June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month. In honor of LGBTQ Pride Month, I will use this article to answer a few common questions I hear from job seekers about personal pronouns when looking for a new job. These questions include:
- Should I include my pronouns on my resume?
- What reasons are there to include your pronouns on your resume?
- Where do I put my pronouns on my resume and other career documents?
Then, I will conclude by highlighting additional ways to share your pronouns when job searching, networking, and interviewing.
Before we dive in, here are e three examples of common personal pronouns: she/her/hers, he/him/his, and they/them/theirs. Also, know that language is constantly evolving.
Should I Put Personal Pronouns On My Resume?
There are countless reasons to include pronouns on your resume and other career documents. If you are on the fence about putting your pronouns on your resume, consider the following three benefits of including them.
3 Reasons To Include Personal Pronouns On Your Resume
First, including your pronouns on your resume may seem insignificant. However, sharing your pronouns upfront is a quick yet impactful way to show your support for LGBTQ+ employees. Moreover, disclosing your pronouns signals to other people that you are an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and support diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB).
Second, sharing your pronouns reduces the stigma associated with talking about pronouns in the workplace. This makes it easier for all people to discuss and disclose their pronouns, regardless of their gender identity.
Finally, listing your pronouns on your resume reduces the likelihood of being misgendered during the job search. You can ensure your prospective employer knows your pronouns by referencing them on your resume and throughout the interview process.
Important: The self-disclosure of pronouns is not restricted to members of the LGBTQ+ community. In other words, you can include your pronouns on your resume and other career documents regardless of your gender or sexual orientation. Additionally, know that allyship extends beyond simply sharing your pronouns.
Where To Put Personal Pronouns When Job Searching
Consider sharing your pronouns throughout the job search process. A good place to start is by including your pronouns when updating your resume. You can do this by listing your pronouns immediately after your name. Here is an example of how this would look: “Kyle Elliott (he/him/his).”
Beyond your resume, you can similarly include your pronouns on your cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and professional bio. Essentially, you can add your pronouns any time your name appears in your job search.
Thereafter, you can remind prospective employers of your pronouns by sharing them when introducing yourself during networking conversations and in interviews. This may sound like, “Hello, my name is Kyle. My pronouns are he/him/his.” Further, consider listing your pronouns in your email signature and next to your display name on Zoom.
To conclude, sharing your pronouns on your resume and other career documents is a simple yet meaningful opportunity to support the LGBTQ+ community this Pride Month and year-round. You’ve got this!
