{"id":13911,"date":"2021-11-22T10:29:54","date_gmt":"2021-11-22T10:29:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/?p=13911"},"modified":"2021-12-04T05:57:59","modified_gmt":"2021-12-04T05:57:59","slug":"what-does-diversity-mean-to-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/what-does-diversity-mean-to-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview Question: What Does Diversity Mean to You?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>\u201cWhat does diversity mean to you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is an opinion question, and it\u2019s not asked very often in interviews. It\u2019s somewhat difficult to answer, particularly if you haven\u2019t worked in an environment where diversity was talked about or acknowledged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t worry, though: After reading this article, you\u2019ll know how to put together a well-thought-out answer to questions about diversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Variations of This Question<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This question might be asked in several different formats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Why is diversity important?<\/li><li>What do you think about diversity in the workplace?<\/li><li>How do you feel about working in a diverse environment?<\/li><li>What do diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you?<\/li><li>How do you feel about working with diverse clients or customers?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This question is really about your willingness to learn from others, so your interviewer wants to see that you\u2019re empathetic and flexible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is vital in the workplace because, in most roles, you\u2019ll need to work with people who may be different from you in terms of race, religion, ability, or socioeconomic background. You\u2019ll be expected to collaborate with those from different backgrounds and who have different ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The interviewer or hiring manager also wants to know that you have good interpersonal skills, including listening skills and intercultural competence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers want team players that can overlook their differences in order to get the job done. Your ability to look at situations from someone else\u2019s perspective and understand what they\u2019re saying will help you <a href=\"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/example-of-great-customer-service\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"10885\">relate to customers<\/a>, clients, and coworkers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your answer to this question tells the interviewer that you not only know what diversity is but you also have the awareness needed to appreciate diversity in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Answer: \u201cWhat Does Diversity Mean to You?\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We broke this process down into 3 steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Start with Your Own Definition of Diversity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Begin your answer with your own understanding of what diversity means, particularly in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The interviewer should know that you\u2019ve put some thought into this and that you can apply definitions to real-life experience \u2014 a valuable skill in any type of workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Explain that while diversity usually points to gender and race, it applies just as much to biases against ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religion, physical abilities, and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also talk about the characteristics and <a href=\"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/what-skills-would-you-like-to-improve\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"12774\">skills you believe you should have<\/a> when working in a diverse environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For instance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Flexibility to see things from someone else\u2019s point of view<\/li><li>Teamwork skills that can incorporate everyone<\/li><li>Compassion for others who may be different from you<\/li><li>Eagerness to learn from others<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If the variation asked includes the phrase, \u201cdiversity, equity, and inclusion,\u201d you should touch upon all of those.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Discuss the importance of not only having the opportunity to work with a diverse team but also the importance of fairness and making everyone feel welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cDiversity is when people of all races, languages, and creeds work together. It\u2019s important to be open to understanding situations from other points of view and to be welcoming to all viewpoints.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Explain Why You Value Diversity in the Workplace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your interviewer about why diversity is beneficial in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Doing this will show you\u2019re open to the challenges that diversity can present because you already understand how diversity can be helpful. You can paint yourself as an advocate of diversity by simply focusing on the benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In terms of specific benefits, you can touch on things like:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>More creativity when different types of people are represented<\/li><li>Better understanding from getting to know those who are different<\/li><li>Greater cultural competence overall<\/li><li>Stronger teams when everyone learns to work together<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, if possible, try to relate what you\u2019re saying to the particular job you\u2019re interviewing for. This will give context and demonstrate those benefits in an environment that the interviewer is familiar with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, if you were applying to work at an independent restaurant, you might discuss the benefits of diversity when developing a varied and interesting menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cDiversity in the workplace is important because it breeds creativity when people of different backgrounds come together to share ideas. It can also make the team more culturally competent. In a marketing position, everyone can contribute their thoughts on the types of ads they prefer.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Provide a Relevant Anecdote or Example<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, give a real or hypothetical example of a diverse team working together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bringing an example into the discussion will show your interviewer that you fully understand not only the theoretical benefits and challenges of diversity but also the real-life implications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How do you go about doing this?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, introduce a situation where people of different backgrounds are working together. If it\u2019s something you\u2019ve experienced, leave out any potentially identifying details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then about an issue that needs to be resolved. The issue could be a problem that the team solved together. Another option is to discuss an interpersonal issue that requires understanding from different people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, end with the resolution that encompasses a benefit of diversity. For instance, you might focus on someone being more understanding of a coworker after learning more about their cultural norms and expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cOur team was frustrated when a member wouldn\u2019t discuss projects during company lunches. We learned later that it\u2019s customary in his home country to enjoy a quiet meal before business. It was eye-opening to learn something new and it made the team more culturally sensitive.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Putting It All Together (Example Answers)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s look at some full sample answers using the 3-step process we just outlined in the previous section:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example #1: Medical Office<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cTo me, diversity presents the opportunity to collaborate with and care for people from all different walks of life, religions, and races. To work in a diverse environment, it\u2019s important to be patient, flexible, and open-minded.<\/p><p>Working with patients and staff from various cultures and backgrounds gives medical professionals invaluable experience in understanding others. This helps us provide better care to everyone, regardless of where they came from, what color their skin is, or what language they speak.<\/p><p>When I\u2019ve worked with patients who don\u2019t speak English as a first language, I\u2019ve always been careful to ask a translator for assistance, whether that\u2019s a trusted family member they\u2019ve brought with them or one of the medical translating services available. This is vital to ensure understanding.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example #2: Restaurant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cDiversity means being able to work well with everyone, no matter their race or where they come from. To succeed means you must be compassionate and have good listening skills.<\/p><p>In a restaurant, it\u2019s important to have the ability and desire to include everyone on the team. A restaurant only runs well when everyone gets along and helps one another. Since many restaurants employ a diverse crew, we must be comfortable with people of all colors, religions, and native languages.<\/p><p>At the last restaurant I worked at, our crew included people of different races and abilities. It wasn\u2019t hard to get to know each person and learn what they were all good at. It just took some communication and listening, along with the flexibility to change my ideas when thinking about different viewpoints.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example #3: Corporate Office<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>&#8220;The ability to work with a wide range of people with respect to their backgrounds, race, religion, and so on, is the key to success in a corporate office. Working with a diverse group requires mutual respect for others as well as good communication skills.<\/p><p>All of us have achieved our positions through both individual efforts and the collaborative efforts of those we\u2019ve worked with. Knowing how to get along with all types of people without regard for their skin color, religion, or socioeconomic status is what keeps the company running successfully.<\/p><p>I\u2019ve taken cultural sensitivity training and have learned a lot about how vital body language is when communicating with others. Certain cultures place more emphasis on body language than others, so I\u2019ve been mindful of what I\u2019m conveying without words. This training has been very helpful.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How NOT to Answer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a few <a href=\"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/job-interview-mistakes\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"10738\">potential mistakes<\/a> you can make when answering questions around diversity and inclusion. Here are the one&#8217;s to watch out for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u2019t Confuse Diversity with Variety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While the definition of diversity is variety, you shouldn\u2019t use that as your answer to this question.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Doing so can tell the interviewer that you aren\u2019t able to connect the definition of diversity with the real-life implications. He or she might feel that you don\u2019t think diversity is important or that you\u2019ve never given it any thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you aren\u2019t sure where to begin, it\u2019s okay to ask the interviewer for a moment to think about your response and reflect on how the question relates to the workplace and to the specific role you\u2019re applying for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u2019t Say Diversity Isn\u2019t Important to You<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t tell the interviewer that you don\u2019t think diversity is an important topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Diversity in teams and in the workplace carries many benefits, so this type of answer shows that you lack the awareness to acknowledge them. You might also come across as unobservant or unwilling to engage with others, which is a poor image to project as a potential employee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since diversity is an important topic in recent current events, try to convey interest in the idea. Also, stress your willingness to work with people who are different from you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Be ready for variations of the question<\/li><li>Define \u201cdiversity\u201d in your own words<\/li><li>Demonstrate your knowledge of the importance of diversity<\/li><li>Include a real or hypothetical example<\/li><li>Don\u2019t offer the literal definition of the word<\/li><li>Don\u2019t minimize the importance of diversity in the workplace<\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cWhat does diversity mean to you?\u201d This is an opinion question, and it\u2019s not asked very often in interviews. It\u2019s somewhat difficult to answer, particularly if you haven\u2019t worked in an environment where diversity was talked about or acknowledged. Don\u2019t worry, though: After reading this article, you\u2019ll know how to put together a well-thought-out answer to questions about diversity. Variations of This Question This question might be asked in several different formats. Here are some of them: Why is diversity important? What do you think about diversity in the workplace? How do you feel about working in a diverse environment?\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[66,69],"tags":[],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13911"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13911"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13911\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13920,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13911\/revisions\/13920"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13911"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13911"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13911"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}