11. March 2025
Women Overlooked In Power: Global Workforce Falls Short On Executives
The State of Women in Top-Level Management: A Game-Changing Approach to Hiring
Women comprise nearly half of the global workforce but hold less than one-third of executives at the vice president level and above, according to recent data from LinkedIn. As International Women’s Day approaches, this sobering statistic is a wake-up call for employers and leaders. While progress has been slow, with only a 0.2% increase since 2002, there is hope that a new approach to hiring can help accelerate change.
One innovative strategy gaining attention is the skills-based hiring approach. By focusing on the skills required for a job position rather than traditional qualifications or experience, employers can expand their talent pool and create a more diverse range of candidates. This approach has been shown to increase the number of qualified female applicants in AI roles by up to 24%, according to LinkedIn.
The statistics on women’s representation in top-level management are stark. In the United States, while women hold more than half of entry-level individual contributor positions, only one-third of women are in more senior individual contributor roles. This trend is mirrored globally, with women holding 40% of early-career management positions but just 28.5% of C-suite positions.
A key factor behind this disparity is the lack of transparency in job postings. Harvard Business School Professor Katherine Coffman recommends that employers “reduce ambiguity around expectations in job postings” to incentivize more women to apply. Concrete, objective, and clear job postings can help ensure that candidates understand what is expected of them and are more likely to feel confident in their abilities.
The skills-based hiring approach offers another advantage: it can increase the number of qualified female applicants from underrepresented fields like technology and AI. According to LinkedIn, a skills-based approach increases the talent pipeline for AI roles by 8.2x globally, 34% higher than the increase for non-AI jobs. This is particularly important for Gen Z workers, who are increasingly entering the workforce.
To implement a skills-based hiring approach, employers must be willing to rethink their recruitment strategies. This may involve working with internal stakeholders to identify the key skills required for each role, rather than relying on generic job postings. It also requires a commitment to transparency and clarity in job descriptions, as well as a willingness to consider non-traditional candidates.
Ensono’s recent report highlights the importance of AI skills in accelerating women’s careers. The study found that 89% of women said AI skills have helped them advance their careers, but leadership ambitions are stalling. This suggests that while technical skills may be a key factor in women’s career progression, there is still a need for support and guidance in more senior roles.
To address this gap, employers must prioritize diversity and inclusion initiatives that support the development of female leaders. This may involve providing training programs, mentorship opportunities, and sponsorship schemes to help talented women progress in their careers.
The future of work is diverse and inclusive, and it is up to employers to create an environment that supports the growth and development of talented women in all roles. By implementing a skills-based hiring approach and prioritizing transparency, clarity, and diversity, employers can help break down barriers and create a more equitable workplace for everyone.