How do you write a job description that attracts diverse and inclusive candidates?

1 Understand your target audience

Before you start writing your job description, you need to have a clear idea of who you are trying to reach and what they are looking for. Research your industry, competitors, and market trends to identify the skills, experience, and values that are in demand and aligned with your company culture. You can also use data from your existing employees, candidates, and customers to understand their motivations, preferences, and pain points. This will help you tailor your job description to your target audience and highlight the benefits and opportunities that matter to them.

3 Avoid bias and stereotypes

Another common mistake in writing a job description is using language that can reflect or reinforce bias and stereotypes based on gender, race, age, disability, or other factors. For example, words like "aggressive", "dominant", or "competitive" can imply a masculine or assertive culture that can discourage female or non-binary candidates. Similarly, words like "young", "dynamic", or "energetic" can imply an ageist or ableist culture that can exclude older or disabled candidates. To avoid this, use gender-neutral and inclusive language that respects and values diversity and difference. For example, instead of saying "we are looking for a young and dynamic team player", you can say "we are looking for a collaborative and adaptable professional".

4 Highlight your diversity and inclusion initiatives

One of the best ways to attract diverse and inclusive candidates is to show them that you are committed to creating a culture of belonging and respect in your organization. You can do this by highlighting your diversity and inclusion initiatives, policies, and achievements in your job description. For example, you can mention your employee resource groups, mentorship programs, training opportunities, or awards that demonstrate your support and recognition of diverse and inclusive talent. You can also include a diversity and inclusion statement that expresses your vision, values, and goals for fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

5 Solicit feedback and review

The final step in writing a job description that attracts diverse and inclusive candidates is to solicit feedback and review from different sources and perspectives. You can ask your colleagues, managers, employees, or external consultants to review your job description and provide constructive criticism and suggestions. You can also use tools like Textio or Gender Decoder to analyze your job description and identify any potential issues or areas for improvement. By soliciting feedback and review, you can ensure that your job description is accurate, relevant, and inclusive, and that it reflects your employer brand and culture.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?