For too long, there has been a persistent misconception that finding talent from underrepresented groups is a challenging task. Some even believe that actively seeking diversity in the workforce is lowering the bar. However, Joonko, an early-stage startup, has come up with a solution to help companies find top-notch candidates who have made it to the final stage of the interview process at another tech company without getting hired.
A Zero-Touch Solution for Sourcing Talent
Joonko’s founder and CEO, Ilit Raz, told TechCrunch that their platform helps companies source high-quality, vetted, underrepresented candidates with a zero-touch solution. This means that companies don’t need to do anything to flood their pipelines with top talent from underrepresented groups.
"We help companies source high-quality, vetted, underrepresented candidates with a zero-touch solution," Raz explained. "So you as a company don’t need to do anything for your pipelines to be flooded with very high-quality, what we call the silver medalists, underrepresented folks."
The Power of Silver Medalists
Joonko focuses on silver medalists, individuals who made it through the entire interview process at another company but weren’t offered a position. Raz believes that these candidates have proven their talent and are top-notch.
"The fact that Joonko focuses on silver medalists, which is the people who get to the last steps in the recruitment process at another company, being offered an opportunity in a second company, puts us in a position where we say everyone in Joonko’s talent pool is not just coming from an underrepresented group, but they are also super high quality," Raz said.
Accessing Recruitment Systems
Joonko has access to recruitment systems and gets permission from candidates to be included in their platform. Most people looking for a job are happy to participate and help companies find top talent.
The Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Joonko’s product helps companies find employees from three groups: women, people of color, and veterans, some of whom cross over multiple groups. The company launched in 2017 but saw a significant shift after the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
A Paradigm Shift in DEI Efforts
VP of strategy Albrey Brown was head of diversity at Airtable when he joined Joonko. He believes that there has been a paradigm shift in DEI efforts, with companies finally recognizing the importance of creating inclusive workplaces.
"We’ve seen a significant shift in how companies approach DEI," Brown said. "They’re no longer just checking boxes; they’re actively working to create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive."
A Zero-Touch Solution for Sourcing Talent
Joonko’s platform is a game-changer for companies looking to source top talent from underrepresented groups. With its zero-touch solution, companies can easily find and hire the best candidates without lifting a finger.
The Future of DEI Efforts
As Joonko continues to grow and expand its platform, it’s clear that the future of DEI efforts is bright. With more companies embracing inclusion and diversity, we can expect to see significant changes in the way talent is sourced and hired.
Conclusion
Breaking down barriers in talent acquisition requires innovative solutions like Joonko’s zero-touch platform. By focusing on silver medalists and providing a seamless experience for both companies and candidates, Joonko is leading the charge in creating more inclusive workplaces.
As we move forward, it’s essential to recognize the importance of DEI efforts and the role that companies like Joonko play in shaping the future of talent acquisition.
