Courses / DEI Recruiting Practices
3. Essential vs. Preferred Criteria Separation
Distinguishing which qualifications are truly essential and which are optional to broaden the candidate pool.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Recruiting Practices
Essential vs. Preferred Criteria Separation
A clear distinction in job requirements that separates non-negotiable qualifications from nice-to-have ones to avoid unintentionally narrowing the candidate pool.
"I lost great candidates because our 'preferred' list read like a checklist of mandatory traits."
Essential criteria are the minimum, demonstrable qualifications someone must have to perform the role safely and effectively; preferred criteria are desirable extras that can be learned or developed on the job.
"I lost great candidates because our 'preferred' list read like a checklist of mandatory traits."
Essential criteria are the minimum, demonstrable qualifications someone must have to perform the role safely and effectively; preferred criteria are desirable extras that can be learned or developed on the job.