Building Inclusive Job Descriptions in 7 Steps

Unintentionally excluding top talent? It might be time to revisit your job descriptions. Gender bias can subtly creep in, influencing who applies and ultimately, who gets hired. But fear not, creating inclusive descriptions that attract a diverse pool of candidates is achievable! Here are 7 simple steps to get you started: 

Language Matters: Scrub Gendered Stereotypes: Ditch the "rockstar" and "go-getters." Focus on skills and experience using gender-neutral language. Replace traditionally masculine words like "dominant" or "aggressive" with "results-oriented" or "proactive." Tools like the Gender Decoder [alternative phrasing for Gender Decoder can be "resources to identify gender bias in language"] can help identify hidden biases. 

Focus on the "What" and "Why," Not the "Who": Instead of describing the ideal candidate ("a highly motivated individual with a can-do attitude"), highlight the role's responsibilities and the impact it has within the company. This shift attracts candidates who see themselves making a difference, regardless of gender. 

Showcase Your Company Culture: It's More Than Just Work: Highlight your company's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Mention flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, or employee resource groups. This showcases a welcoming environment for everyone. 

Action Verbs Speak Volumes: Highlight Achievements: Replace generic descriptions with action verbs that showcase the desired skills.  Instead of "responsible for," use verbs like "developed," "implemented," or "spearheaded" to illustrate a track record of accomplishment. 

Go Beyond the Resume: Highlight Transferable Skills: Focus on transferable skills that can be applied from different backgrounds. This broadens the applicant pool and allows individuals with non-traditional experiences to see themselves as a good fit. 

Amplify Diverse Voices: Feature Employee Testimonials: Include quotes from employees from various backgrounds describing their experiences and what they love about the company. This humanizes the workplace and showcases a commitment to inclusivity. 

Proofread with Fresh Eyes:  Seek Feedback: Before posting, have colleagues from diverse backgrounds review the job description.  Their feedback can help identify areas for improvement and ensure the language is truly inclusive. 

Building an inclusive workplace starts with attracting a diverse pool of talent. By following these steps, you can craft job descriptions that speak to everyone, not just a select few. 

Ready to build an inclusive team? Contact us today and let's discuss how we can help!