Learn How To Intercept Bias

When a hiring committee meets to discuss candidates, it’s a prime opportunity to interrupt age bias when it happens. By refocusing the hiring committee on each candidate’s core capabilities, you’ll make the team more likely to hire the best candidate, regardless of their age.

Flip each card to read about scenarios that include age bias and how you could respond to interrupt the bias. Scroll through to read them all.

IF YOU HEAR THIS

“He used to work with a friend of mine, who joked that he still complains about virtual meetings”

Click to interrupt the bias

YOU COULD SAY THIS

“That sounds more like second-hand commentary than something relevant to his qualifications. Did anything in his interview suggest he struggles with virtual collaboration?”

Click to flip back

IF YOU HEAR THIS

“I know I shouldn't say this, but the last time we hired an older candidate she was really resistant to change.”

Click to interrupt the bias

YOU COULD SAY THIS

“I’d be careful drawing conclusions about this candidate based on a different hire. Let’s evaluate each person on their own strengths and what they bring to the team.”

Click to flip back

IF YOU HEAR THIS

“They're probably going to leave in a year or two for a better job.”

Click to interrupt the bias

YOU COULD SAY THIS

“Even if they want to grow beyond this role in the next couple of years, they may want to do so within our own organization, which would still be a great outcome.”

Click to flip back

IF YOU HEAR THIS

“He might have trouble reporting to a younger manager.”

Click to interrupt the bias

YOU COULD SAY THIS

“Cross-generational teams are the norm in most workplaces now. What matters is whether he respects leadership and works collaboratively—age doesn’t determine that.”

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IF YOU HEAR THIS

“He seems a bit young for the role—can he handle client relationships with our longstanding clients?”

Click to interrupt the bias

YOU COULD SAY THIS

“It takes time to learn the norms of any workplace. Did anyone hear anything that would lead us to believe that he can't accept feedback?”

Click to flip back

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