By R.V. Baugus
In any interview, it is just as important for the employee to ask questions of a potential employer as it is for the employer to ascertain during an interview if a candidate is a possible job fit. Today, it is important that diversity, equity, and inclusion enter these interviews. If an employer does not ask for a candidate’s stance on the subject matter, it is important for the candidate to make certain to know his or her potential employer’s adherence and promotion of such.
The following questions were posted on the University of Southern California Career Center website and 
adapted from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE’s) article on Questions Students may Ask to Assess your Organization’s Commitment to DEI by Chelsea C. Williams, Founder and CEO of College Code. Any company that works to support DEI should be prepared and able to answer these questions from any candidate.
From the formal interview to a networking night to an informational interview, is a great opportunity to ask questions about the organization. As a candidate, you are also interviewing the organization to ensure this is somewhere you want to work, or intern so ask questions to better understand the company. Below is a list of questions posted on the University of Southern California Career Center website and adapted from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE’s) article on Questions Students may Ask to Assess your Organization’s Commitment to DEI by Chelsea C. Williams, Founder and CEO of College Code. Any company that works to support DEI should be prepared and able to answer these questions from any candidate about an organization’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
· How does your organization define diversity? What lenses of diversity has your organization made a direct commitment toward?
· What social causes does your organization support?
· Has your organization made any formal commitments in support of racial equity?
· How does your organization center diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging?
· Does your organization offer any formal employee training around biases, anti-racism, or general DEI?
· Does your organization have any affinity groups or committees to support diverse populations? If so, how do these groups contribute to the culture of the organization?
· Does your organization complete annual compensation equity analysis?
· What resources has your organization provided to its employees in support of COVID-19 and racial injustices?
