Fostering Diversity in Financial Services: A Case Study of Placing Senior Business/Application Support Roles with Female Talent

In recent years, the technology industry has made strides towards achieving gender diversity. However, there is still a long way to go, particularly in the financial services sector. As a Senior Female IT Recruitment Consultant, I have seen first-hand the benefits of having a diverse workforce, particularly in the tech industry. With a focus on female IT talent in Ireland within financial services, I recently placed four Senior Business/Application Support roles, all with female talent. This whitepaper will delve into the challenges faced by women in technology and how my experience as a recruiter has helped to promote diversity and inclusion.

Challenges Faced by Women in Technology: Women in technology face unique challenges that can make it difficult to advance their careers. According to research by Accenture, women are underrepresented in the tech industry, accounting for only 30% of the workforce. This can lead to feelings of isolation and a lack of representation. Furthermore, women are often subject to unconscious bias, which can impact hiring decisions and career advancement opportunities. It is essential to address these challenges head-on and promote diversity and inclusion within the tech industry.

Fostering Diversity in Financial Services: In my role as a Senior Female IT Recruitment Consultant, I have made it my mission to promote diversity and inclusion in the financial services sector. One of the ways I achieve this is by managing a Females in Technology group in Ireland. This group provides support, networking opportunities, and training for women in tech. As a qualified coach, I also offer my skills to females, helping them prepare for interviews, build their confidence, and advance their careers.

Recently, I placed four Senior Business/Application Support roles, all with female talent. This was a significant achievement, particularly given the male-dominated nature of the financial services sector. These roles required a high level of technical expertise, but also demanded strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team. I was able to identify female candidates who possessed these skills and had the experience necessary to excel in these roles.

Interview Preparation and Coaching: Interview preparation and coaching are essential to help women succeed in the tech industry. In my experience, many female candidates lack the confidence necessary to showcase their skills and experience during an interview. As a coach, I work with female candidates to build their confidence, identify their strengths, and develop effective communication skills. This approach helps candidates present themselves in the best possible light during an interview and increases their chances of success.

In summary, as a Senior Female IT Recruitment Consultant, I am proud to have placed four Senior Business/Application Support roles, all with female talent. This achievement is a testament to the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. As we move forward, it is essential to continue to address the challenges