LGBTQIA+ Job Search Resources
When conducting a job search, it is important to be knowledgeable about the companies that you are applying to. Below are four Career Knowledge modules that have been developed specifically for LGBTQIA+ students to learn how to find pro-diversity employers and navigate the entire job search process.
In addition to the modules, you can utilize the LGBTQIA+ Career Knowledge Resource Guide [PDF], which includes a multitude of helpful resources, some of which are listed in the modules.
Finally, while you are working on co-op, you will encounter new people and situations, which may cause questions to arise. Always remember that your Steinbright partner is available to assist you. In addition, the content and resources available on our On the Job page have been developed for you.
Module 1: Introduction to Employment Issues and Trends
Module one covers a variety of important topics to help LGBTQIA+ job seekers and employees, including: language and terminology; employment statistics and overall outlook; available resources; and global, national, and state employment laws pertaining to LGBTQIA+ groups.
Introduction to Employment Issues and Trends [PDF]
Module 2: Job Searching
Module two discusses how to search for diversity-friendly companies and covers topics such as policies, company culture, medical coverage, and other benefits. This module also explores a variety of company websites to demonstrate how LGBTQIA+ job seekers can find important information pertaining to prospective companies and includes an on the job case study.
Module 3: Résumés and Interviewing
Module three discusses strategies for résumé writing and interviewing and includes how to list and describe involvement with LGBTQIA+ student groups, work experiences for advocacy or social organizations, and academic project experience on related LGBTQIA+ topics. This module assists LGBTQIA+ job seekers prepare for résumé writing and interviewing by looking at various disclosure examples on résumés and in interviews, in the form of "30-second commercials."
Résumés and Interviewing [PDF]
Module 4: Trans* Professional Pointers
Module four covers job search and workplace considerations for members of the transgender community. This covers various topics, including listing a chosen name on a résumé, correcting interviewers on preferred gender pronouns, choosing interview attire, and transitioning during the employment process. This module also introduces the participant to resources available through various organizations that support and advocate for employment rights of the transgender community.
Trans* Professional Pointers [PDF]
The following list of resources will assist LGBTQIA+ individuals in identifying pro-diversity employers as well as determining employment laws and policies depending on geographical area. Keep in mind: Your comfort level at a company, location, or country depends on your own individual feel and may not be determined by any one specific resource. Thus, you should consider your own personal goals, values, and priorities throughout your job search and career development.
LGTBQIA+ Resources
- DiversityInc. Top 50 Companies for Diversity – This survey of companies provides a detailed, empirically driven ranking based on four key areas of diversity management.
- Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Best Places to Work 2022 – List of pro-diversity employers broken down by industry.
- HRC Corporate Equality Index – HRC's Corporate Equality Index is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees.
- National LGBT Chamber of Commerce – A global nonprofit advocacy organization focusing on the LGBT business community.
- The LGBTQ Guide to Travel Safety [PDF] – This helpful guide features individuals sharing their experiences traveling and working in new countries. As the guide notes, "while travel has inherent risks for everyone, LGBTQ people face additional risks – particularly in places where sexual orientation or gender identity are criminalized or marginalized, but also in places where laws protect and recognize their equal rights." For the best advice, reach out to the LGBTQ+ inclusive Steinbright Career Development Center. We are here to support our diverse population of students exploring the world.
- An LGBTQ Student Guide to Studying Abroad [PDF] – Download a meaningful travel guide with tips and stories from LGBTQ perspectives.
- International Co-op FAQs – Those interested in working or traveling internationally can also obtain more helpful information on our website.
- LGBT Career Link (Out & Equal) – A Free Out & Equal service for job seekers. Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is the world's largest nonprofit organization specifically dedicated to creating safe and equitable workplaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
- Out for Undergrad (O4U) – Industry-specific networking conferences for LGBTQ friends and supporters.
- Out Professionals – The nation's leading LGBT networking organization and job board.
- Gender Neutral Interview Attire – Discusses gender-neutral interview and business clothing for individuals transitioning or those who are gender non-conforming. Some companies designing gender neutral clothing and/or clothing for individuals transitioning include En Femme, Haute Butch, Wildfang, Dapper Boi, Gender Free World, Peau de Loop, and Kirin Finch.
- International LGBTQ Workplace Considerations – The Human Rights Campaign's website for International LGBTQ workplace concerns.
- Brave Space Alliance – LGBTQ+ Black-, Brown-, and Indigenous-focused job search board.
- Zippia LGBTQ Job Search – Find jobs at LGBTQ-friendly workplaces and find an inclusive company hiring now.
- Lambda Legal – Interactive map providing overview of state legal protections for LGBT people and their families.
- Out & Equal – As the world's premier nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer workplace equality, Out & Equal provides executive leadership development, comprehensive training and consultation, and professional networking opportunities that build inclusive work environments.
- National LGBTQ Task Force – The country's oldest national LGBTQ advocacy group that advances full freedom, justice, and equality for LGBTQ people.
- National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) – The NCLR has been advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, legislation, policy, and public education since it was founded in 1977.
- TransWork – TransWork fills a critical gap for addressing un- and under-employment by connecting transgender and gender non-binary job seekers and entrepreneurs to a network of supportive employers and business partners.
- Independence Business Alliance (IBA) – As part of the Greater Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, the IBA provides opportunities, access and resources to LGBTQ+ professionals and allies in the Greater Philadelphia area.
- National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) – NCTE is a social justice organization dedicated to advancing the equality of transgender people through advocacy, collaboration and empowerment.
- HRC Transgender Resources – Covers equal employment opportunity policies, benefits, and tools and resources for transgender employees.
- World Professional Association for Transgender Health – International professional association promoting evidence-based practices in transgender health.
- Pride at Work – Provides information on employment discrimination and local union laws.
- Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations – Established in 1951 under the City's Home Rule Charter, the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations is the local agency that enforces civil rights laws and deals with matters of intergroup conflict within the city of Philadelphia.
- Movement Advancement Project – Founded in 2006, the Movement Advancement Project is an independent think tank that provides rigorous research, insight, and analysis that help speed up equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.
- Equaldex – A collaborative LGBT crowdsourcing knowledge base for every country and region.
- GLAAD – For over 30 years as a dynamic media force, GLAAD has tackled tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that lead to cultural change.
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