How to write LGBTQ+-inclusive job descriptions: a practical guide

Inclusive job descriptions attract 42% more applications than non-inclusive equivalents (Textio). LGBTQ+ candidates read job adverts carefully for signals of genuine inclusion.

Why job descriptions matter for LGBTQ+ talent

Job descriptions are typically the first substantive interaction a candidate has with an employer’s culture. For LGBTQ+ professionals, who are acutely sensitive to signals of inclusion or exclusion, every word choice carries weight.

Language: what to avoid and what to use

Gendered language to avoid:

• ‘He will be responsible for…’ — replace with ‘The successful candidate will be responsible for…’
• ‘The ideal man for the job…’ — replace with ‘The ideal candidate…’
• ‘Maternity cover’ — replace with ‘Parental leave cover’

Heteronormative assumptions to avoid:

• ‘Family-friendly benefits including maternity and paternity leave’ — replace with ‘Equitable parental leave for all parents’

Positive language to include:

• ‘We actively encourage applications from LGBTQ+ candidates.’
• ‘We are proud to be a stonewall.org.uk/creating-inclusive-workplaces/workplace-equality-index” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Stonewall Top 100 employer / HRC CEI 100 company.’
• ‘We have an active LGBTQ+ employee network.’

Benefits section: what to include

• Parental leave: specify it applies equally to all parents including same-sex couples
• Trans-inclusive healthcare: if your benefits include gender-affirming care, say so explicitly
• Flexible working: signals trust and accommodates LGBTQ+-specific scheduling needs
• LGBTQ+ ERG: ‘Access to our active LGBTQ+ employee network from day one’

Before and after example

Before: ‘We are looking for a driven individual. The right man for this role will be commercially focused. Benefits include pension, healthcare, and family-friendly policies including maternity and paternity leave.’ After: ‘We are looking for a commercially focused professional ready to lead a high-performing team. We actively encourage applications from LGBTQ+ candidates, and we are proud to be a stonewall.org.uk/creating-inclusive-workplaces/workplace-equality-index” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Stonewall Top 100 employer. Benefits include pension, private healthcare (including trans-inclusive support), equitable parental leave for all parents, flexible working, and access to our Pride+ employee network from day one.’

Checklist

• Gender-neutral language used throughout
• Explicit LGBTQ+ inclusion statement included
• External inclusion recognition cited (HRC, Stonewall, myGwork)
• Parental leave described as equitable and applicable to all parents
• LGBTQ+ ERG or network mentioned by name
• Benefits section does not assume heterosexual family structure

---