Research shows that if companies use the wrong words in a job description, it may detour highly qualified female candidates from applying. It’s important that companies write gender-neutral job descriptions and applications in a gender-neutral tone. For example, remove all feminine or masculine vocabulary to help increase the likelihood of qualified men and women applying for positions.
For example, studies show that male applicants prefer applications that use the word “exhaustive,” while female applicants respond better to the phrase “loves learning.” Additionally, men are more likely to apply with stereotypical phrases such as “competitive salary” or “best of the best.”
Additional words that may turn off female applicants include:
- Ambitious
- Analytical
- Assertive
- Autonomous
- Boastful
- Chairman
- Dominate
- Foosball
- Ninja
- Hierarchical
- Rigid
- Stock options
- Strong
- Takes risks
- Workforce
While it’s acceptable to use some masculine-skewed terms in a gender-neutral job description, it’s important that companies balance these out with gender-neutral or feminine terms.
It’s not that one term can necessarily turn women off from applying to jobs. It’s when companies scatter several of these hot-button words and terms into a description that it may raise subconscious red flags to women not to apply.
On the flip side, these are words that may help attract more female applicants.
- Adaptable
- Choose
- Collaborate
- Creative
- Curious
- Excellent
- Flexible schedule
- Multitasking
- Health
- Imaginative
- Intuitive
- Plans for the future
- Resilient
- Self-aware
- Socially responsible
- Thoughtful
- Trustworthy
- Up-to-date
- Wellness program
It’s important that companies focus on creating a gender-neutral job description. While solving the gender diversity puzzle is not straightforward or simple, this small step can help companies potentially attract better-qualified candidates.
Review these other helpful tips to remove gender bias in job descriptions.
Ninja Gig offers online job applications that are easy to customize so your organization can focus on gender-neutral wording. Ready to start? Sign up for your free trial now and see how easy our software is to use!