In today’s competitive landscape, attracting diverse and talented individuals for tech roles is crucial for driving innovation and success. Conventional job descriptions often inadvertently exclude qualified candidates, perpetuates biases and limits the potential for innovation within your team. Crafting an inclusive job spec is a powerful tool for businesses looking to build diverse high-performing teams, so let’s delve into strategies for nailing that job spec:
Demo Day event at Makers
Language matters
The language used for job descriptions can either resonate with or alienate certain groups. Being intentional with word choice and structure can create welcoming job posts that appeal to talent from all backgrounds. Here are some considerations for fostering inclusivity:
Describe the job, not the person
Ben Willmott, head of public policy at the CIPD, empathised “the importance of using bias-free and inclusive language in job ads to ensure organisations are attracting a diverse range of candidates”.
LinkedIn reports that including gender-neutral language attracted 42% more responses than job descriptions with gendered words. Avoid limiting the talent pool by using generic language that appeals to a specific demographic. A decoder can help identify problematic words and phrases that might discourage certain candidates.
Avoiding exhaustive requirements
Avoid long exhaustive bullet-pointed lists in job descriptions. According to The Muse, job posts with less than 250 words get about the same amount of clicks as those over 1000 words. Avoid unnecessary jargon and opt for concise, punchy job ads that inspire excitement and encourage top candidates to consider the role.
Fostering Diversity and Transparency
At Makers, we embrace diversity as a driving force within the tech industry. Our bootcamp attracts a richly diverse community of learners, with 40% hailing from underrepresented minority groups and 36% identifying as women or non-binary — a remarkable 2x the UK tech industry average.
Emphasising your company’s core values, culture, and unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion can create a more welcoming and appealing environment for candidates from diverse backgrounds. By clearly articulating a dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace where individuals from underrepresented groups feel genuinely valued and supported, you are likely to encourage a broader range of applications. Here’s where to begin:
Inclusive employer branding
Ensure your branding exudes inclusivity at every touchpoint. Employer branding can significantly shape the inclusivity of job descriptions. Fostering an inclusive brand can range from ensuring accessible colour combinations on your job board to providing role specifications in formats accessible to all. To start, we recommend utilising online accessibility checkers to evaluate colour contrast.
Flexible requirements
Focus on the core skills and qualities essential for success in the role, rather than stringent qualifications or experience. Remain open to candidates from non-traditional backgrounds. Highlight the fundamental competencies necessary for the position, instead of rigid experience prerequisites. For instance, requiring a university degree can inadvertently limit diversity. Additionally, offering flexible options such as remote work or job-sharing can attract candidates with diverse commitments.
Transparency throughout the process
Melanie Whetzel, M.A., CBIS, Principal Consultant, Team Lead at Job Accommodation Network, reinforces that interviewing can be stressful, but for “job applicants on the autism spectrum who may face social challenges, the experience can be paralysing.” Providing applicants the opportunity to disclose any accommodations they may require for the hiring process will help create a fair and equitable experience. Additionally, outlining the interview process upfront allows candidates to plan accordingly and manage expectations.
Graduates at Demo Day at Makers
Beyond the job description
Crafting inclusive job descriptions is only the first step. To attract the best talent, it’s crucial to leverage your job description across multiple channels. Here are 4 top ways to expand your reach:
Partnerships with diversity organisations
Establish partnerships with organisations focused on promoting diversity in tech for a more targeted approach. At Makers we partner with a range of organisations with diversity initiatives including Next Tech Girls.
Gayle at Next Tech Girls role model meet up
Gayle, Director at Next Tech Girls, has found that:
“Partnering with organisations like Next Tech Girls can offer businesses some amazing benefits, including; gaining access to a pre-vetted pool of talented individuals from underrepresented groups who are passionate about tech careers, strengthening their employer brand through the partnership, by showcasing a commitment to diversity and attracting a wider range of qualified candidates, and finally, helping to develop the future tech workforce and building a stronger pipeline of talent for their own needs, by participating in mentorship programs and other initiatives set up by our type of organisations.”
Diverse job boards
Post your inclusive job descriptions on job boards specifically designed to attract diverse candidates or regional job boards. This targeted approach helps ensure your roles reach underrepresented groups actively seeking opportunities.
Networking events
Attend events focused on diversity in tech to connect with a broader pool of candidates. In-person networking allows you to directly engage with potential applicants and showcase your company’s commitment to inclusivity.
Social media outreach
Share your inclusive job descriptions on social media platforms, reaching a wider audience. Leveraging social channels amplifies your message and increases visibility among diverse talent pools.
Creating inclusive job descriptions is not only about attracting diverse candidates but also about fostering a culture of belonging within your organisation. Being intentional about language, requirements and outreach strategies you can build teams that bring a variety of perspectives, ultimately driving innovation and success.
Inspired to diversify your tech team with Makers? Reach out to our partnership team at partnership@makers.tech to find out more.
