10 tips to make your faculty recruitment website more candidate friendly

Recent efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable campus for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) faculty have exposed flaws in the hiring process. With an abundance of PhD candidates in the labor market, institutions have historically needed to put little effort into pitching themselves to candidates and building a sense of welcomeness and belonging among prospective faculty. Most institutions’ websites are not designed with prospective faculty in mind. In fact, the majority only post job openings–and no other information about the institution and the surrounding community.

To attract a diverse range of faculty candidates, institutions must pitch not only the professional aspects but also the personal aspects of what it means to be welcome and included in the community. To improve the candidate experience, start with one of the first places candidates go to learn more: your website.

Institutions should create a landing page specifically dedicated to prospective faculty candidates. Below, EAB created a mock website that is specifically designed to inform and recruit future faculty members. The website features 10 essential components that highlight your community, help candidates know what to expect from the recruitment process, and prioritize navigation and accessibility. Use the mock website to explore website features that craft a compelling narrative without compromising functionality. Next, consider opportunities to improve your own institution’s website.

Jump to the List of Components