July 11, 2022

5 ways to tell if a company is inclusive — just by their job ad

Inclusive workplaces

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The impact of workplace stress on our mental health is well documented, but what struck us recently while reading an article about the 43 most stressful life events is that 10 of them are in some way connected with our working lives. And as many of us know from experience, change doesn’t have to be negative to cause stress.

So, before you invite more stress into your life wouldn’t it be nice to know that the role you’re applying for is with a company genuinely committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion?

The words companies use (or don’t use) in their job ads are great windows into their values. Here are five ways to screen a potential employer before you submit your resume. 

1. There’s an explicit statement of their commitment to diversity and inclusion

It may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how often it’s forgotten. And do you really want to waste your time going through the recruitment process with a company where things like this can so easily slip the minds of the ones writing the ads?

We particularly liked this example from ExaPD as it even mentions its commitment to “fair remuneration for all” – an important call out with the current state of the gender pay gap. 

2. They proactively mention flexible work options

inclusive hiring processes

We love that the example above from Nufarm mentions flexible work patterns as quickly as the third paragraph of the ad.

When companies offer flexible work, they acknowledge that you have individual lives outside of work. And when they are the ones to bring it up (without you having to ask first) as early as the job advertisement, you know you’ll be embarking on a journey with a truly inclusive company. 

 3. They don’t NEED 1,001 different qualifications

inclusive hiring processes

Not only does this great example from Whispir break up the ‘need-to-haves’ from the less essential ‘nice-to-haves’ when it comes to applicant qualifications, it actually calls out that “you don’t have to match all the listed requirements exactly to be considered”.

A visual scan of the number of qualifications required for the role is a great barometer of how inclusive a workplace will be. If they haven’t put the time to think about how intimidating they appear with so many requirements, how much time do you think they’ve put into considering how their other behaviors could be considered exclusive?

4. They spend more time talking about you than them

inclusive hiring processes

The full ad from Accenture highlighted above mentions ‘you’ 32 times, and ‘we’ only five. It’s completely devoted to what opportunities this program can give you rather than what skills they want to use from you.

Even better, there are no allusions to the preferred gender of that ‘you’. We especially love the additional call-out to gender-neutral paid parental leave! Because if you see job ads that are still mentioning ‘maternity’ or ‘paternity’ leave, it’s best to just back away slowly.  

5. The company aligns themselves with the right partners

Look, we saved it until last so we didn’t seem too braggy, but it has got to be said. If the company is advertising on platforms dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion – like the WORK180 jobs platform – then you can rest assured they’ve been pre-screened to be an inclusive workplace. 

But it’s not just about us. Telegraph Media Group highlight in their ads that they’ve also signed the Tech Talent Charter (a register for companies committed to driving greater inclusion and diversity in tech). Mentioning commitments like this in their job ads is a great sign that on the other side of that ‘apply now’ button you’ll find a working environment that allows everyone to be their authentic selves. 

Have any of the employers from the examples above inspired you? 

Be sure to see the other great work they’re doing in the diversity, equity, and  inclusion space by checking out their Endorsed Employer Pages: 

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About the Author
Jacynta Clayton’s career started in recruitment advertising and employer branding, working with global clients to create and deploy strategic and creative content. Now she combines her industry experience with the knowledge from her psychology and professional writing degrees to write unique and resounding stories. As a WORK180 storyteller she relishes the opportunity to elevate the voices and experiences of so many amazing people, while also empowering and educating audiences on how to choose a workplace where they can thrive.

Looking for a new opportunity?

Our transparent job board only has vacancies from employers we endorse and lets you see what benefits, policies and perks come with the job.