Should you apply for something if you are too "diverse"?

When diversity backfires during applications

Most organizations and institutions love to talk about diversity and inclusion, but talk is not action. Unfortunately, virtue signaling has become the norm. So what happens at several elite organizations is that they end up hiring exactly who they want, the typical candidate with the typical degrees and qualifications. They also get brownie points for putting up colorful posters and parroting popular narratives.

If you are a non-standard applicant, you are at a disadvantage. That disadvantage can very well be made into a competitive strength but it is helpful to acknowledge the elephant in the room. Too much diversity can backfire. This happens even if you are overqualified. In many cases, it can be held against you. Someone behind closed doors could raise a red flag and make a passionate case for perpetuating safe, time-tested practices.