Center for “Race,” Culture and Social Justice Colloquia Series Hiring Discrimination: The Effects of Nationality and Experience on Applicants’ Opportunity to Demonstrate Professional Value During Interview With Aditi Sachdev (Presenter, Pepsi Co. Inc.), Kevin P. Nolan, Nicholas Salter and Comila Shahani-Denning (Department of Psychology, Hofstra University)
Wednesday, September 30, 2020 | 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Zoom Link: https://hofstra.zoom.us/j/99442902438?pwd=M3RybDAyay9rOEYvYmRSZ2ZVM2l6dz09 Discrimination deprives minorities of access to opportunities that are essential to thrive in society. One such barrier faced due to discrimination is the lack of fair employment opportunities, which can negatively affect an individual’s quality of life, physical and mental health, and socioeconomic condition. Therefore, it is extremely important to understand this type of discrimination to raise awareness and help provide a solution. Employment interviews have been the most frequently used approach to make employment selection decisions in organizations. A study by Sachdev, Nolan, Salter, and Shahani-Denning examined if the types of questions asked during an interview vary as an effect of applicants’ nationality and experience. They investigated whether decision makers give more importance to the “culture fit” aspect when the applicant is from a diverse background. Emphasis on this type of fit can lead to higher chances of rejecting diverse applicants and recruiters may not give these applicants the ability to demonstrate their job proficiency. The study helped developed an understanding of the issue and the aim of the presentation is to share the results of the study and suggest best practices for effective and fair employment selection.