Devaluing Diversity: Avoiding Mistakes During the Interview Process
Creating and embracing diversity is not only the right thing to do, it is absolutely essential for the success of your organization. The hiring process is a critical place for your organization to achieve these goals. However, hiring without creating a legal liability is crucial. This session will focus on what you can and cannot do during the hiring process to achieve the diversity your organization demands. During this session you will:
• Examine appropriate steps to be taken before the pre-interview process to enhance the possibility of a
diverse qualified applicant pool.
• Discuss the dangers associated with asking improper questions during an interview.
• Analyze the questions that should be asked and how they should be asked.
• Address the importance of creating proper documentation during and following the interview process.
Michael S. Cohen, J.D.
Michael S. Cohen is a partner in Duane Morris’ Employment, Labor, Benefits and Immigration Practice Group. Michael concentrates his practice in the areas of employment law training and counseling. He has trained and counseled employers throughout the country on subjects including harassment prevention; diversity, equity and inclusion; combatting implicit bias; performance management; discipline and discharge; hiring and recruiting practices; performance evaluations; FMLA, ADA and FLSA compliance; leave of absence policies; LGBTQ+ issues in the workplace; substance abuse testing; workplace violence; records retention; conducting background checks; and more. Michael also has conducted investigations into claims of harassment and discrimination and has drafted employee handbooks, employment agreements, non-compete agreements and post-termination agreements. Michael regularly conducts in excess of 200 trainings each year. He has represented clients throughout the country in EEO and other administrative proceedings.
Michael has been cited as a national authority on employment issues by The New York Times, The Associated Press, USA Today, MSNBC.com, HR Magazine, SHRM On-Line, Employment Law 360, Inside Counsel Magazine, as well as many other publications. Michael serves as an Advisory Board Member of GenHERation and as a Board Member of Serve, Inc. Michael is a 1997 magna cum laude graduate of Temple University Beasley School of Law and a cum laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.