how to write questions for a diversity interview for course on multicultural counseling

by Miss Vallie Mertz DVM 10 min read

When discussing your dedication to diversity, be sincere. When questioned about diversity, talk about your direct encounters with people from other backgrounds. Instead of claiming you cannot perceive color, talk about the importance of honoring diverse cultures and sharing what you have learned from them.

Full Answer

Do you have to answer diversity questions in an interview?

In general, diversity questions are asked to all applications equally by interviewers who have had training because there is an explicit mission to enhance the diversity and inclusion mission of their organization. You do not have to disclose personal information to answer a diversity question (i.e.: your age, ethnicity, etc.).

What are some examples of cultural diversity in counseling?

For example, if a client was raised in a small tribal society, they may need advice for becoming accustomed to large crowds. When counselors work with clients from diverse backgrounds, they must navigate an array of challenges.

How can Counselors communicate with diverse clients?

Maintaining sensitivity toward cultural differences in a variety of settings is a requirement that counselors must follow. Counselors can communicate with diverse clients by maintaining an awareness of cultural differences.

Why is diversity and multiculturalism important?

The importance of diversity and multiculturalism is evidenced by the increasing number of people asking about it. While it’s not an exact science, asking about diversity can help you connect with potential clients and colleagues. It is important to communicate this commitment to inclusion to attract the best candidates.

What is a good interview question about diversity?

Please Share With Us What Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mean to You and Why They're Important. In Your Opinion, What Is the Most Challenging Aspect of Working in a Diverse Environment? What Is Your Approach to Understanding the Perspectives of Colleagues From Different Backgrounds?

What is a good Dei interview question?

Tell us about a time when you were unable to be tolerant of another person's point of view. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the outcome. Tell us about a time when you created an environment of honesty, inclusion and respect for others. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the outcome.

How do you bring up diversity interview question?

When asked a question about diversity, discuss your direct experiences with people of different cultures. Refrain from saying you don't see color. Instead, explain the value of honoring diverse cultures and learning from others. If you are sincere in your answers to diversity questions, your true character will shine.

How do you ask diversity questions?

Most employers will happily tell you they support diversity and inclusion. Your job is to find out how.What Are Your Most Important Values? ... How Important Is Diversity To You, And What Value Does It Bring? ... What Are You Doing To Make Sure Everyone Feels Included? ... Can You Share Data On The Organization's Diversity?More items...•

What is equality and diversity interview questions?

8 diversity interview questions and answersWhat does diversity, equality and inclusion mean to you? ... How would you react if you heard a coworker say something racist, ableist, homophobic or otherwise inappropriate? ... How do you approach understanding coworkers from different backgrounds?More items...•

What is a diversity statement examples?

Example 1: “Diversity is important but I can't do it because my discipline is based on dead white men.” Example 2: Or “I believe in diversity, but I have not been in a leadership position where I might make decisions. I would be supportive if there were some people of colour.”

What are the questions and answers asked in interview?

Most Common Interview Questions:Tell me something about yourself.How did you hear about this position?Why do you want to work here?Why did you decide to apply for this position?What is your greatest strength?What are your strengths and weaknesses?What do you know about this company/organization?More items...•

What strategies have you used to respond to diversity challenges?

Here are some ways that will help overcome diversity challenges:Take a look at your recruiting and hiring practices. ... Establish mentoring opportunities. ... Promote team work. ... Make inclusion a priority. ... Provide Diversity Training.

How do you answer the diversity question in a teacher interview?

During teaching interviews, be prepared to answer questions about your ability to work effectively in a diverse environment. Being honest about your previous struggles and challenges helps create a more convincing portrayal of authentic interaction than merely stating that you treat all students the same.

How do you lead a diversity discussion?

Here are 10 practices for understanding how to lead a diversity discussion in your workplace.Set the stage. ... Establish discussion guidelines. ... Make the conversation a brainstorming session. ... Expect different viewpoints and encourage humility. ... “Listen more than you speak.” ... Encourage a lot of questions.More items...

How do you explain diversity and inclusion?

Diversity is the presence of differences within a given setting. In the workplace that can mean differences in race, ethnicity, gender or any other number of things. Inclusion is the practice of ensuring that people feel a sense of belonging and support from the organization.

What to ask when interviewing about diversity?

When an interviewer asks questions about diversity in an interview, they're looking for information beyond what the common interview questions cover. To prepare for interview questions on equity and inclusion, research the company's values and history to determine commonalities between your values and the company's, then create a list of questions. ...

Why do companies prioritize diversity?

Many companies prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion in their company culture since a more diverse workplace is often a more productive one. The interview process usually includes questions designed to make sure the candidate has the same values and can uphold them in the workplace. Learning about some common questions covering diversity can ...

Why is it important to do research before an interview?

It's important to do research before the interview, and the interview itself can tell you about how the company implements its approach to diversity, equity and inclusion. When a candidate asks questions like this, it's also a chance to see how the company values its employees and accommodates their needs.

Why don't you vouch for diversity?

Since you embrace diversity in the workplace, you will not vouch for someone just because they seem to fit culturally in the existing team. On the contrary. If the panel cannot decide at the end, the interviews were probably not good enough.

What does diversity mean in a job?

Say simply that diversity means that people from all walks of life meet in the workplace.

What is the best way to answer "There is no such group"?

First one is saying that there is no such group. You respect everyone, and have experience with sharing the workplace with all kinds of people. You have never found it hard to cooperate with someone.

Is it normal to struggle with diversity?

It is completely normal to struggle, and you should not say that you have never struggled with diversity –unless you apply for your very first job. Struggling is fine. The key is to show them that you eventually overcame the problems, and that they did not grow into something bigger.

Is diversity an advantage?

Diversity doesn’t have only advantages, just like uniformity. And you should not be an idealist in a job interview. Feel free to say that you may find it difficult to have conversations with certain people about certain topics. And you may also struggle to understand certain behavior, or thought patterns.

1. What does diversity, equality and inclusion mean to you?

Interviewers ask this question to discover what your own approach is to diversity, equality and inclusion. It's helpful to draw from your own work experiences, but it's also an excellent opportunity to look into what these values mean to you, and what these values look like in your industry.

2. How would you react if you heard a coworker say something racist, ableist, homophobic or otherwise inappropriate?

Employers want to learn more about your personal approach to dealing with conflict and how seriously you take your commitment to equality and inclusion. If you have previous experience dealing with a similar situation, this is an excellent time to use the STAR method to highlight your experience and abilities.

3. How do you approach understanding coworkers from different backgrounds?

Employers ask this question to get an idea of how your understanding of diversity, equality and inclusion actually operates in the workplace. This is a great opportunity to show your style of interaction and personality with your coworkers.

4. What do you see as a challenge presented by a diverse workplace?

This is your chance to talk about how you deal with problem-solving within the workplace. The interviewer is making sure you're aware of the challenges that come with diversity and that you have a plan for how to solve these challenges.

5. How would you advocate for diversity with a coworker who doesn't understand its importance?

There are people in the workforce that don't understand the value of diversity, and your interviewer will want to see how you deal with these people. If this is something that you have faced before, utilise the STAR method to provide an answer that highlights your professionalism and communication skills.

6. What is a mistake organisations make when thinking about diversity?

In this answer, show that you understand what it means for an organisation to put diversity to use. Some companies say they value diversity and put it into their policies, but the actual culture of the organisation does not reflect these values.

7. Talk about an instance where you advocated for diversity or inclusion in a workplace

The interviewer wants to see how much initiative you take in the workplace and how your values determine your actions. It's important to be authentic, so consider picking an example where your action had specific results.

FIRST, EXAMINE YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING OF DIVERSITY

One of my LinkedIn connections, Dee Dee Loftin Davis, a racial equity advisor and consultant suggests:

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE CULTURALLY COMPETENT?

The US has had a cultural demographic shift over the last 10-years. Hispanics along with African Americans and Asian Pacific Islanders surpassed one third of the U.S. population in 2010. As their numbers continue to rise, they are on track to reach 54% of the population by 2050 – making them the minority-majority.

Sarah Johnston

Certified YouMap coach, Sarah Johnston, is a former corporate recruiter and industry “insider” who got tired of seeing talented high-achievers get passed over for opportunities because they did not have the proper marketing documents or know how to position themselves in interviews.

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Statistical Overview

10 Questions to Ask A Client with A Diverse Cultural Background

  • 1. What was your experience growing up in your family, and in what ways has this impacted your view of family and parenting today? This question helps remove native cultural stereotypes by focusing on family life. 2. What country are you originally from, and why did you move to the U.S.? By showing counselors how and why the individual celebrates, ...
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How Culture Can Affect Counseling

  • The counselor’s method of communicating is impacted by the varied ways that cultures communicate. Counselors should determine triggering terms as well as appropriate eye contact and gestures. Experienced counselors can identify whether depression comes from the difficulties of adjusting to a new culture or from another source. Counselors can then make sug…
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Challenges and Resources For Counselors

  • When counselors work with clients from diverse backgrounds, they must navigate an array of challenges. Whether they’re overcoming personal prejudices or dealing with linguistic barriers, counselors must take any steps necessary to offer clients competent counseling services. Unfortunately, counselors must often handle challenges associated with understaffing and unde…
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