How to talk about diversity in a job interview

Diversity is one of the ways that companies stand out from the crowd – if a company is known as a place that values diversity, where people from all cultural backgrounds can succeed, and where all kinds of perspectives and ideas are welcome, that company is more likely to attract highly skilled workers and build profitable relationships with customers.

But did you know that diversity is a way for you to stand out from the crowd as well? In your next job interview, by drawing upon your diverse cultural experiences and demonstrating your appreciation of diversity in the workplace, you could get an edge over the competition.

What are some ways that you can talk about diversity in your next job interview?

• Be prepared to answer questions about diversity. For example, one of your interviewers might ask: “We’re a company that really cares about diversity – you’ll have a chance to work with all kinds of people here. What are your thoughts on diversity and why it’s important to you?” You could respond with a story about a time you worked on a team with people from diverse backgrounds. You could talk about your experiences studying or traveling abroad. You could talk about how many languages you speak (or have studied) or any other personal interests you’ve taken in learning about cultures other than your own.

• Bring up the subject of diversity – in the right way. When you’re in the interview, you could mention that you have a lot of experience talking with people from other cultures, that you are always open to hearing other viewpoints, or that you have a knack for bringing together a variety of perspectives on a team and helping people find consensus around the best ideas.

• Diversity is about more than race. Diversity is not about “playing the race card” if you’re from a diverse background, or trying to show that you’re “down with the program” if you’re white – diversity is about showing that you know how to include and collaborate with people from all kinds of backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.

• Show how you have learned from diverse experiences – even if you’re not “diverse.” Even if you’re a white male, like me, there are still many ways to show that you appreciate and understand the importance of diversity in the workplace. Draw upon your own experiences. Have you ever traveled or studied abroad? Do you live in a culturally diverse neighborhood? Do you speak (or have you studied) languages other than English? Do you have any hobbies that have taught you about other cultures or caused you to get to know people from other walks of life? Show examples of things you have learned from others. Prior to the interview, try to think of examples of times when you learned something surprising about diversity (did you know that people with disabilities are some of the most likely Americans to be unemployed?), not just things you have taught to others. Show that you can get along with people from all kinds of backgrounds, whether or not those backgrounds are the same as yours.

• Focus on aspects of diversity that relate to the workplace/benefits to the employer. If you speak Spanish, mention that this could help you relate to multilingual customers. If you’ve lived in another country, talk about how you have a special appreciation in building relationships with people who come to America from other countries, as you have gone through some of the same kinds of challenges in adapting to a new culture.

• Avoid stereotypes. Talking about diversity can be tricky. You don’t want to talk about diversity or cultural understanding in a way that brings up stereotypes or emotional baggage. Instead, focus on the positive. Try to convey a sense of confidence, cultural savvy and adaptability.

Ben Gran is a freelance writer based in Des Moines, Iowa. He is an award-winning blogger who loves to write about careers and the future of work.
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