There is no doubt that the tech industry is one of the most lucrative career paths a person can choose. However, there are many gender and racial disparities within the industry that need to be addressed. Simply put, there also is no doubt that gender and racial diversity in the tech industry is a hot topic right now. Many people are trying to figure out how to improve the situation, but there are still many obstacles in the way.
When it comes to getting hired in tech, you’ve hit the jackpot if you’re a Caucasian guy. According to diversity statistics, males account for between 77 percent and 88 percent of the workforce in the top IT firms, and Caucasians account for between 40% and 51%.
In other words, if you don’t fit into either of those categories, the odds are already stacked against you.
According to these statistics, it appears that if you are a woman or a person of color, getting a technical job is much harder. In the past, recruiters have tried to subtly discourage women from applying for IT professions. Furthermore, according to LinkedIn research, when females apply for jobs, recruiters are less likely to pick up their CVs or interview them. It’s an uphill battle for people of color in general.
Website Planet’s research also suggests that it’s easier than you’d expect for women to get hired for mid-level tech jobs, but it becomes exponentially harder for them to be promoted.
These statistics are really disheartening, but there are ways to make a change. The first step is acknowledging that there is a problem.
In order to better account for the negative consequences of gender and race in the tech sector, what can businesses do?
Website Planet lists some tips and suggestions for companies that can do better in their recruiting processes in order to reduce the negative impact of race and gender in the tech industry.
- Be aware of your unconscious biases
We all have them, so it’s important to be aware of the biases that we might have against certain groups of people.
Some companies are now using AI-driven hiring software that can help reduce unconscious bias in the recruitment process. The software works by anonymizing job applicants so that recruiters can’t see their names or gender before reviewing their qualifications.
This is a great way to level the playing field and make sure that everyone has a fair chance at getting hired.
There are also other ways to combat unconscious bias, such as ensuring that your recruitment team is diverse and providing training on unconscious bias for all employees.
If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available online.
When it comes to gender and racial diversity in the tech industry, businesses need to do better. By being aware of our own biases, we can start to make a change. We need to level the playing field so that everyone has an equal chance at getting hired and making a difference in the tech industry. Only then can we hope to see real progress being made.
Outline the criteria that really matter when hiring.
When we ask what matters to outline the criteria that really matter when hiring. It’s critical to consider what matters most – such as experience, abilities, and so on – while recruiting. To ensure that this is the case, make sure you’re using the same questions and a scorecard for responses. Also include different interviewers on your team.
Consider removing identifying information from CVs
If you want to avoid letting personal bias play a role in the recruitment process, then you need to remove any identifying information from job applicants’ CVs. This way, you can focus on their qualifications and experience without being influenced by other factors.
Don’t just seek individuals who match your current culture; look for those who will add something new to it
A diverse workforce is no longer seen as a liability; it’s an advantage. After all, different views might provide fresh and useful ideas for your company. When you’re looking for a new team member, think about what kinds of skills and experiences they could bring to the table that would be beneficial to your business.
Making an effort to diversify your workforce will not only make your business stronger, but it will also help break down the barriers that have been preventing people of color and women from succeeding in the tech industry.
By taking these steps, businesses can start to make a change and create a more level playing field in the tech industry. It’s time for businesses to do better when it comes to gender and racial diversity in the tech sector. Only then can we hope to see real progress being made.
