93% of industry leaders agree diversity is a top priority. But, the percentage of Black tech talent is lagging. In the U.S., only 7% of the total “techies” are Black — a small number compared to Black people living in America.
Currently, there are about 700,000 unfilled tech jobs in the U.S. So, if you’re trying to attract more Black tech talent, here are 7 tools to help you get started:
1. Ongig
Writing inclusive job descriptions helps attract diverse talent. And if your focus is on hiring Black tech talent, Ongig helps scan your JDs for exclusionary words that might keep them from applying.
Words like “blacklist,” “culture fit,” master/slave,” and others are flagged with an explanation of why you might offend (or exclude) Black candidates. And, the software gives you more inclusive replacements to swap out in real-time.
Ongig also helps you create custom templates (with diversity-focused language) catering to your tech roles. If your company, for example, has a goal to “hire 50% more Black tech talent by 2025,” you can highlight it in your JDs with a special D&I section. Talking about your commitment to diversity in hiring carries weight with underrepresented groups.
Unlimited enterprise pricing starts at $11,900 per year.
Note: A major insurance company in the U.S. 4X’d applications from Black candidates after using Ongig to re-write their JDs.
2. Black Tech Pipeline
Black Tech Pipeline was founded by Pariss Chandler, who also created the #BlackTechTwitter hashtag. The Black Tech Pipeline connects companies with Black tech talent to increase the diversity in their workforce.
At first glance, this looks like a typical job board. But it’s unique. Pariss and her team make sure your hires are set up for success in their new environment.
Black Tech Pipeline does a biweekly virtual check-up for 90 days. They also relay new hire feedback to help streamline your DEI efforts. And organize speakers or workshops if you need them.
To post on the job board (and learn more about pricing) you’ll need to fill out this form.
3. /dev/color
/dev/color describes itself as a: “global career accelerator for Black software engineers, technologists, and executives.” CEO Rhonda Allen is on a mission to “change tech for good.”
/dev/color provides continued education for Black software engineers through seminars, workshops, and other programs.
And by creating a 30-day trial employer account, you get access to job posting services, job seeker matching, job distribution, dashboard reporting, and a messaging center. Fill out this contact form to learn more.
4. Black Tech Link
Black Tech Link ( BTL) was founded by Elizabeth Cotton-Harps in April 2020. It’s a meetup group for Black tech talent based in San Diego, California.
It’s free, anyone can join, and it’s an excellent resource for finding or connecting with potential candidates. BTL has 625+ members and hosts monthly online (and face-to-face) events.
The main goal of this group is to help close the workforce gap of Black populations (resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic) through technical education, workforce solutions, and networking activities.
5. Coding Black Females
Coding Black Females is a non-profit organization creating opportunities for Black female developers to upskill, network, and build relationships through regular meetups.
Coding Black Females is based in the United Kingdom and holds in-person events there, and virtual events for their global audience.
The job board allows you to post remote jobs and jobs based in the UK (or the U.S.) for Black tech talent. Job posting packages start from £99 for 1 job and up to £750 for a company profile package.
6. Blacks In Technology
Blacks in Technology (BIT) is a non-profit organization established in 2012. It’s the most prominent Black community (and media organization) focusing on Black people in the tech industry. Its mission is to stomp the divide and level the playing field for Black people in the IT industry through training, education, networking, and mentorship.
Membership is free for potential candidates. They can also apply for mentorship programs and volunteer for many advocacy activities. Plus, there’s a discount on technical training and products.
The cost for 1 job posting on BIT’s job board is $150 for 30 days.
BIT also organizes virtual and in-person events that focus on sparking conversation and education for Black people who want to enter the tech world. Connect with BIT to learn more about hosting or suggesting event ideas.
7. Black Tech Talent
Black Tech Talent is a job board focused on finding Black talent in Minnesota. But they’re adding remote roles and different locations now too.
Founder & CEO Michael A. Jackson‘s mission is to “increase the talent pool of Black technologists by curating
culturally-specific content, resources, and job opportunities.”
If you want to post jobs on Black Tech Talent, prices start at $150 for 1 job and up to $1500 for 10 jobs (for 30 days). You can post freelance, full-time, part-time, temp, or intern jobs.
Why I wrote this?
Ongig is on a mission to help you attract Black tech talent (or diverse talent in any field) by ensuring your JDs are bias-free. Please request a demo to learn more.
Note: A few of the tools above are job board-focused. Here are 5 other job boards to attract Black talent (across industries) you might find useful too.
Shout-outs!
- Where to Find and Recruit Black Tech Pros (Galen Gruman, Computerworld)
- IT Snapshot: Ethnic Diversity in the Tech Industry (Galen Gruman)
- 5 Strategies to Infuse D&I into your Organization (Gena Cox and David Lancefield)
- Feature Image by Philipp Katzenberger
