International Women's Day - Our Simple Message to

International Women's Day (IWD) 2017 is just one day in the year where we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. So how do we ensure that the activities of this one day are carried on throughout the year?

It's really pretty simple. Be mindful when you are looking to make hiring decisions.

If for one second you are considering gender when making a hire, then don't. Every person is born with personality and traits that aren't typified by whether they are a man or woman. The fit for your team is the best person for the job in that time and place. You cannot predict their future with you; you can only live for the here and now.

As the world becomes more globally mobile and with disruptive technology challenging the hiring landscape more than ever before, how long an employee stays in a role has become more uncertain.
Applying the traditional principles of predicting how long they may stay based on gender is not only unfair, but actually very inaccurate.

Stop, pause and think. Check your potential hire's skillset, their experience, their project work and most importantly, the attitude and personality they have shown throughout the hiring process. And of course, use Ambition as your trusted recruitment advisor to help if ever in doubt.

But today is not just about gender parity (and at times it feels that this is perhaps given too much emphasis), it is also about celebrating all the great achievements by women in whatever shape of form that may be.
From the women whose names appear in the media for extraordinary achievements, to our mums who run most of our homes better than how the White House is currently being run.

We salute each and every one of you, the unsung heroes who give up your precious time to help us and those less fortunate to make the world a better place now and in for the future.

And to all the Dads, Grandads, Sons, Brothers, male friends and colleagues. Thank you for this day and for your continued support. We really couldn't do it all without you.