How to Find a Company Committed to Diversity & Inclusion

Many students often wonder how to find a company that is committed hiring a diverse workforce. Here are a few things to consider when you are assessing a company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

1. Mission, Values, and Goals

• Look for diversity and inclusion in the company’s mission statement, values, and goals.
• Does the company have a diversity statement on their website?
• What are the company’s anti-discrimination policies?

2. Demographics

• Do you see diversity at all levels of the company from leadership positions to entry-level positions?
• Does the company have a chief diversity officer or diversity manager?
• Is diversity represented on the company’s board of directors?

3. Diversity Affinity Groups

• Does the company offer special interests groups for employees? Many corporations have affinity groups for their employees (i.e. Women’s Group, LGBT Group, Young Professional Group, Race/Ethnic Groups). These groups offer support and members of the group may be called upon to assist the company with initiatives targeting specific populations. 

4. Recruitment Strategies
Observe whether the company is targeting diverse groups when recruiting.

• Are they attending diversity events sponsored by the Career Center?
• Do they recruit at events hosted by diversity affiliated organizations and associations (i.e. National Association of Black Accountants)?

5. Affiliations with Diversity Internship Programs

• Some companies may offer internships targeting diverse populations. Look for these opportunities with the companies that are of interest to you.
• Also, consider does the company participate in diversity internship programs such as INROADS, Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, Management Leadership for Tomorrow, and the T. Howard Foundation?

6. Diversity Outreach

• Many companies highlight their efforts to give back to the community. Consider whether the company’s outreach efforts extend to serving diverse populations. 

7. Civil Lawsuits

• Inquire about whether the company has had any civil lawsuits. You may contact the local Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to gather this information. 
• You may also conduct an internet search and look for lawsuits involving the company.

8. Workplace Observations

• During your interview with the company, observe interactions among the staff and office arrangements.
• Is the office environment welcoming? How does the staff treat you?
• Does the company offer special rooms given special needs (i.e. prayer rooms, nursing rooms)?

9. Ask Questions

• If you are meeting with a company representative during a networking event (i.e. information session, open house), company visit, or interview, you may want to ask some questions regarding the company’s culture and environment.
• You can also ask clarifying questions that provide greater insight into the information you reviewed on the company’s website or your personal observations.
• What is your company’s commitment to hiring a diverse workforce?
• Can you give me an example of how your company has demonstrated your commitment to diversity and inclusion?
• Describe your company’s success with the advancement of underrepresented minorities within the company. 

Top Diversity Employers

Various organizations have developed lists of top diversity employers. We encourage you to review the list and the criteria for being included on the list.

Diversity Inc. Top 50 Companies for Diversity

This website lists top employers for speciality areas such as (i.e. Asian-Americans, Blacks, Executive Women, Latinos, LGBT, People with Disabilities, Veterans,

DiversityComm, Inc
Includes a list of the "Best of the Best" in relation to outreach and accessibility to the African American, Hispanic/Latino, Veteran and Female population

Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index
The Corporate Equality Index is a national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

IMDiversity.com
is a network of websites, job boards, magazines and diversity resources for the Asian American community. Read related articles and identify employers who value diversity in the workplace.

HireDiversity.com is the Nation´s leading online service for diversity recruitment and career development. HireDiversity.com provides top quality services and networking opportunities, while linking under-represented candidates with Fortune 1000 Corporations, Government Agencies, and Non-Profit/Educational Institutions.