Chapter 05: Expanding the Talent Pool: Recruitment and Careers
organizations are building relationships with prospective minority employees.
1. Does the employee accept high-visibility assignments?
2. Has the employee continued to advance his or her education, both formal and vocational?
3. Is the employee recognized by leaders in the organization, routinely promoted, and rewarded?
or acquaintance introduce you.
3. Request help on a particular matter—Let the mentor know that you admire him or her and ask for help in
that arena. Keep your request simple and specific.
4. Consider what you can offer in exchange—Mentoring is a two-way street. If you can do something for your
potential mentor, then by all means, tell him or her.
5. Arrange a meeting—Once your specific request has been accepted, you are ready to meet with your
potential mentor. Set goals, identify your desired outcomes, and prepare a list of questions. Do not go to this
meeting cold. Listen attentively. Then, ask your questions and request specific suggestions.
6. Follow up—After the meeting, try some of your potential mentor’s suggestions and share the results.
Express appreciation by identifying something in particular that was significant to you.
7. Ask to meet on an on-going basis—After your potential mentor has had the chance to not only meet and
interact with you but also see the value of what he or she can provide, you are in a good position to request an
ongoing relationship. Suggest that you meet with him or her regularly, or ask permission to get help on an ad
hoc basis.
117. Career development programs often contain segments designed to further the advancement of special groups within
an organization. Briefly discuss some of the ways employers can facilitate the career development of women.
Eliminating barriers to advancement is critical. Women in management have been handicapped by not being
part of the so-called good old boys’ network. They have also typically lacked role models to serve as mentors.
To combat this difficulty, women in several organizations have developed their own networks devoted to
fostering women’s career development.
In addition, women are trained to move into management positions. Many employers offer special training to
women who are on a management career path. Opportunities are also available for women to participate in
seminars and workshops.
One of the major problems women face is having both a managerial career and a family. In recent years, many
employers have inaugurated programs that are mutually advantageous to the career-oriented women and the
employer. These programs, which include alternate career paths, extended leave, flextime, job sharing, and
telecommuting, provide new ways to balance career and family.
118. What is the status of employment opportunities for minority groups since the passage of the Civil Rights Act of
1964? Beyond additional legislation, what can be done to improve their situation?
Since the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, many members of minority groups have substantially
improved their economic well-being. However, for many minorities, employment opportunities still remain
limited because of educational and societal disadvantages. The unemployment rates for minority youths are
particularly high.
This can be improved through online job boards aimed at minority jobseekers and companies that want to hire
them. Facebook and LinkedIn have functions that recruiters can use to create targeted advertising campaigns
designed to reach diverse groups. Community action agencies, civil rights organizations, and church groups
within communities can help recruiters reach inner-city residents. Internships are another way in which