How to Navigate Institutional Bias with Lizette Ojeda

The Voice of Job Seekers

There are so many angles to explore while discussing institutional bias, and you can only talk about a few at a time. Lizette Ojeda, PhD. is my guest today to discuss research and strategies to overcome bias during a job search.

Here’s how you can join the conversation:

– Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822, or text your comments to the same number

– Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com, press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen and leave a message

– Send email feedback to [e-mail]

More about Lizette:

Career Psychologist for Executive Women in STEM who want to reignite their career, fulfill their true potential & have a balanced life. She is also a Professor at Texas A & M University.

Highlights of our discussion:

• Studies show that during the hiring process ethnic names are at a disadvantage when compared to traditional Anglo-Saxon names
• “We are all conditioned to have assumptions”
• “…recognize it and act on it without letting it affect you as much as you possibly control”
• Biases vary by industry – gender, ethnicity, and race are enhanced if it’s a dominant male industry
• Hair is a very personal thing and biases toward hair (like dreadlocks) make it personal
• The song “Signs” was referenced during our conversation showing biases toward hair is nothing new
• Location, area codes, are subject to bias because of where you live has a reputation
• Episode 42 was referenced because of the discussion on name bias
• Lizette shares several strategies on how people of color can find diverse, friendly companies

Two more shows before the end of the season. My annual podcast hiatus is from June 1 – Sept. 10. The newsletter will continue to be sent out to those on the mailing list at least once a month. I will continue to publish articles on the blog at least twice a month.