The impact of implicit biases during the hiring process

Download slides: The Impact of Implicit Biases During the Hiring Process

Unconscious biases, also known as implicit biases, are stereotypes about certain groups of people that are usually formed and driven by external influences, personal experiences, and upbringing. Everyone holds unconscious beliefs or biases and depending on the nature of the bias; it can have a positive or negative impact on the groups that the beliefs are held towards.

Because of the negative impact unconscious biases can have in the workplace; particularly in the areas of recruiting, promotions, and organizational inclusivity; it is important for business owners to be able to identify how unconscious biases may manifest in the workplace and how to prevent them from negatively affecting the organization.

Key discussion points include:

• Describe implicit biases in hiring, how it occurs, and how to prevent it from happening
• Discuss what happens to the diversity of an organization when we are not aware of our implicit biases when hiring
• Implicit biases when hiring or promoting to senior level leadership roles
• Tips, strategies, and ideas to help reduce and remove implicit biases in hiring

About the presenter

Aisha Thompkins has over 16 years of combined HR experience in both public and private sectors. Her areas of expertise are EEO law, employment best practices, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, and organizational leadership. Mrs. Thompkins’ extensive EEO background includes conducting in-depth investigations and crafting investigative reports that are often used in preparation for litigation. She serves as an effective and proficient director of EEO services where she seeks to provide her clients with best practices to minimize potential liability and risks associated with employment decisions and overall functionality. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Colorado State University, a bachelor’s in criminology from Florida State University, and a professional certification in management development from Nova Southeastern University.

Related materials

• The Vistage Diversity and Inclusion Resource Center
• Want to retain your diverse workforce? Focus on removing bias
• What is implicit bias in hiring?
• How to overcome implicit bias in your hiring process
• 4 tips to reduce bias and hire a more diverse workforce