How can you write job descriptions that welcome everyone?

To facilitate this, we don’t speak about the candidate. We speak to the candidate and use you. Example: he/she will be responsible for vs. You will be responsible for. I’d also add that we avoid ableist language as much as possible.

Easiest way around is to have annoymised CVs from the start. This removes name, address, location to help hiring managers just base the CV on their skills. It's human nature to judge, everyone does it but it's making it inclusive for everyone, even the wording to make it more Diverse friendly. Personally I would have the disability confident at the start, express how you support Neurodiversity. Make it easier for us, no-one likes long weighted application forms, it certainly puts me off.

A lot of companies have decided to remove the number of years of experience as well as the diploma, to open up to a larger audience. Not all have the same access to school or employment but can do great. Also statistically speaking, women tend to use a job description as a checklist. If they don’t have all the requirements they don’t apply. For this reason we focus solely on the strictly necessary skills

To attract a broader range of diverse talent, businesses need to re-consider their position on necessary requirements for their roles. When you a requiring Degree or X years of experience, offering fixed working hours, or rejecting those with career-gaps - you are likely putting off swathes of an exceptional diverse talent pool. As a quick aside - I do like the idea of wording like “Ideally you will have some of the following:” as opposed to “requirements”, in order not to dissuade potential candidates who might otherwise be put off by more definitive language.

Essential skills only hiring is the most inclusive way to recruit the most diverse candidates. Those skills could include softer skills such as collaboration, the ability to adapt, and upskill yourself and others. There should be no expectation on candidates to have the "nice to have skills".

Creating an inclusive job description involves a structured approach with a summary that includes a clear objective and a commitment to diversity. Responsibilities should be clear and flexible, allowing diverse approaches. Success in the role must focus on required skills, emphasizing potential, growth, and separating must-have qualifications from desirable ones. The company description should highlight the mission, values, work environment, and inclusive benefits, along with considering accessibility and global sensitivities. Collaborate with stakeholders to align with organizational goals and values, fostering a broader and more diverse candidate pool.

For all the effort to create inclusive job descriptions, the organization must ensure that it is living out values of inclusivity. This means the values are not just on posters or a landing page on the website; rather, the employer brand is known in the marketplace for living out values that are welcoming to a variety of people.