Inclusive Hiring: 6 Steps to Writing Job Descriptions that Attract and Retain Top Talent
We’ve all been there—polishing resumes and cover letters to land the next great career move. Candidates work hard to make a strong first impression, but companies should ask themselves: What impression are we making with our job posting?
Thoughtfully crafted, inclusive job descriptions attract a broader, more diverse pool of candidates, helping recruit top talent and ensuring new hires feel aligned with company culture from day one. The words you use, the structure you choose, and how you communicate your company’s values all influence which candidates see themselves in the role – and who never even applies.
“Inclusive recruiting doesn’t start when the resumes start rolling in. It starts with the job description you're putting out. When a job description is inclusive, it allows for a wide range of different people to more easily see themselves in a role,” says Jackie Ferguson, VP of Content, Programming, and Products at The Diversity Movement, a Workplace Options Company.
Simply put, an inclusive job description explains the role and its requirements. That seems like a straightforward task, but some postings can accidentally include biased language that discourages people from applying. Here are six actionable strategies to help you attract and retain top talent:
