We know that women approach job applications differently than men do. They are far less likely to apply for positions that are more senior than the one they’re in currently, whereas men are less concerned by that. Still, recruiters and hiring managers are comfortable accepting “women aren’t applying” as a justifiable reason to keep doing what they always have done. At the same time, a rapidly growing tech sector that prioritizes male hires has been simultaneously growing the gender pay gap. This is a business problem that needs a new solution. That’s where Toast comes in. “Really our mission statement is to help women get to do the work that they want, at the pay that they deserve,” Ms. McNeelands, Toast’s chief executive officer, says.
April Hicke and Marissa McNeelands are the co-founders of the organization and they came together through a shared interest in empowering women in technology. Toast exists to flip the hiring dynamic in favour of women in tech. It is a community and talent pool designed to show women their worth and get them into jobs they love, at companies that value them, and for the pay they deserve.
By sending personalized jobs with vetted partner companies that have the Toast stamp of approval, Toast candidates know that they are seeing jobs that they are qualified for, at companies that value them. Toast vets the employers – they won’t work with every company – and then match them with potential hires, but Toast brings anonymity to the process. Through its system, candidates build a digital profile that strips out their name, photo and other details that could bias a hiring committee from choosing to interview someone. Employer names are replaced with descriptors such as “big four firm” or “fintech startup.” University or college names and their locations are removed, leaving only the degree or diploma received. Even years of experience are omitted.
Toast launched in January of 2023 and already has over 50 clients, over 350 members, and a candidate pool of over 5000 women coast to coast. Having been covered in over 180 publications such as Globe and Mail, BNN Bloomberg and The Financial Post, Toast is poised for exponential growth and hopes to flip the hiring dynamic in favor of women.
