Should women only apply for jobs with market leading companies that have high proportions of women employees?

Or, should women specifically consider applying for jobs with companies that are actively trying to build their female pipeline, due to a lack of female representation?

It's a complex question and both options have their pros and cons.

But, pending an applicant's desired career path, stage of career, skills and experience to date, and competitive status - there's certainly a lot of interesting facets to consider.

In short, do you apply for jobs with employers that already have lots of women? Or is there some advantage in applying for jobs with employers that do not have adequate female representation, yet are very keen to do so?

Working for a market leader

Working for a women-friendly company that leads in its representation of women and gender equality achievements is likely to be a very progressive workplace that is diverse, inclusive and equitable.

But on the corollary, competition will be fierce from a gender perspective so visibility and career progress may be tough.

Considering alternative options

Whereas, applying for a job with a company that lags behind when it comes to representation of women and gender equality performance could mean the employer has a clear objective to recruit talented women.

The downfall of course is that perhaps there's an obvious reason fewer women choose to work there and that the gender equal rewards and work culture may be less than desirable.

That aside, perhaps chances for women's increased visibility, career development, and senior management options may still be favorable.

So where does this leave us?

Should women make a beeline only to the top employers?

Or should women make informed and calculated decisions about which employers need more women, pinpointing exactly at what levels and roles further women must be recruited, so as to hopefully identify some clear opportunities?

Besides, when women are present in growing numbers, positive change does occur - and it can be very rewarding to 'be the change you want to see!'

Be informed. Be selective. After all, the choice is yours!

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