Tackling Unconscious Bias in Recruitment – Our Approach

Unconscious bias is one of the biggest obstacles to fair and inclusive hiring, and the challenge is, most people don’t even realise it’s happening.

At Mercury Careers, we’re committed to connecting exceptional talent with forward-thinking employers. That means going beyond the basics of recruitment to create a truly level playing field—where individuals are seen for their skills, potential, and values, not their postcode, name, or background.

Here’s how we actively tackle unconscious bias in our recruitment process—and support our clients in doing the same.

What Is Unconscious Bias?

Unconscious bias refers to the automatic judgments we make about people based on stereotypes or assumptions, without even realising it. This can be influenced by factors like someone’s appearance, accent, name, or even where they went to school.

In recruitment, bias can show up in subtle ways:

• Assuming a candidate “won’t fit in” based on their background

• Prioritising familiarity over capability

• Making snap decisions in interviews rather than relying on objective criteria

The result? Missed opportunities—for both candidates and employers.

How We Address Bias at Mercury Careers

Our recruitment approach is built on integrity, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to growth. That means acknowledging bias—and actively working to remove it from the process.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

🧩 Structured, Fair Assessments

We use consistent frameworks for screening and interviewing candidates, so everyone is measured against the same role-specific criteria—no guesswork, no gut feelings, just clear, fair standards.

🧾 Blind CV Reviews

Where possible, we anonymise personal details on CVs during the shortlisting process. This helps focus attention on relevant experience and qualifications, not unconscious assumptions.

🎯 Inclusive Job Adverts

We write inclusive, bias-free job descriptions and support our clients in doing the same. From avoiding gendered language to being mindful of accessibility, we make sure our ads speak to a diverse audience.

🧠 Ongoing Training

Our team is regularly trained in inclusive recruitment practices, including how to spot and challenge bias, both in ourselves and within hiring teams. We also provide advice and resources to help clients build more inclusive processes internally.

📢 Advocating for Potential

Sometimes, great candidates don’t tick every box on paper, but they bring something valuable that’s not captured by traditional measures. We advocate for those candidates, highlight their strengths, and encourage clients to take a broader view of talent.

Why This Matters to Us

At Mercury Careers, we don’t believe recruitment is just about filling roles—it’s about building long-term success. That means making sure talent isn’t overlooked due to unconscious bias, and that businesses can access the broadest, most diverse pool of skilled professionals available.

Fair, inclusive hiring helps companies grow—and helps people thrive. It’s that simple.

Final Thought

Unconscious bias may be invisible, but its impact isn’t. If we want a fairer, more dynamic workforce, we all have a role to play.

Whether you're hiring or job-hunting, Mercury Careers is here to help you move forward with confidence, knowing you're supported by a team that champions fairness, integrity, and meaningful growth every step of the way.

Want to talk about improving your recruitment process? Or ready to find your next opportunity? Get in touch with Mercury Careers today.