Job Searching While Black—Breaking Barriers & Taking Up Space
Let’s Talk About It: The Unspoken Struggles of Black Job Seekers. For many Black professionals, job searching is more than just sending out applications and waiting for a call. It’s navigating bias, proving our worth (over and over again), and battling unspoken stereotypes before we even step into the room.
Kamy Charles
2/4/20252 min read
Let’s break it down.
1. The Bias Is Real—But So Are You
Studies show that job seekers with “ethnic-sounding” names get fewer callbacks than those with traditionally white names. Hiring biases are real, and we’ve all felt it.
❌ Being told we’re “overqualified” for roles we KNOW we can do.
❌ Hearing “not the right fit” with no explanation.
❌ Getting questioned about our professional experience in ways others don’t.
💡 Solution: Apply anyway. Demand a seat at the table. If they can’t see your worth, that’s their loss.
---
2. Networking Is Everything—Tap Into Your Community
Many of the best opportunities don’t even hit job boards.
🚀 Lean on Black professional networks, LinkedIn groups, and community organizations. There are people out here who WANT to see you win.
✔ Join Black professional associations in your industry.
✔ Attend career fairs and networking events focused on diverse talent.
✔ Seek out hiring managers who truly value inclusion (not just performative DEI).
---
3. Apply & Negotiate Like You Belong—Because You Do
Black professionals are less likely to negotiate salaries—often because we’re just grateful to get a fair offer. But we deserve competitive pay, full stop.
💡 Stop settling for less.
✔ Research salary ranges and ASK for what you’re worth.
✔ If a company lowballs you, counter with confidence.
✔ Don’t let imposter syndrome keep you from applying. If you meet most of the qualifications, go for it.
---
4. Seek Recruiters & Employers Who ACTUALLY Value Diversity
Not every workplace deserves your time or talent.
✔ Look for companies that invest in Black talent, not just performative statements during Black History Month.
✔ Check Glassdoor & LinkedIn for employee reviews and diversity reports.
✔ If you get red flags in an interview, trust your gut.
---
5. Show Up, Unapologetically
We don’t have to code-switch or shrink ourselves to fit into spaces that weren’t designed for us. We bring innovation, leadership, and results.
Key Takeaways:
✅ You belong. You always have.
✅ Seek out spaces that celebrate your talent—not just tolerate it.
✅ Black excellence is NOT a trend. We’ve been leading, and we’re going to keep leading.
💭 Have you ever faced challenges as a Black job seeker? Let’s start a conversation.