5-Step Guide To Gender-Fluid Tech Job Descriptions (+Free Checklist)

This article was updated on 23rd March 2023.

If you are a recruiter or hiring manager in the technical recruitment space and are wondering why mostly, men (or mostly, women) are applying for your organization’s open positions, here’s a hint for you. Look at the language used in your tech job descriptions. Chances are, the wording is more biased toward one gender than you realize. 

Whether you believe it or not, language matters, and words have an impact on both genders in the workplace. These are the global numbers, and they don’t lie.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits recruiters from overtly soliciting a preferred gender in their job descriptions. However, research shows gender wording in tech job ads exists, which leads to gender inequality in the workplace.

Here is a 5-step guide to creating gender-fluid tech job descriptions:

Step 1: Be mindful of your word choice

When trying to appeal to both genders in technical recruitment, avoid using gender-coded words like “wizard”, “ninja”, or “guru” and replace them with open, to-the-point words like developers or programmers (for instance). Society tends to regard these words as masculine. While these gender-coded words may make the job sound exciting, they may also dissuade women from applying.

Additionally, using words such as “powerful”, “confident”, and “strong-willed” in tech job descriptions attract both men and women. Words such as “aggressive” and “pressured” discourage both genders from applying.

There are various tools available today that help recruiters and hiring managers to analyze their job descriptions. These tools let them make improvements to make the language more appealing to all candidates.

Textio claims that recruiters can reach a wider pool of candidates and fill jobs faster based on the language they use in their job descriptions. Applied is a tool that informs you of gender codes within your job descriptions.

P.S. You can find the full list of gender-biased wordings here.

Recommended read: 5-point guide on how to write a job description.

Step 2: Change your pronouns

A gender-inclusive or gender-neutral pronoun is a pronoun that does not associate a gender with individuals who are being discussed. Unfortunately, certain languages, such as English, do not have gender-neutral pronouns available.

In many instances, people use “he/his” in tech job descriptions when referring to candidates in the third person. Additionally, the dichotomy of “she and he” in the English language does not leave room for other gender identities, such as transgender and genderqueer communities.

Hence, when describing the tasks of the candidate in job descriptions, use “they” or “you.” For instance, “As a front-end engineer at HackerEarth, you will be responsible for collaborating with product designers, product managers, and backend engineers to deliver compelling user-facing products.”

Removing pronouns means you’re inclusive of all potential candidates. It allows you to have access to a larger pool of applicants and increase your chances of hiring the ideal person.

P.S. Here is a list of gender-neutral pronouns.

Step 3:  List down additional benefits and perks

Listing down additional employee benefits in your tech job descriptions can benefit your organization in bringing a diverse set of candidates and proving your commitment to inclusion.

For example, research shows that women tend to actively seek out positions that describe an adaptable workplace culture. Positions that promoted flexible working, working from home, and additional medical benefits.

Men tend to look for salary, annual leaves, and medical/dental coverage.

You don’t have to include every benefit. However, mentioning a few will show candidates the great work your company is doing to boost diversity and inclusion.

Recommended read: What’s wrong with today’s tech job descriptions?

Step 4: Present your values and make them shine

A great way to conclude your tech job description is by providing a short overview of your company. This section is also an excellent place to describe your culture and how you promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Share your organization’s values, mission statement, cultural philosophy, and a link to your non-discrimination policy to attract a diverse set of applicants.

Recommended read: What Leadership Means To Us At HackerEarth

Step 5: Know the difference between “must-haves” and “nice to haves”

Research shows that men will apply for a job role if they meet 60% of the requirements while women are unlikely to apply for a job role unless they meet 100% of the job requirements. Hence, identify skills that are must-haves versus nice to have, and eliminate the latter.

Finding the optimal length for the job requirements section of your posting is tricky. Tech job descriptions in the range of 300 to 700 words are ideal.

Only when you have very specific skills/content required for the position, you’re advised to write longer tech job descriptions.

Why gender-fluid job descriptions matter

Gender-fluid job descriptions play a pivotal role in shaping a company’s hiring process. These descriptions are vital for several reasons:

• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Gender-fluid job descriptions ensure that candidates are not deterred by gender-specific language. This inclusivity attracts a broader spectrum of talent, encouraging applications from all genders, and helps in building a diverse workplace.
• Broadening the talent pool: By avoiding gender-biased language, companies do not inadvertently alienate potential candidates. This approach results in a wider pool of applicants, increasing the chances of finding the best talent.
• Reflecting company values: Using gender-fluid language in job descriptions signals to candidates that the company values diversity and inclusivity. This can enhance the employer’s brand and reputation in the job market.
• Legal compliance: In many regions, anti-discrimination laws require job descriptions to be non-discriminatory. Gender-fluid descriptions help in complying with these legal requirements, reducing the risk of legal repercussions.
• Enhancing employer branding: Companies that use gender-neutral language are often seen as progressive and forward-thinking. This can be a significant factor in attracting young, dynamic professionals who prioritize inclusivity.
• Mitigating unconscious bias: Gender-fluid job descriptions can reduce unconscious bias in the recruitment process, leading to fairer and more equitable hiring practices.
• Adapting to societal changes: As societal norms evolve, there is a growing expectation for workplaces to be inclusive. Gender-fluid job descriptions are a step towards meeting these evolving societal standards.

Gender-fluid job descriptions are not just about using neutral language; they are about creating an open, inclusive environment that welcomes all individuals. This approach benefits not just the potential employees but also the company by ensuring a diverse, talented, and dynamic workforce.

Giveaway: [Free] checklist to write gender-neutral tech job descriptions

There you have it—our 5-step guide to creating gender-fluid or gender-inclusive tech job descriptions. To take your job descriptions to the next level, download your copy of the checklist!

Further Reading

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Ashmita Author 18 Blogs