#diversity #equity & #inclusion jobs are some of the hottest in the country. If you’re on the market, get clarity re: where the orgs you’re interviewing with are in their evolution. Be choosy. My recs for the top 10 Qs to ask during the hiring process are below:
1) “Why me?”: I love asking this during 3rd interviews. It gives you insight into how an org has branded you, gives you a chance to clear up misconceptions & can alert you to if it's really about you or if you'll be a token. At best, it turns interviewers into your hype team.
2) “What’ve you done to prepare for this role?”: Mostly relevant to positions that are new to the org. Listen for actions taken to prep the org & key stakeholders re: the case for change. If you get blank stares in response to this Q, they ain’t ready.
3) “Why now?”: This ties to Q2. Listen for thoughtfulness re: where the org’s attention is. Red flags = another major initiative, preparing to go public & any other activity that may compete w/the massive change management process you need to lead.
4) “What’s the goal?”: Try to uncover a clear POV re: what success looks like, if they’re focused on equality vs. equity & other fundamentals that may influence your decision. You’re seeking at least the potential to align with your personal goals.
5) “How do you define diversity?”: The beauty & complexity of diversity is that it can literally mean anything. Are they focused on social diversity, diversity of thought, everybody everywhere? This matters to the extent that you’re a DEI purist.
cnn.com/2018/11/13/suc…
cnn.com/2018/11/13/suc…
6) “Who 'counts'?”: As an extension of Q5, try to gauge who’s being considered as marginalized & is currently being counted. This gives you insight into current thinking & data needs so you can assess hurdles you’d need to overcome to do the good work.
7) “What’s the salary?”: You shouldn’t have to ask this question but do get clear on this early on. (And don’t give your current salary — just your $ expectations.) Do your homework and know your worth. You *can* do justice work & be paid well for it. 💅🏿
8) “What’s my budget?”: This needs to be discussed before you accept an offer. If the company seeks someone who will change the world & your budget is less than 4x your salary, run — don’t walk.
9) “What’s my headcount?”: Do you have a team or budget for one? Are your new hires earmarked in the annual workforce plan? Again, you need to know what you’re working with before you sign on the dotted line.
10) “What’s the growth plan for this role?”: You’re sold on the current role but do you know the org’s vision for years 2-3? That’s the typical change management cycle & if you’ve got 🔥 in your belly, you’ll be looking for more. Can they grow with you?
I’ve been the first DEI leader for 3 separate orgs. These are Qs I wished I’d asked earlier in my career. I hope they help you consider what matters most to you as you embark on a new venture or examine your current situation.
As Maya Angelou said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them...” Go in eyes wide open and remember: you must be in a good place to do good for others. You got this./ end
