Sample Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Interview Questions

Interviewers often ask questions related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Your interviewer will expect you to answer using the S.T.A.R. method (See the CLS resource “Be an Interview S.T.A.R.”). Here is a list of sample DEI-specific behavioral questions.

• Tell about a time when you have taken steps to ensure that everyone (in your class, on your team, in your organization) felt included. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the outcome.
• What diversity, inclusion, or cultural competence training have you received and how have you applied what you learned?
• Describe a time when you had to help resolve a conflict between two colleagues or students. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the outcome.
• Describe how your career has been enhanced by exposure to diverse people, places, or experiences. Please provide a specific example.
• What is your approach to dealing with discussions about potentially difficult topics, such as race, religion, politics, or sexual orientation? Please provide a specific example.
• Tell about a time when a colleague or student was not accepting of another’s diversity. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the outcome.
• Tell about one or two specific things that you have done to create a campus or workplace environment that is welcoming and inclusive.
• What is your definition of diversity? How do you encourage people to honor the uniqueness of each individual? Please provide a specific example.
• How do you challenge stereotypes and promote sensitivity and inclusion?
• Tell about a time when you adjusted to work more effectively with a person from a different background.
• Tell about a time when you had to deal with conflict at work. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the outcome.
• Describe a time when you needed to work cooperatively with someone that did not share the same ideas as you. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the outcome.
• Share an example of how you work with people to create or foster civility on your team.
• Tell about a time when you responded to a co-worker or student who made an insensitive remark or was behaving in an inappropriate or uncivil manner.
• Tell about a time when effective listening skills helped you in a problematic situation. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the outcome.
• What do you see as the fundamental characteristics of organizations that create an inclusive environment?
• Provide an example of a time you communicated a complex concept to an individual who spoke English as a second language.
• What does diversity, inclusion and belonging mean to you? How do you incorporate this principle in your work?