You might have noticed various workplace signatures or Zoom names with a gender pronoun such as they/them/theirs, she/her/hers, he/him/his, and others.
When searching and applying to jobs, you can include your gender identity in certain ways.
- Insert pronouns under your name on your resume in the header
- Use them as a signature under your name on your cover letter
- You can add them to your LinkedIn profile next to your Last name. Example “Shah (She/her/hers)”
When considering whether to include your pronouns on your resume, there are some advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- Avoids Confusion
If you use pronouns on a resume, it will help the interviewer use your correct pronoun when speaking with you and you might avoid any potential confusion that might take place. Think about how you might want to tackle that issue if misgendering were to occur.
2. Promotes inclusivity
Using your gender pronouns is a great example to show that you are an LGBTQIA+ ally. Using your pronouns will allow the interviewer to get a glimpse of your ideologies and thought process, which can add great value to your candidacy.
3. Help identify workplace culture
Using pronouns can also act as a way to identify whether that company/organization is inclusive. If the company does not call you back because of your identity, that company probably isn’t a great place for you to work in anyway.
Disadvantages
- Creates Bias
Although we aim to make the resume sound neutral in tone, adding pronouns is a definite way to share identity markers for employers to build unconscious bias. They might not realize it, but recruiters may develop unconscious bias against you.
If you find that you are being discriminated at your workplace or in the job search, you can take legal action against discrimination.
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