Language review

Research shows that the language used in job advertisements can influence an individual’s decision to apply for positions. Intense jargon or stereotypically male language may deter applicants.

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Words such as ‘competitive’, ‘analytical’, and ‘objective’ are often interpreted as masculine, whereas words such as ‘interpersonal’, ‘support’, ‘together’ and ‘connected’ are perceived as more feminine. Online tools, such as gender decoder can help you to determine if your language skews towards a certain gender bias.

 

Masculine words

  

Gender neutral alternative words
☐ Strong ☐ Sound, steady, excellent, solid
☐ Drive ☐ Energy, inspiration, guide, steer, deliver, energise, inspire
☐ Lead ☐ Head, top person, manager, run head up, manage, steer, grow, pioneer
☐ Analysis ☐ Investigation, study, test research, data
☐ Analytical ☐ Systematic, thorough, thoughtful, deductive
☐ Driving ☐ Motivating, energizing, inspiring guiding, steering, delivering
☐ Individuals ☐ People
☐ Proven ☐ Established, known, demonstrated, reliable, successful, trusted, tested
☐ Workforce ☐ Teams, workers, members
☐ Decisions ☐ Choices, conclusions, judgements, moves, outcomes, steps, actions

 

Websites like gender decoder can help you to determine whether a job advert is gender coded.

Websites like gender decoder can help you to determine whether a job advert is gender-coded.

Image of woman.