If you’ve heard about WomenHack but aren’t sure what to expect, you’re not alone. Our unique approach to recruiting events breaks from traditional job fairs in ways that benefit both companies and candidates. Here’s an inside look at how WomenHack events work—and why they’re so effective.
The Format: Speed Interviews That Actually Work
WomenHack pioneered the “speed dating” approach to tech recruiting. Instead of candidates waiting in line at booths, our events feature structured 5-minute conversations that rotate throughout the evening.
This format offers several advantages:
- Equal Access: Every candidate gets face-time with every participating company
- Reduced Pressure: Short conversations feel natural, not interrogative
- Efficient: Companies can meet 20+ qualified candidates in just two hours
- Memorable: The format creates genuine connections, not rehearsed pitches
A Typical WomenHack Evening
Welcome Stage (30 minutes)
Events kick off with keynotes from host companies and diversity talks. This sets the tone and helps attendees learn about participating organizations before one-on-one conversations begin.
At X by 2’s Detroit event, senior consultant Joanna Garrett shared her experiences as a young woman in the tech industry—giving candidates insight into what it’s really like to work there.
Speed Interviews (90 minutes)
The heart of the event. Candidates and recruiters engage in 5-minute conversations, then rotate. It’s fast-paced but never frantic—there’s structure with flexibility.
One attendee described the experience: “The speed interview was a bit nerve-racking at first, but I felt more comfortable about it over time. I was able to talk to industry experts, meet business analysts and connect with data scientists.”
Open Networking (30 minutes)
The evening closes with informal networking—drinks, deeper conversations, and the connections that often prove most valuable. Many attendees find that the relationships formed with other women in tech become just as important as the company connections.
What Companies Say
“There’s an enormous amount of talent in this city and we’re lucky to put ourselves out there. We love events like WomenHack because it gives us a chance to really get to know people in the tech industry, face-to-face.”
— Ksenia Onosov, Talent Acquisition Partner at Guestlogix
Guestlogix found that WomenHack introduced them to a number of great applicants for key positions in their delivery team. The face-to-face format allowed them to assess culture fit in ways that resume screening simply can’t.
Virtual Events: The Digital Experience
When in-person events aren’t possible, WomenHack’s virtual format maintains the same philosophy. Classic speed-interview video sessions allow instant connection with companies, limited to 3-5 minutes so attendees can quickly talk with dozens of organizations.
Virtual attendees can conveniently connect with up to 20 companies in just 2 hours—all from the comfort of their home office.
Who Should Attend?
WomenHack events are designed for women in tech across career stages:
- Software developers and engineers
- UX/UI designers
- Product managers
- Data scientists
- Technical project managers
WomenHack uses an inclusive definition of “women” and welcomes participation from all genders including gender fluid, non-binary, trans, and two-spirit individuals.
For Employers: Making the Most of Events
Companies that get the best results from WomenHack events:
- Send the right people: Recruiters who can speak authentically about company culture
- Prepare talking points: Know what makes your company unique for women in tech
- Follow up quickly: WomenHack’s automated introductions generate 3-4x industry-average response rates
- Consider hosting: On average, hosts make more hires and gain more visibility