Diversity hiring shouldn’t be guesswork

You want to build a more inclusive workforce. You have DEI targets to hit. You’ve worked on your EVP. But the applications coming in don’t reflect the diverse talent you’re trying to attract.

It’s not because the talent isn’t there. It’s because your current channels aren’t reaching them.

In this post, we explore why diversity recruitment through social media is not only more effective…it’s essential. And how you can move from guesswork to evidence-based hiring that delivers results.

Why job boards aren’t helping you meet DEI goals

Job boards are built to be universal. They treat every role the same. But that’s the problem.

They don’t allow for nuanced messaging. They don’t let you tailor your creative to different communities. They attract a narrow slice of the workforce – typically active job seekers, often from similar backgrounds, industries and locations.

When you post on a job board, you’re competing in a sea of sameness. And you’re relying on candidates to find you.

Underrepresented groups are often less likely to search on traditional platforms. Not because they’re less interested, but because the space doesn’t feel built for them.

That means you miss out on brilliant people; not because they’re not qualified, but because they never saw your ad.

Why social media recruitment drives diversity

Social media is where identity lives. People use it to express values, engage with community, and find brands that reflect their beliefs.

That makes it a powerful channel for inclusive hiring. When used right, social doesn’t just reach more people. It reaches the right people, with messaging that resonates.

And the numbers back it up:

  • Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat skew towards women and multicultural audiences
  • Reddit and YouTube connect with communities often missed by job boards, including neurodiverse talent, LGBTQIA+ groups, and niche career switchers
  • Targeting can be interest-based, behavioural or community-led, not just based on job title

With the right approach, social becomes a tool for visibility, representation and access.

What makes inclusive hiring work on social

Diversity hiring isn’t about box-ticking. It’s about creating pathways to opportunity. On social, that means:

  • Campaigns that use inclusive imagery, language and storytelling
  • Content that reflects real employees and workplace culture
  • Sequenced messaging that builds familiarity over time
  • A fast, mobile-first apply experience that doesn’t create barriers

Done well, this signals belonging. Candidates see people like them. And that’s what drives action.

The Gaia fix: inclusive, intelligent hiring that performs

Gaia helps employers build campaigns that are designed for inclusivity from day one. Here's how:

🎯 Inclusive targeting

We use platform-native signals to reach diverse groups based on interest, behaviour, values and engagement. Not demographics, but real-life communities.

🎨 Creative that connects

Our AI-enhanced creative tools help you build inclusive campaigns with diverse imagery, authentic tone, and proven performance.

🔁 Sequential storytelling

We create multi-touch journeys across channels. Candidates meet your brand more than once, in different ways, with different messages, and all this builds trust.

📱 Accessible apply UX

GaiaPages remove friction. No logins, no uploads, no account creation. Under 45 seconds from interest to action.

📊 Insight that proves progress

You see who’s engaging, where, and how. Our platform gives visibility into reach, conversion and performance, so diversity hiring becomes data-led.

Why this matters now

DEI goals are no longer optional. They’re business critical. But many teams are stuck using channels that weren’t built for inclusion.

Shifting even part of your strategy to social can unlock audiences you’ve never reached before. And unlike job boards, you don’t need to guess who you’re reaching. You can see it, measure it, and improve it.

Who this helps most

  • Organisations with formal DEI goals and board visibility
  • Employers trying to reflect the communities they serve
  • Teams who’ve tried job boards but aren’t seeing diverse candidates
  • Brands that want to be known for inclusive hiring, not just compliance

Thinking about reaching a more diverse talent pool? We can help you do it better.

Book a demo of GaiaComplete

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