DEI Questions to Ask in an Interview
Strategic questions to ask during interviews that demonstrate your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while helping you assess whether the organization shares your values.
1What is the organization's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how is it integrated into the company culture?
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What is the organization's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how is it integrated into the company culture?
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Why this works
This question shows you value DEI principles and helps you understand how seriously the organization takes these issues and whether they're embedded in the culture.
2How does the company ensure that all employees have equal opportunities for advancement and professional development?
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How does the company ensure that all employees have equal opportunities for advancement and professional development?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of equity in the workplace and shows you're thinking about career growth opportunities for all employees.
3What initiatives does the company have in place to support employees from underrepresented backgrounds?
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What initiatives does the company have in place to support employees from underrepresented backgrounds?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of supporting underrepresented groups and helps you assess whether the company has concrete programs in place.
4How does the company handle bias and discrimination, and what processes are in place for reporting and addressing these issues?
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How does the company handle bias and discrimination, and what processes are in place for reporting and addressing these issues?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your awareness of the importance of addressing bias and discrimination while helping you understand the company's commitment to creating a safe workplace.
5What is the company's approach to inclusive hiring practices, and how do you ensure diverse candidate pools?
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What is the company's approach to inclusive hiring practices, and how do you ensure diverse candidate pools?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of inclusive hiring and helps you assess whether the company is committed to building diverse teams.
6How does the company support employees with different cultural backgrounds and ensure their voices are heard?
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How does the company support employees with different cultural backgrounds and ensure their voices are heard?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of cultural inclusion and helps you assess whether the company values diverse perspectives.
7What training and development opportunities are available for employees to learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion?
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What training and development opportunities are available for employees to learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion?
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Why this works
Shows you value continuous learning about DEI topics and helps you understand whether the company invests in educating its employees.
8How does the company measure success in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what metrics are used?
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How does the company measure success in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what metrics are used?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of measurement in DEI work and helps you assess whether the company is serious about accountability.
9What is the company's approach to creating an inclusive environment for employees with disabilities?
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What is the company's approach to creating an inclusive environment for employees with disabilities?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities and helps you assess the company's commitment to this.
10How does the company ensure that leadership and decision-making teams reflect the diversity of the workforce?
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How does the company ensure that leadership and decision-making teams reflect the diversity of the workforce?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of diverse leadership and helps you assess whether the company is committed to representation at all levels.
11What is the company's approach to addressing pay equity and ensuring fair compensation across all groups?
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What is the company's approach to addressing pay equity and ensuring fair compensation across all groups?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of pay equity and helps you assess whether the company is committed to fair compensation practices.
12How does the company support employees who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and ensure an inclusive environment?
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How does the company support employees who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and ensure an inclusive environment?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion and helps you assess whether the company creates a welcoming environment for all.
13What is the company's approach to supplier diversity and working with diverse vendors and partners?
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What is the company's approach to supplier diversity and working with diverse vendors and partners?
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Why this works
Shows you understand that DEI extends beyond the workplace and helps you assess whether the company is committed to diversity in all aspects of business.
14How does the company handle microaggressions and create a culture where all employees feel respected and valued?
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How does the company handle microaggressions and create a culture where all employees feel respected and valued?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of addressing microaggressions and helps you assess whether the company is committed to creating a respectful workplace.
15What is the company's approach to supporting employees who are caregivers or have family responsibilities?
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What is the company's approach to supporting employees who are caregivers or have family responsibilities?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of supporting employees with caregiving responsibilities and helps you assess whether the company values work-life balance.
16How does the company ensure that all employees have access to mentorship and sponsorship opportunities?
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How does the company ensure that all employees have access to mentorship and sponsorship opportunities?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in career development and helps you assess whether the company provides these opportunities equitably.
17What is the company's approach to addressing unconscious bias in performance evaluations and promotion decisions?
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What is the company's approach to addressing unconscious bias in performance evaluations and promotion decisions?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of addressing bias in performance management and helps you assess whether the company is committed to fair evaluation processes.
18How does the company support employees who are immigrants or from different cultural backgrounds?
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How does the company support employees who are immigrants or from different cultural backgrounds?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of supporting immigrant employees and helps you assess whether the company creates an inclusive environment for all.
19What is the company's approach to creating an inclusive environment for employees of different ages and generations?
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What is the company's approach to creating an inclusive environment for employees of different ages and generations?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of age diversity and helps you assess whether the company values employees of all ages and generations.
20How does the company ensure that all employees have equal access to resources, opportunities, and support?
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How does the company ensure that all employees have equal access to resources, opportunities, and support?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of equitable access to resources and helps you assess whether the company is committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees.
Best Practices for DEI Interview Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Research the Company's DEI Initiatives
Before the interview, research the company's DEI initiatives, diversity statistics, and any public statements about their commitment to these issues.
Ask Specific Questions
Ask specific questions about concrete initiatives, programs, and policies rather than general questions about the company's commitment to DEI.
Listen for Action, Not Just Words
Pay attention to whether the interviewer can provide specific examples of DEI initiatives and whether they seem genuinely committed to these issues.
Question Sequences
The Culture-Focused Sequence
The Accountability-Focused Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Questions You Could Answer with Research
Avoid asking basic questions about the company's DEI initiatives that you could easily find on their website or through other research.
Don't Focus Only on Your Own Identity
While it's important to understand how the company supports your specific identity, make sure your questions also demonstrate your commitment to supporting others.
Don't Ask Questions That Put the Interviewer on the Spot
Avoid questions that might make the interviewer uncomfortable or defensive. Focus on understanding the company's approach rather than challenging their practices.