The real tea on finding companies that actually support women

Hey reader,

Women's History Month has me reflecting on something I see constantly in my coaching business: how crucial it is to find a workplace where you can truly thrive as a woman in Tech.

Many clients come to me when something fundamental has shifted at their organisation. They went from feeling valued and supported to now questioning whether this is still the right company for them.

My clients are looking for new opportunities when (a combination of) these signs appear:

• DEI initiatives are disappearing - Many Tech companies are scaling back their women's initiatives with little explanation. That valuable women's leadership program? Suddenly there's "no budget" for it this year.

• Lack of female role models in leadership - Looking up and not seeing anyone who looks like you is honestly exhausting. When all the decision-makers are cut from the same cloth, it's tough to picture yourself at that table someday.

• The uncomfortable salary conversations - Finding out male colleagues with similar (or less) experience are making 15-20% more than you is frustrating and a clear signal about how the company values your contribution.

• The vague promotion criteria - When career paths are clear for some but very vague for others, it's often a systemic issue that disproportionately impacts women.

• The constant need to prove yourself - When you notice you're repeatedly justifying your decisions while others are getting trust from the get-go, it wears you down. Constantly having to prove yourself over and over is draining as hell.

Finding companies that walk the talk

If you're nodding along to any of these points, you're not alone. The good news is that you can target companies that genuinely value women's contributions. Here are 3 job search strategies to find those companies where you can thrive and grow:

1. Look past their marketing stories

Any company can slap some diversity photos on their website. But what's actually happening inside? Do some digging to see what's behind the marketing stories:

• Who's actually leading core departments? Are women running product, operations, or strategy teams, or are they mainly in supporting roles?

• Has this company kept supporting women even when others were cutting programs?

2. Talk to women who work there (seriously, just ask!)

This strategy has saved so many of my clients from joining companies and or managers who don’t support women.

Here's a quick story: A woman reached out to me on LinkedIn when she was interviewing for a position under my old boss. This particular leader made the workplace uncomfortable for women who voiced their opinions. Multiple women had reported his behaviour to HR, and while the company claimed to "take action," nothing actually changed.

We grabbed a virtual coffee, and I shared my thoughts. I loved many aspects of the company but gave her the real deal about this specific team dynamic.

She later told me she turned down that role and found a role at a much better-fitting company.

That's what we do for each other, right? Women supporting women so we can make the best career decisions.

Try this message: "I'm excited about potentially joining [Company] and would love to hear about your experience there as a fellow woman in Tech. Would you be open to answering a few questions to help me out?”

If they say yes, see how the conversation goes and you can always suggest a digital coffee chat to get more ‘real’ context from them.

3. Ask questions that show you what’s really going on

Use these questions during interviews to understand how companies really support women:

• "What percentage of your leadership team is currently women, and has that changed over the past couple of years?" (Gain insights into actual representation without judgment)

• "What specific support exists for women looking to move into leadership?" (Is there substance behind the DEI talk)

• "How does the company ensure pay equity across similar roles?" (Directly addresses potential salary disparities)

• "Can you share a recent example of a woman who joined at my level and advanced in the organization?" (Shows if there are real pathways for promotion and growth)

Pay attention to whether they give you real examples or start stumbling. The difference tells you everything. And if your gut tells you something is off, it probably is!

You deserve to work for a company that supports and rewards you

Companies that actually support women are out there, and you absolutely deserve to find one.

Your career is about finding places where you can bring your whole self to work and actually be valued for it.

Your next role is going to be one where you absolutely thrive.

Cheering you on,

Jenn

I’m looking for 5 women who want to land their next role in Tech in the next 4 months If that’s you, let's connect for a 1:1 Career Boost Call. Together, we'll map out your personalised strategy for landing opportunities that truly excite you. Book your call here.