To create fair, inclusive tech assessments: focus on competency-based, real-world tasks; use blind, accessible formats with clear instructions; avoid overreliance on whiteboard/live coding; offer flexible timing; audit processes for bias; train reviewers; and gather candidate feedback.
How Can Organizations Design Fair and Inclusive Skills Assessments for Tech Roles?
AdminTo create fair, inclusive tech assessments: focus on competency-based, real-world tasks; use blind, accessible formats with clear instructions; avoid overreliance on whiteboard/live coding; offer flexible timing; audit processes for bias; train reviewers; and gather candidate feedback.
Empowered by Artificial Intelligence and the women in tech community.
Like this article?
Skills-Based Hiring
Interested in sharing your knowledge ?
Learn more about how to contribute.
Sponsor this category.
Utilize Competency-Based Assessments
Organizations should focus on competency-based skills assessments that directly relate to the responsibilities of the tech role. By identifying and testing only for the essential skills required, companies minimize bias from unrelated education, background, or prior work experience and better identify candidates with true potential.
Blind Review Processes
Implement blind assessments where identifying information (such as names, gender, or educational background) is concealed during the evaluation phase. This helps reduce unconscious bias and ensures that candidates are judged solely on their skills and the quality of their solutions.
Structure Assessments Around Real-World Scenarios
Design assessments that mimic actual tasks encountered on the job, rather than abstract puzzles or “gotcha” questions. Real-world, practical exercises level the playing field for candidates from diverse backgrounds and highlight how they approach genuine challenges.
Ensure Accessibility and Accommodations
Make sure assessments are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. Use platforms that comply with accessibility standards, and offer accommodations such as extra time or assistive technologies, ensuring that all candidates can perform to the best of their abilities.
Avoid Overreliance on Whiteboard or Live Coding
Live coding sessions or whiteboard interviews can favor candidates who are comfortable thinking aloud under pressure. By instead allowing take-home assignments or alternative formats, organizations provide a more comfortable environment for diverse candidates to demonstrate their skills.
Provide Clear and Detailed Instructions
Ambiguity in assessment instructions can disadvantage candidates unfamiliar with informal norms or unspoken expectations. Provide detailed, clear instructions and criteria for evaluation, fostering equity and transparency in the process.
Offer Flexible Assessment Timings
Candidates may have different circumstances such as employment, caregiving duties, or time zone differences. Allowing flexibility in when assessments can be completed ensures inclusivity and accommodates a wide range of applicants.
Regularly Audit and Update Assessment Tools
Frequent audits of assessment content and outcomes can uncover systemic biases or unintended barriers. By analyzing pass/fail rates and demographic data, organizations can continuously refine their processes for maximum fairness.
Train Interviewers and Reviewers on Bias Awareness
Everyone involved in creating, administering, or evaluating assessments should receive training on unconscious bias, inclusive interviewing practices, and fair evaluation criteria. This helps minimize subjective judgments and promotes consistency.
Collect and Act on Candidate Feedback
After the assessment, gather feedback from candidates regarding their experience. Use this information to iterate and improve the process, addressing unforeseen challenges and ensuring future assessments are even more inclusive and fair.
What else to take into account
This section is for sharing any additional examples, stories, or insights that do not fit into previous sections. Is there anything else you'd like to add?