Use gender-neutral job titles and inclusive language to create welcoming job postings. Highlight diversity, female role models, supportive policies, and growth opportunities. Avoid stereotypes, jargon, and showcase diverse imagery. Continuously seek feedback to ensure your content attracts and supports women in tech.
What Inclusive Language Strategies Best Attract Women in Tech on Careers Pages?
AdminUse gender-neutral job titles and inclusive language to create welcoming job postings. Highlight diversity, female role models, supportive policies, and growth opportunities. Avoid stereotypes, jargon, and showcase diverse imagery. Continuously seek feedback to ensure your content attracts and supports women in tech.
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Use Gender-Neutral Job Titles
Ensure that job titles avoid gendered terms like "salesman" or "waitress." Opt for neutral titles such as "sales associate," "software engineer," or "team lead." This subtle change can make women feel more welcomed and see the role as inclusive.
Highlight Diversity and Inclusion Statements Clearly
Include a prominent section on your careers page about your company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Affirm that women and underrepresented groups are valued and actively supported in your workplace culture.
Showcase Female Role Models and Testimonials
Feature diverse women in technology roles within your company through employee spotlights, videos, or blog posts. Testimonials from women about their growth and experiences can inspire other women considering applying.
Use Inclusive Pronouns and Language
When describing roles or team environments, use inclusive pronouns such as "they/them" or avoid pronouns altogether. For example, say “the candidate” or “the team member” instead of “he” or “she,” making it more welcoming for all genders.
Emphasize Work-Life Balance and Supportive Policies
Clearly communicate policies like flexible working hours, remote work options, parental leave, and child care support. These demonstrate understanding and support for diverse life circumstances, which many women value.
Avoid Gendered Adjectives and Stereotypes
Steer clear of adjectives like “aggressive,” “dominant,” or “competitive,” which research shows can deter women applicants. Instead, use words like “collaborative,” “supportive,” and “innovative” to describe the team culture and role.
Use Diverse Imagery
Incorporate images of women and other underrepresented groups actively working on tech projects or collaborating in teams. Authentic visuals help visitors envision themselves in those roles and reinforce inclusivity.
Communicate Growth and Mentorship Opportunities
Highlight professional development, mentorship programs, and leadership tracks that empower women to advance in tech careers. Showing a pathway for career growth encourages applications from ambitious women.
Solicit Feedback and Continuously Improve Language
Invite women candidates or current female employees to review your job postings and careers content. Use their insights to adjust phrasing and ensure the language genuinely resonates with women in tech.
Avoid Unnecessary Jargon and Technical Overload
While important, excessive technical jargon or lengthy requirement lists can seem intimidating. Keeping language clear and approachable invites a broader applicant pool, including women who might otherwise self-select out.
What else to take into account
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