What is a Diversity Statement?
Writing a diversity statement is an opportunity to showcase your commitment to and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Why Do I Need One?
Companies are looking to hire individuals that align with their values. When a company requests a diversity statement, it indicates they are committed to inclusivity and want to better understand how these values align with your professional life.
Format & Length
- It is a personal essay and should be roughly 1-2 pages in length.
- Should clearly define YOUR understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Relate this understanding to how it shaped your personal and professional journey.
Paragraph One: Define your values. What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you?
Paragraph Two: Demonstrate your competency of DEI. Share a personal DEI story.
Paragraph Three: State your outcomes and the lessons you learned. How has this experience influenced your thinking? Or how has this experience informed your understanding of DEI?
Paragraph Four: Look on the employers’ website and become familiar with their diversity, equity and inclusion mission. Connect your values with the mission of the organization.
Paragraph Five: How have you integrated this enhanced understanding in your work? What is your commitment to furthering DEI initiatives?
Possible Pitfalls
- Not being specific
- Not telling the truth
- Grammatical and formatting errors
- Avoid false parallels
- Avoid personal stories of redemption