whether your organization genuinely values inclusivity.

Consider creating a dedicated page on your website that highlights your diversity initiatives, employee resource groups, and success stories. Sharing photos and testimonials from diverse employees adds a human touch and can inspire others to see themselves thriving in your company.

You can also make your commitment tangible by setting measurable goals. For example, aim to increase the representation of underrepresented groups in leadership positions or participate in national diversity recognition programs. Transparency builds trust and demonstrates that your company is serious about creating an inclusive workplace.

Develop an Inclusive Workplace Culture

Diversity recruitment doesn’t stop with hiring—it’s equally important to create an environment where all employees feel valued and supported. When employees feel included, they’re more likely to stay and contribute at their highest level.

Start by providing diversity and inclusion training for all employees, not just managers. This can help build understanding, empathy, and collaboration across the board. Creating employee resource groups (ERGs) for different communities within your workforce is another great way to build a sense of belonging.

Your leadership team plays a key role in shaping company culture. Leaders should actively support and promote diversity efforts. Recognize and celebrate cultural holidays, organize team-building activities that celebrate differences, and maintain an open-door policy for feedback.

Use Metrics to Track Progress

As the saying goes, “What gets measured gets managed.” To ensure your diversity recruitment efforts are effective, track and analyze your progress. Use metrics like the diversity of your applicant pool, hiring rates, retention rates, and employee satisfaction scores to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

For example, if you notice a drop-off in candidates from underrepresented groups after the interview stage, it might be worth revisiting your interview process to ensure it’s equitable. 

Final Thoughts

Diversity recruitment is not a one-time initiative—it’s a long-term commitment that requires ongoing effort and reflection. Make sure to partner up with J1 Visa Exchanges to strengthen your diversity recruitment efforts. 

It’s time to take the next step toward building a stronger, more diverse team. The future of your company—and your success—depends on it. 

Related: How Partnering With J-1 Visa Exchanges Can Benefit Your Business

Team J1X

Team J1X

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