Bringing inclusivity into recruitment: Lessons from my journey

As the founder and CEO of Avanti Search, I've had a unique journey that has shaped my passion for inclusivity in recruitment. From my beginnings as Miss Australia to my current role in the recruitment industry, I've learned valuable lessons about diversity, inclusion, and the power of authentic connections in business.

My unconventional path to recruitment

My career path has been far from traditional. I started as Miss Australia, which was my first paid job, earning just enough to keep the lights on while I traveled the country doing charity work. This experience led me to place third at Miss World, making me the first Australian in about 20 years to reach the top three.

However, my Lebanese and Indian background influenced my decision to pursue a corporate career rather than the entertainment industry. I initially went into sales and sales leadership, where I discovered my passion for recruitment while interviewing for my sales teams.

The importance of inclusivity in recruitment

My passion for inclusivity stems from my personal experiences. As a person from a minority background, raised Muslim, and living with two types of disabilities (a severe hearing impairment and bipolar type 2 disorder), I've encountered both positive and discriminatory responses throughout my career. These experiences have fueled my commitment to creating more inclusive workplaces.

Practical strategies for inclusive recruitment

1. Remove barriers to entry:

   • Limit job requirements to six or fewer points in job ads. Studies show that when there are more than six requirements, female candidates tend to discount themselves and not apply.
   • Rethink assessment processes. For example, lengthy technical tests can disadvantage certain groups, such as working parents who may not have uninterrupted time at home.

2. Address pay disparity:

   • When interviewing, resist the temptation to offer a lower salary just because a candidate (often women) asks for less. Instead, offer fair market value for the role, helping to break the cycle of pay inequity.

3. The circle of six exercise:

   • Ask leaders to list the six people closest to them (excluding family) and note similarities in ethnicity, age, gender, education, and professional level. This exercise often reveals our tendency to connect with people similar to ourselves, which can influence hiring decisions.

4. Focus on inclusivity, not just diversity:

   • Remember, "diversity is asking everyone to the party, but inclusivity is inviting them to dance." It's not just about having diverse team members, but ensuring everyone has a voice and feels valued.

Lessons from my journey

1. Perception is reality: How you present your capabilities can be as important as the capabilities themselves. Confidence in your delivery can significantly impact your success in business.

2. Network is net worth: Building relationships is crucial in business and sales. People buy from people, and they value relationships more than just products or services.

3. Balance and self-care are crucial: Even under immense pressure, it's possible to juggle multiple responsibilities while remaining compassionate towards others. The key is to remember to care for yourself as well.

4. Bring your personality to the table: Authenticity and showing your true self in business interactions can be powerful. It's not just about being polished and professional; it's about creating genuine connections.

The future of recruitment

Despite the rise of AI and technology in recruitment, I believe the human element will always be critical. Good recruitment requires empathy, negotiation skills, and the ability to facilitate complex human interactions - things that AI cannot replicate.

Running a recruitment business

Starting Avanti Search has allowed me to bring my internal recruitment experience to the agency world. We focus on building strong partnerships with our clients, understanding their businesses deeply, and providing a more inclusive candidate pool.

The flexibility of owning my own business has been incredible, allowing me to work during my most productive hours and align my work with my personal ethics and values. It's taught me that I have more self-discipline than I realized and reinforced the importance of drive and motivation in entrepreneurship.

Final thoughts

In today's business world, authenticity and genuine connections are more important than ever. The pandemic has broken down barriers between our work and personal selves, allowing for more authentic interactions. As we move forward, remember that bringing your true personality to your work can be a powerful asset. After all, as Oscar Wilde said, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."