Requesting "diverse" interviewers at CBs Forum

[Anonymous User]

Have a NY interview coming up and they encourage callback candidates to request "diverse" interviewers, if they're interested. Anyone done this? Upsides/downsides?

[Anonymous User]

I'm a URM and my interviews with "diverse" people tended to be harder. I don't know if that was just my perception, if I relaxed too much due to a perceived affinity with the interviewers, or whether they wanted to show recruiting that they weren't being biased by not giving a green light to me. I got offers for 4 out of 6 V20s. The two for which I didn't get offers for were one where I requested the diverse interviewers and another where a few of my interviewers happened to be diverse. In all instances, they were the same race as I was.

In the end, therefore, I don't think taking up that offer necessarily gives you an advantage, so make whatever decision you're more comfortable with.

[Anonymous User]

V20 (3rd year associate AA/F here): Most likely the firm will match you with diverse interviewers even if you don't request; gives them a chance to "show how diverse" they are. I wouldn't request.

[r6_philly]

I did when I was interviewing. I think it put me in front of people who can relate to me easier. It probably increase your chances because of that, however slightly.

[Anonymous User]

I am not a urm and firms went to great lengths to put me with people with similar backgrounds, too. E.g. same undergrad, law school, region of origin, prelaw career. It was pretty rare there was an interview where I didn't have some surface level thing in common with the person, and I have a pretty unique background; in other words, I'd expect they will put you with urms whether you request it or not, so I'd choose "not"

[r6_philly]

The difference is if you request you will surely get it ( I've received last minute requests to interview on 5 minute notice because the candidate requested it and someone became unavailable) whereas if you don't if you may not get them based on availability. They either don't schedule one if they can't find someone or they won't find a replacement.

ETA I really don't see any downsides.