QueerTech’s mission to queer the tech ecosystem is driven not only by a desire to have greater representation in the tech industry but also to ensure that the jobs queer people are finding will be safe and secure no matter how we identify. As a part of this mission, we can’t wait to host the Qareers Virtual Job Fair, a fantastic opportunity for you to meet with employers that we trust to be committed to fostering safe and inclusive work environments.
Our next job fair in 2021 will take place over 2-days on November 4th & 5th!
To make sure you get the most out of your Qareers experience, we’ve written up a short guide to help you navigate the virtual platform we’re using and to give you a sneak peek at the employers who will be there.
Get familiar with Brella.io
Our first Qareers tip, and it’s an important one, is to make sure you familiarize yourself with the Brella.io platform in order to avoid any tech hiccups on the day of the event. Brella can be used as a web application on your laptop or desktop, but for you more mobile-minded folks out there you can also find the Brella.io app in the App Store or Google Play.
Signing up for a Brella profile using your Linkedin or Facebook account is quick and easy, and it will automatically migrate your profile information and photo. You can also register with your Gmail account, or create your own Brella account, which will allow you to craft your profile more personally.
Once you’ve made yourself a profile, don’t forget to fill out the details! The more information you share, the easier it will be for prospective employers to identify you as a promising match. You can also edit your profile information once the event begins, so don’t worry if you don’t get it done in advance.
We've provided these videos to help you navigate the QT experience in Brella:
- Setting your interests, profile, and requesting meetings
- Updating your LinkedIn, Twitter, Website, and other settings
- Navigating the Schedule, Workshops, and Hiring Partner Booths
For any further questions about the Brella.io platform, we encourage you to visit their help page, where they have an extensive list of FAQs and helpful video guides.
Who’s hiring?
Although the Qareers Virtual Job Fair will be an excellent opportunity for you to network with your peers and take part in educational workshops that will help you further your career, it will be your chance to connect directly with diversity minded tech employers. Here are a couple of amazing companies that we think you’re going to be excited about.
RBC
RBC is Canada’s largest bank, with 86,000 + employees and 17 million clients in Canada, the US and 34 other countries. We apply imagination and insight to cutting-edge technology to create products, services and solutions that improve human experiences. We believe diversity & inclusion strengthen us, and we are committed to taking actions to make sustainable progress in our company and the communities we serve. RBC is an ally to the LGBTQ+ community in building awareness and an inclusive workplace. Today, RBC is present at over 40 Pride Parades around the globe and supports over 85 LGBTQ+ themed community partners. We continue to prioritize our efforts to address systemic racism through an action plan focused on enabling economic growth and wealth creation, redefining inclusive leadership, and investing in the future. Find out more at rbc.com/diversity.
"Inclusive hiring is an important way to build a diverse workforce who will reflect the communities in which we live and work, both today and into the future. Inclusivity and diversity underpins our culture at RBC, helping us attract top talent, driving innovation and growth, and fueling our ability to create value for our clients and communities."
Unity Technologies
Unity Technologies are the world’s leading platform for creating and operating interactive, real-time 3D (RT3D) content. We empower creators across industries and around the world. 50% of the mobile games are made with Unity. Over 60% of all the AR/VR content in the world is made with Unity.
“When we expand our base and give all people the opportunity to contribute, create, or lead, everyone benefits. Growing opportunity means growing our capacity to serve our users; it means our products get better; and it means our company continues to grow globally. To use a metaphor, this is about growing the size of the pie so that everybody eats.”
Accenture
Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services in strategy and consulting, interactive, technology and operations, with digital capabilities across all of these services. We combine unmatched experience and specialized capabilities across more than 40 industries — powered by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. With 509,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture brings continuous innovation to help clients improve their performance and create lasting value across their enterprises. Visit us at: www.accenture.com.
"Accenture’s commitment to our people and to accelerating equality for all has never been more relevant than it is today – to drive our innovation agenda and act as responsible business leaders. It enables us to attract, develop, inspire and reward top talent. And it creates an environment that unleashes innovation, allows our people to perform at their very best and underpins a culture in which everyone feels they have an equal opportunity to belong and build a career."
Check out all of our Hiring Partners!
Hiring companies include: RBC, Unity Technologies, Accenture, Kabam Inc, Rangle.io, Rogers, Sage, Shopify, Solace, Assent Compliance, BDC, Canadian Digital Service, CGI Coveo, D2L, East Side Games, Freddie, Heyday, IBM, League Inc, Metrolinx, OroHealth, Poka, REDspace, Tucows, Ubisoft, Blacksquare, BreatheLife, OSEDEA, Scope Security, Tink
On-the-spot interviews
In order to book an interview time with these employers, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got a winning Brella profile. You’ll be able to view the profiles of recruiters and suggest times to meet one-on-one with them, and they will review your profile before confirming or denying your meeting. That’s why it’s important that you treat your profile like a resume, with clear information that sells you and your skills.
This page will provide you with step-by-step information about how to request a meeting on the Brella.io platform. In keeping with the theme for this blog post, we suggest that you review it before the event to be familiar with the process.
Final tips
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the Brella.io platform and built a profile to be proud of, you’re pretty much ready to find the job of your dreams! To make sure the day goes smoothly, remember to treat it like any other important job interview.
Familiarize yourself with the companies you want to work for, make sure the camera and microphone on your computer are working, and even though you’ll be sitting in your living room, make sure you show up dressed to impress!
We know that this might seem like a lot of information to review, but that’s because the event you're about to take part in is that important. We want you to feel confident about attending, and hopeful that an event like this could change your career for the better. Whether you're unemployed, or underemployed, we want the Qareers Virtual Job Fair to be your shot at moving towards the career in tech that you've been dreaming. Don’t forget to register for your spot today!
Thank You To Our Community Partners!
Alterhéros, Business Pride Club, Conseil LGBT, Discovery Foundation, DMZ, Echanté Network, EngiQueers Canada, Equal Futures Network, Fierté Canada Pride, Foresight Canada, Head & Hands, Innovate Calgary, L-Spark, Le Wagon, LOUD Business, Our Wave, Planet Hatch, Queer McGill, Rainbow Faith and Freedom, Real Ventures, Trans Outaouais, University of Toronto Entrepreneurship, Yes Montreal