How to conduct effective DEI outreach in recruitment

Executive overview

Underrepresented candidates face systemic barriers that block qualified people from even reaching your hiring process. Outreach closes that gap — but only if it goes beyond statements and into structural change.

Three areas drive an effective program: making your brand credibly inclusive, removing friction from the application process, and actively recruiting in underrepresented communities.

A diverse team is built through consistent, measurable outreach — not one-off diversity statements.

Building an inclusive brand

• Language matters: train staff to speak with intention — no stereotypes, respect pronouns, avoid religious assumptions.
• Publish your culture and values on job postings and the careers page.
• Highlight commitments to racial, gender, disability, and religious diversity explicitly.
• When your organization missteps, take responsibility, apologize, and create a correction plan.

Reaching underrepresented candidates

• Research and list community organizations relevant to your talent goals, then call them directly.
• Volunteer programs (e.g. Big Brothers Big Sisters) signal real community commitment, not just recruitment intent.
• Post at HBCUs, trade schools, community centres, and libraries — not just online job boards.
• Sponsor career fair booths to maximise visibility with specific candidate pools.
• Set measurable goals per outreach effort (e.g. resumes collected, screening calls booked).
• Treat outreach as an ongoing relationship, not a one-time campaign.

Removing application barriers

• Reconsider degree requirements: transferable skills and experience are often equally valid.
• Keep applications short — 70% of job seekers abandon applications that take more than 15 minutes.
• Optimise for mobile: many candidates apply on phones, not computers.
• Start with a phone screen to reduce in-person bias and lower the effort barrier for candidates.
• Offer flexibility on interview timing, location, and format for subsequent rounds.