To attract women in tech, use gender-neutral language, highlight flexible work, limit must-have requirements, show diversity commitment, list salaries, welcome nontraditional backgrounds, use inclusive visuals, promote growth, state anti-discrimination policies, and seek regular feedback.
What Feedback from Women in Tech Helps Make Job Ads Truly Welcoming?
AdminTo attract women in tech, use gender-neutral language, highlight flexible work, limit must-have requirements, show diversity commitment, list salaries, welcome nontraditional backgrounds, use inclusive visuals, promote growth, state anti-discrimination policies, and seek regular feedback.
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Use Gender-Neutral Language
Women in tech often notice when job ads are written with masculine-coded words like “rockstar,” “ninja,” or “dominant.” Feedback suggests replacing these with inclusive terms such as “collaborative,” “innovative,” or “team player.” This change signals to women that all genders are equally encouraged to apply.
Highlight Flexible Work Options
Many women in technology appreciate seeing flexible work arrangements in job postings, such as remote work, flexible hours, or family-friendly policies. Including this information shows awareness of diverse needs and encourages applicants who value work-life balance.
Avoid Long Lists of Must Have Requirements
Feedback from women in tech shows that extensive requirements may discourage qualified women from applying, as research reveals they tend to apply only when they meet nearly all criteria. Streamline must-haves, clearly differentiate “requirements” from “nice-to-haves,” and encourage applicants who don’t check every box.
Showcase Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
Women in tech recommend explicitly mentioning your commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging. Cite company initiatives, employee resource groups, or statistics about women in leadership. This demonstrates concrete efforts rather than empty statements.
Include Salary Ranges Upfront
Transparent salary information is a frequent request from women technologists. It promotes fairness, sets clear expectations, and helps close the gender pay gap. Job ads listing salary bands signal respect and seriousness about equitable compensation.
Avoid Assumptions About Background
Women in tech notice when job ads assume all candidates have followed traditional career paths or have continuous experience. Acknowledge and encourage applicants with non-linear trajectories, career breaks, or self-taught skills, making the ad more welcoming for a wider range of women.
Use Inclusive Visuals and Examples
Feedback suggests that showcasing diverse imagery or naming examples of women’s contributions in your organization (without tokenizing) makes job ads and accompanying content more inviting. It signals that women are represented and valued on your team.
Emphasize Learning and Growth Opportunities
Women in tech appreciate roles that highlight mentorship, training, or professional development. Indicating support for ongoing learning helps foster a growth mindset and signals that applicants are not expected to be “perfect” from day one.
Clearly State Anti-Discrimination Policies and Resources
Women look for evidence that your organization has robust, enforceable anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies. Mentioning support channels, confidential reporting, or inclusive benefits reassures applicants of a safe and supportive workplace.
Solicit and Reflect Feedback Regularly
Women in tech highlight the importance of listening. Regularly seek feedback on your job ads from female engineers, coders, and other tech professionals. Incorporating their suggestions and revising language accordingly demonstrates genuine commitment to inclusivity and improvement.
What else to take into account
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