Overcoming discrimination in the hiring process as a Black candidate can be a difficult and frustrating experience. However, there are steps that can be taken to increase your chances of success.

First and foremost, it is important to understand that discrimination in the hiring process is illegal. Employers are prohibited from discriminating against candidates based on race, ethnicity, or any other protected characteristic. All workers and job seekers are protected by the Employment Equity Act.

Now, let’s look at some of the tools you have to help ensure you find rewarding work fairly.

Your Resume

One way to increase your chances of success in the hiring process is to have a strong resume and cover letter. These documents should highlight your qualifications and accomplishments in a clear and concise manner, and put the focus on what you can do instead of who you are.

Here are some resume writing tips for professionals.

Use a professional format: A clean, polished and easy-to-read format can help ensure that your resume is taken seriously by potential employers. Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting to make your resume stand out.

Focus on your qualifications: Rather than emphasizing your race, focus on your qualifications, skills, and accomplishments. Highlight your education, experience, and any relevant certifications or training.

Use specific, quantifiable examples: Rather than listing general responsibilities, use specific, quantifiable examples to demonstrate your skills and experience. For example, instead of saying “managed a team,” say “managed a team of 10 employees and increased productivity by 15%.”

Remove unnecessary personal information: It’s not necessary to include personal information such as your race, religion, or marital status on your resume. This information can be used to discriminate against you.

You can also consider working with a professional resume writer or career counselor (like the team at ReStart) to ensure that your documents are polished and effective.

Your Network

Another important tool at your disposal is your network. Building relationships with people in your field can help you learn about job openings and increase your visibility to potential employers. You can do this by attending networking events, joining professional organizations, and reaching out to people in your field.

Here are some tips to help you network effectively as a Black professional.

Join professional organizations: Professional organizations can provide valuable networking opportunities and resources for Black professionals. Many organizations have networks specifically for Black professionals or professionals of color.

Attend networking events: Attend networking events in your field, such as conferences, meetups, and industry-specific gatherings. These events can provide opportunities to connect with other professionals, learn about job openings, and gain industry knowledge.

Reach out to people in your field: Reach out to people in your field, including mentors, peers, and industry leaders, to build relationships and learn about job openings.

Use social media: Social media platforms such as LinkedIn can be an effective tool for networking. Use them to connect with people in your field, join relevant groups, and stay up to date on industry news and events.

Leverage your existing network: Your existing network can be a valuable resource for job leads and career advice. Reach out to friends, family, and former colleagues to let them know you’re job hunting and ask if they know of any opportunities.

A good network is one built on trust and respect. Building real relationships with other professionals can take time, but it pays dividends. That’s because having the support of others helps eliminate obstacles and guide you to new and exciting opportunities.

Your Interview Skills

It is also important to be prepared for interviews. While initially applying for jobs isn’t always done face-to-face, your interview more than likely will be. So this is your chance to overcome unconscious bias.

Here are some interview tips you can use as a Black job seeker.

Practice your responses: Prepare for common interview questions and practice your responses. This will help you feel more confident and reduce anxiety during the interview.

Be yourself: Be authentic during the interview and let your personality shine through. Being true to yourself will help you connect with the interviewer and stand out as a unique candidate. Some interviewees feel the need to downplay their racial status by changing their language and behaviour, or “code switching”, but it can come off as inauthentic. Just be your amazing self!

Highlight your qualifications: Be sure to highlight your qualifications and accomplishments during the interview. Share specific examples of your skills and experience that demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the job.

Address unconscious bias: If you feel that the interviewer is exhibiting unconscious bias, you can address it directly but politely. For example, you can say something like “I understand that some people may have certain assumptions about me based on my race, but I want to assure you that I am highly qualified for this position and I’m confident that I can make a valuable contribution to your company.”

Be confident: Show your enthusiasm for the job and the company. Be confident in your qualifications and abilities.

Follow up: Follow up with the interviewer after the interview to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the position.

Your Research Skills

Another way to overcome discrimination in the hiring process is to seek out companies and organizations that have a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Many companies have diversity and inclusion initiatives in place, and they may be more likely to hire Black candidates. By researching their online presence, the events they attend, the other organizations they align with, and the diversity of their current staff, you can get a clearer picture of whether they practice what they preach.

Just like any job, you want to be a good fit for the company culture for your own sake as well. Ask yourself, would you enjoy working here? Would you be proud to work here? Would you feel like part of the team?

If the answer is no, or you are very unsure, then you might want to start researching other employers instead.

Conclusion

While not every employer suffers from racial bias, it is a very real thing that affects the careers of Black professionals around the world.

Fortunately, you will find companies that adhere to inclusive practices, and you have a slew of skills and tools at your disposal to ensure you receive fair treatment when looking for work.

ReStart also offers free job seeker services, from helping you write a resume to helping you get recruited! We have a network of employers who have demonstrated fair and equitable employment standards, and we can help you get your foot in the door of your next great job! Book your appointment today to get started with ReStart.