Navigating the Job Market as an LGBTQIA+ Professional
LGBTQIA+ professionals can face a range of systemic barriers, but with the right strategies, it is possible to find safe, inclusive, and supportive employers. This article will provide tips for identifying such employers, offer advice on navigating the job market as an LGBTQIA+ individual, and highlight employment resources such as Generation’s employment programs.
Ready to start your journey to meaningful employment? Explore our employment programs today!
Finding Inclusive and Safe Employers
When searching for jobs, one of the biggest concerns for LGBTQIA+ professionals is finding a workplace where they feel safe and accepted. Here are several ways to ensure the companies you apply to are committed to inclusivity:
Research Company Policies
Before applying for a job, it is important to understand the company’s stance on diversity and inclusion. Many organizations now publicly share their policies, which can give you insight into their culture. Look for:
- Anti-discrimination policies: Ensure the company explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
- Diversity and inclusion initiatives: Check whether the company has employee resource groups (ERGs) for LGBTQIA+ employees. ERGs are a strong indicator that the organization supports the community.
- Benefits and support: Check whether the company offers benefits such as gender-affirming healthcare, parental leave for all types of families, and inclusive healthcare coverage for transgender employees.
Many websites and organizations rate companies based on their inclusivity, such as the Stonewall UK Workplace Equality Index, which ranks companies on their efforts to create LGBTQIA+ friendly environments.
Pay Attention to Company Culture
While policies are important, company culture often speaks louder than words. Reading reviews on websites such as Glassdoor or connecting with current and former employees via LinkedIn can give you a better understanding of the day-to-day experiences of working for an organization.
Additionally, when interviewing with a potential employer, don’t be afraid to ask questions about their commitment to inclusivity. Some key questions might include:
- How does the company support diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
- Can you tell me about any LGBTQIA+ initiatives or employee resource groups?
- How does the company handle diversity training for staff?
Look for Allies in Leadership
Companies with LGBTQIA+ individuals or strong allies in leadership positions often foster a more inclusive environment. When executives and managers actively champion diversity and inclusivity, it sets a standard for the entire company. Investigating the leadership team on the company’s website or LinkedIn can help you determine if inclusivity is embraced at the top levels of the organization.
Essential Strategies for Navigating the Labor Market as an LGBTQIA+ Professional
Build a Network of Support
Finding a safe and inclusive workplace is just one part of the journey. Building a supportive network of professionals and allies is equally important. Here are some tips for growing your professional network:
- Join LGBTQIA+ professional groups: Organizations such as Out & Equal and LGBTQ+ in STEM offer networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and other events that help LGBTQIA+ professionals connect with one another.
- Engage with LinkedIn communities: LinkedIn has a variety of LGBTQIA+ groups where professionals share job postings and career advice and offer support.
- Attend LGBTQIA+ focused job fairs and events: Job fairs specifically for LGBTQIA+ professionals, such as the LGBTQ+ STEMinar in the UK, are great places to meet inclusive employers and connect with like-minded individuals.
Leverage Generation’s Employment Programs
Navigating the job market can be challenging for anyone, but it is particularly difficult for underserved communities, including LGBTQIA+ professionals. That’s where organizations like Generation come into play.
Generation is a nonprofit organization that provides free employment training programs aimed at helping individuals develop skills for meaningful careers. We focus on helping underserved communities, which include not only the LGBTQIA+ community but also people from low-income backgrounds, minority groups, and others who face barriers to employment.
Our employment programs are an excellent resource for underserved job seekers, featuring:
- Free training and upskilling: LGBTQIA+ individuals often face economic barriers when it comes to accessing quality education and training. Generation offers entirely free programs, helping participants develop in-demand skills for sectors such as tech, healthcare, and customer service.
- Inclusivity and diversity focus: Generation is committed to creating inclusive learning environments. This means that, as an LGBTQIA+ individual, you can trust that the programs are designed with your unique needs in mind, providing a safe space for learning and growth.
- Career support: Generation doesn’t just provide training; we offer comprehensive support throughout the job search process. This includes CV and interview coaching as well as connections to inclusive employers who are actively seeking diverse talent.
- Global reach: Programs are available in over 16 countries, and Generation offers a wide array of opportunities for job seekers across various regions, making it easier to find programs that suit your location and career interests.
Generation’s commitment to supporting underserved communities means that you can feel confident not only in gaining valuable skills but also in receiving support to land a job with an inclusive and forward-thinking employer. Explore employment programs near you today!
At Generation, we are making a life-changing career available to anyone, anywhere. Explore our employment programs to see the professions we support, or donate today to help us create career opportunities for our learners!