Ethical tech for good: A guide to recruitment and talent retention

Diverse and inclusive job descriptions: Use inclusive language and avoid biased language that could discourage potential candidates. Highlight your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to attract a wider pool of talent.

Structured interviews: Design interview processes that are fair and standardised. Prepare a set of questions based on job-related skills and experiences, and score candidates consistently. This approach minimises bias and ensures a level playing field for all applicants.

Unconscious bias training: Provide training to hiring managers on identifying and mitigating unconscious biases. This will help them make objective decisions based on skills, qualifications, and cultural fit.

Statistics from the UK market show that diverse teams lead to better business outcomes. According to a report by McKinsey, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability.

Passion is the driving force behind startups, and finding candidates who genuinely care about your cause can significantly enhance your team’s effectiveness. Here’s how you can attract passionate candidates.

Showcase your mission: Clearly articulate your organisation’s purpose and the positive impact you aim to create. This helps potential candidates connect with your vision and motivates them to join your cause.

Leverage online platforms: Utilise social media platforms, professional networks, and job boards to spread the word about your startup. Engage with relevant communities and groups to find individuals who are passionate about the intersection of technology and social good.

Engage through storytelling: Craft compelling narratives that highlight the real-world problems you are addressing. Stories have the power to captivate and inspire potential candidates, evoking their interest in becoming part of your journey.

It’s worth noting that the “Great Resignation,” a term used to describe the surge in employees voluntarily leaving their jobs, has been witnessed in recent years. In the UK, a study conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that around 40% of employees are planning to switch jobs in the next six months. This emphasises the importance of creating an engaging and purpose-driven workplace culture.

Recruiting top talent is just the beginning; retaining them is equally as crucial. Here are some strategies to foster employee loyalty and retention.

Cultivate a positive work environment: Create a supportive and inclusive culture that values employee well-being. Encourage open communication, provide opportunities for professional growth, and promote work-life balance.

Offer competitive compensation and benefits: Conduct market research to ensure that your compensation packages are aligned with industry standards. Consider offering benefits that go beyond monetary rewards, such as flexible working hours, wellness programs, or educational opportunities.

Provide growth and development opportunities: Foster a learning culture by investing in training and development programs. Encourage employees to enhance their skills and provide pathways for career progression within the organisation.

As a startup, you often face time and resource constraints, making it crucial to streamline your recruitment process efficiently. Here are some strategies and tools to consider.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Implementing an ATS can help automate and streamline various stages of recruitment, including job postings, resume screening, and interview scheduling. This saves you valuable time and allows you to focus on engaging with top candidates.

AI-powered Candidate Screening: AI tools can assist in screening resumes by analysing keywords, skills, and qualifications, helping you identify the most relevant candidates quickly. This technology can significantly reduce manual effort and enhance the efficiency of your recruitment process.

Video Interviews: Conducting initial interviews through video platforms can save time and resources, especially in the early stages of recruitment. It enables you to assess candidates remotely, giving you a broader reach and the ability to engage with talent outside your immediate location.

Examples of software and AI tools that can aid recruitment for startups include Lever, Greenhouse, Workable, and Breezy HR. These platforms offer features such as applicant tracking, automated resume screening, interview scheduling, and collaborative hiring workflows.

Strategic Partnerships with Specialist Tech for Good Recruiters: Partnering with specialist recruiters who focus on tech for good can be a valuable asset in your recruitment efforts. These recruiters have expertise in sourcing and assessing talent specific to your industry, reducing the time and effort required to find suitable candidates. They understand the nuances of the tech for good sector and can help you attract individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact.

One notable example is Made Talent, a specialist recruitment agency that connects highly skilled talent with tech for good businesses. They specialise in creating communities of purpose-driven professionals and have a deep understanding of the sector’s unique ideal personas. By leveraging their expertise and network, you can tap into a pool of talent that aligns with your startup’s mission.

Recruiting for a tech for good startup can be challenging. Especially considering the time and resource pressures you face, whilst remaining ethical and building your business with those who share your mission and values. However, by leveraging technology tools like ATS and AI-powered screening, you can automate and streamline the recruitment process. Additionally, forming strategic partnerships with specialist tech for good recruiters like Made Talent can help you access purpose-driven talent and create a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact.

By combining efficient recruitment practices, leveraging technology tools, and tapping into specialist networks, you can overcome the challenges of recruiting while ensuring your startup has the right talent to drive its mission forward. Remember, finding the right team members who share your passion is the foundation for success in the tech for good industry. The “Great Resignation” signifies the changing landscape of employment, where purpose and fulfilment play a crucial role. 

Embrace these principles, and you are on your way to making a lasting impact on society while nurturing a thriving organisation!