Tackling unconscious bias in recruitment

The Association of Women in Property has been working with businesses on the issue of unconscious bias for some time, so it is inspiring to read about the level of commitment to diversity shown by Unite Students.

We also do a lot of work with students through our Student Awards programme, now in its 10th year, including speed-interviewing sessions and CV workshops; it is in these areas where we see other forms of unconscious bias.

Take, for example, CVs. One applicant, two identical CVs - except one features a Hotmail address, the other a more professional ‘business’ email. The professional address gets an interview, the other is binned. Not surprising, but another example of how preconceived ideas can have repercussions.

Lisa-Jane Risk, national chairman, Association of Women in Property