Attracting Diverse Talent in the Recruitment Process

Katie Koho, Pathways Program Coordinator at Oracle, spoke to myGwork about keeping the recruitment process as inclusive as possible. They share advice for LGBTQ+ individuals who want to enter the workplace openly LGBTQ+ and discuss the importance of diverse hiring.

Hi Katie, thanks for chatting with us. Can you tell us about yourself?

Hello everyone. My name is Katie Koho, my pronouns are they/them/theirs and I work at Oracle as a Pathways Program Coordinator on the Global Diversity Recruiting Programs team. I have been with Oracle since October 2021 and have a background in education and student affairs.

When recruiting graduates what do you look for?

Recruiters and hiring managers typically look out for four factors when evaluating student and graduates: education, experience, technical skills, and soft skills. The type of technical skills and experience are fully dependent on the specific team and line of business. Internships play a key role in demonstrating you’ve exercised skills learned in the classroom, but don’t be discouraged if you haven’t had the opportunity to do one. Highlighting any special projects that you’ve been involved in can speak volumes about your skills and experience. Personal projects, in particular, show your dedication to learning even in your free time.

How important are diversity and inclusion when you're recruiting a new professional?

They are extremely important! On a personal note, my alma matter is San Francisco State University, home to the Third World Liberation Front, where under-represented students made demands of the university for more representation in their staff, curriculum, and colleges. San Francisco State University encourages its students, past and present, to be change makers, so this is something I’ve carried forward to my own career.

What’s more, our mission on Oracle’s Global Diversity Recruiting Program team is to widen the funnel by removing barriers and allowing access to all our opportunities. I make myself available to attend diversity events so I can learn how to best support our under-represented candidates.

How do you ensure you receive diverse graduate candidates?