RECOMMENDATION #7

Revise the current hiring process to minimize the influence of hidden biases by removing applicant names from information sent to hiring managers by Human Resources, and by requiring that preliminary interviews be conducted by telephone.

Several immediate steps have been identified:

• The Human Resources Department will program the applicant tracking software to hide applicant names during the screening process to minimize the influence of hidden biases.
• The Human Resources Department will research applicant tracking software’s ability to remove names of colleges and universities during the initial pre-interview screening.
• The City hiring managers will conduct phone interviews for positions when feasible. Final interviews will be in person.

Status: Completed

Completed Actions

• The Human Resources Department has programmed the applicant tracking software to hide applicant names during the screening process to minimize the influence of hidden bias.
• Phone interviews have been added as part of the screening process prior to in-person interviews.
• Diverse interview panels are required for hiring professional, supervisory, and managerial positions and for any promotional opportunities. Interview panels must include a person of color. The internal Diversity and Racial Equity Team members have been provided with additional training pertaining to hiring and interviewing. These individuals are available to participate on interview panels for any department.