Pronouns on Resume

Should You List Pronouns on Resume

In today's increasingly diverse and inclusive workplaces, listing your preferred pronouns on your resume can be a valuable step towards fostering a welcoming and respectful environment. This practice is gaining traction in the United States, particularly among forward-thinking companies and industries such as tech, media, and non-profit sectors. However, regional differences do exist, with Europe and Australia showing a slightly slower adoption rate compared to the U.S.

It's essential to consider your industry, location, and the company culture when deciding whether or not to include your pronouns on your resume. If you work in a field that values inclusivity and diversity or if you are applying to companies known for their commitment to creating an inclusive environment, listing your pronouns could demonstrate your alignment with their values.

In some contexts, such as international job applications or conservative industries, it may be more appropriate to focus on the technical aspects of your resume rather than including personal details like pronouns.

Why to List Pronouns on Resume

Enhances Professionalism and Inclusivity

Listing your pronouns allows you to express your identity openly while also communicating your commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. By providing your preferred pronouns, you help reduce the potential for misgendering, which can be a significant source of stress and discomfort for many individuals.

Demonstrates Alignment with Company Values

If a company values diversity and inclusion, listing your pronouns could demonstrate that you share these same values. By doing so, you position yourself as an ally who is committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment.

Facilitates Smoother Communication

Including your pronouns on your resume can make it easier for interviewers and colleagues to address you correctly during interactions, reducing the need for ongoing clarification and promoting smoother communication overall.

Where to List Pronouns on Resume

Contact Information Section

The contact information section is a common place to list pronouns as it is one of the most easily accessible parts of your resume. Here's an example:

Contact Information

Name: [Your Name] Pronouns: He/Him/His Email: [Your Email Address] Phone: [Your Phone Number] LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/[Your LinkedIn Profile URL]

Professional Summary or Objective Statement

Another option is to include your pronouns in your professional summary or objective statement, which allows you to immediately establish your identity and values:

Professional Summary

Experienced Software Engineer with a passion for creating inclusive workplaces. He/Him/His preferred pronouns. Seeking new opportunities in the tech industry to further my skills and contribute to diverse and inclusive teams.

Examples of How to List Pronouns on Resume

Including Pronouns in Contact Information

Contact Information

Name: Jordan Johnson Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs Email: jordan.johnson@email.com Phone: 555-1234-5678 LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/jordanjohnson

Incorporating Pronouns in a Professional Summary or Objective Statement

Professional Summary

Creative Director with extensive experience leading diverse teams and advocating for inclusivity. She/Her/Hers preferred pronouns. Seeking new opportunities to showcase my talent for visual storytelling while helping companies create more welcoming workplaces.

What to Avoid While Listing Pronouns on Resume

• Be clear and concise: Use only the minimum necessary number of words to convey your pronouns.
• Avoid using pronouns that are not commonly understood: Stick with pronouns like he/him, she/her, they/them, etc., as these are widely recognized and less likely to cause confusion.
• Don't make it the focus of your resume: Remember that listing your pronouns is just one aspect of your resume. Make sure it doesn't overshadow the technical skills and experiences you want to highlight.
• Be consistent: If you list your pronouns in one section, ensure they are also used consistently throughout your cover letter or any other accompanying documents.

How to List Additional Pronouns or Explanations on Resume

Best Practices for Including This Subcategory

• Understand Your Needs: Before deciding to include this subcategory, it's crucial to understand why you want to do so. Some people use it to educate potential employers about their preferred pronouns, while others might need to provide explanations for certain sections in their resume.

  Example: If you prefer the use of they/them pronouns, including this section will help your employer respect your identity and reduce misgendering.

• Consistency: Ensure that the pronouns you list on your resume match those used throughout your application materials. This includes covering letters, email signatures, and social media profiles linked to your application.

• Clear and Concise: Keep your explanation brief but informative. Avoid lengthy explanations that may distract from the content of your resume.

  Example: Instead of writing "I use gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them, and I prefer to be addressed in this manner during any correspondence or meetings," you can simply state "My preferred pronouns are they/them."

• Proper Placement: Place the pronoun section either at the top of your resume, right below your contact information, or in the 'Personal Information' section if it exists on your resume. This ensures that the information is easily visible to potential employers.

• Use Asterisks or Dash Bullets: To make the section visually distinct from other sections, use asterisks (*) or dashes (-) for bullet points in this subcategory.

Example 1: Additional Pronouns or Explanations on Pronouns Resume

• Preferred pronouns: they/them
• Native language: Spanish (fluent in English as well)

In this example, the job seeker has indicated their preferred pronouns clearly and concisely. The native language is also included to showcase bilingual skills without taking up much space.

Example 2: Additional Pronouns or Explanations in Pronouns Context

• Gender Pronouns: she/her
  • Please use these pronouns when addressing me, as I am transitioning and prefer to be acknowledged as a woman
  • I have been on hormone therapy for two years and plan to undergo gender affirmation surgery in the near future.

This example provides both the preferred pronouns and an explanation of the job seeker's transgender status, helping potential employers understand their situation better while respecting their identity.

How to List Pronouns in Professional Context on Resume

In today's diverse and inclusive workplaces, it is essential to include your preferred pronouns on your resume, especially in a professional context. Here are some best practices for listing this subcategory:

* Clearly State Your Preferred Pronouns

Include your preferred pronouns at the beginning of your name or in a separate section titled 'Pronouns'. This way, you ensure that they are easily noticeable to potential employers. For example:

Name (He/Him/His)

* Provide a Brief Explanation if Needed

If your pronouns might be unfamiliar or if there is a reason for their use, provide a brief explanation. This can help eliminate confusion and promote understanding:

Preferred Pronouns (They/Them/Theirs) - I am non-binary and use gender-neutral pronouns.

* Keep it Simple and Professional

Avoid using slang or overly creative expressions for your pronouns. Instead, stick to traditional and universally recognized pronoun sets:

Preferred Pronouns (She/Her/Hers)

* Consider Adding it to Your Contact Information

Include your pronouns in your contact information along with your name, email address, and phone number. This ensures that they are consistently visible throughout your resume:

Name (She/Her/Hers) Email: email@example.com Phone: 555-555-5555

Example 1: Pronouns in Professional Context on Pronouns Resume

In this example, a candidate is creating a resume specifically to showcase their expertise in pronouns and gender diversity issues. They want to make it clear that they prefer gender-neutral pronouns:

Name (They/Them/Theirs) Contact Information...

Summary: Experienced professional with a passion for promoting gender inclusivity and using correct pronouns in the workplace. Specializing in creating gender-neutral workspaces and providing pronoun education to employees.

Example 2: Pronouns in Professional Context in Pronouns Context

In this example, a candidate is applying for a job in human resources where they will be working with diverse teams. They want to include their preferred pronouns as part of their professional presentation:

Name (He/Him/His) Contact Information...

Summary: HR Generalist with experience managing employee relations, benefits, and recruitment. Committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace by using appropriate pronouns for all team members.

How to List Preferred Pronouns at Work on Resume

In today's diverse and inclusive workplaces, it's essential to include your preferred pronouns in your resume to promote inclusivity and reduce potential miscommunication. Here are some best practices for listing this subcategory:

1. Integrate into Contact Information

Include your preferred pronouns (e.g., she/her, he/him, they/them) as part of your contact information, typically found at the top of your resume. This placement ensures that recruiters and hiring managers see them early and consistently throughout the document.

Contact Information:

• Name (she/her)
• Email: your_email@example.com
• Phone: (123) 456-7890

2. Add a Dedicated Section

If your pronouns are important to you and may not be immediately apparent from other information on your resume, consider adding a dedicated section titled 'Preferred Pronouns.'

Preferred Pronouns: she/her

3. Include in Professional Summary or Objective Statement

Mentioning your preferred pronouns in your professional summary or objective statement allows you to emphasize your commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Professional Summary:

• Dedicated professional with over five years of experience in the field, utilizing my unique skills and understanding (she/her) to drive positive change within organizations.

4. Consistency is Key

Ensure that you use the same pronouns throughout your resume, including cover letters and any other job application materials. This helps recruiters and hiring managers easily identify your preferred pronouns and promote a more inclusive hiring process.

Example 1: Preferred Pronouns at Work on Pronouns Resume

In this example, the job applicant chooses to include their preferred pronouns as part of their contact information. They also use gender-neutral language in their professional summary to emphasize inclusivity and diversity.

Contact Information:

• Mx. [Your Name] (they/them)
• Email: mx.name@example.com
• Phone: (123) 456-7890

Professional Summary:

• A dynamic and dedicated professional (they/them) with a passion for driving positive change in the workplace through inclusive practices and innovative ideas.

Example 2: Preferred Pronouns at Work in Pronouns Context

In this second example, the job applicant adds a dedicated section for their preferred pronouns and includes them in their professional summary to emphasize their commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Contact Information:

• Name: John Doe
• Email: johndoe@example.com
• Phone: (123) 456-7890

Preferred Pronouns: he/him

Professional Summary:

• Experienced professional (he/him) seeking to leverage my skills in a collaborative and inclusive environment, driving innovation and growth for the company.

How to List Informal Pronouns on Resume

Best Practices for Including Informal Pronouns in Your Resume

• Understand the Context: Informal pronouns such as 'I', 'me', and 'mine' are commonly used in everyday conversation but may not always be appropriate on a formal resume. However, if you're applying for a position where your personal brand or casual communication style is valued, including informal pronouns could help showcase your personality.

  Example 1: Informal Pronouns on a Social Media Manager Resume

  • If you're applying for a role like Social Media Manager that requires a more relaxed and conversational tone, you might incorporate informal pronouns into your resume:

• Managed and curated content across our social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) with an emphasis on authenticity and engagement. I've increased our followers by 20% and have garnered a strong online community that consistently interacts with our posts.

• Use Consistency: If you choose to include informal pronouns in your resume, ensure consistency throughout the document. This will help maintain a professional tone while still showcasing your unique voice.

  Example 2: Informal Pronouns in a Freelance Writer Resume

  • For a Freelance Writer position where demonstrating a casual, engaging style is important, you could use informal pronouns to make your writing samples stand out:

• Crafted compelling and relatable content for various clients in the lifestyle, travel, and food industries. My work has generated impressive engagement rates, with one recent article reaching over 100K views within the first week of publication.

• Consider the Job Requirements: When deciding whether to include informal pronouns on your resume, consider the job requirements and company culture. For roles that require a more traditional, formal approach, it's best to use standard business language.

• Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): If you decide to incorporate informal pronouns, ensure they are still optimized for ATS scanning. Use relevant keywords from the job description and place important information at the beginning of your bullet points.

• Be Mindful of Tone: Always be mindful of the tone you use when including informal pronouns in your resume. Strike a balance between showcasing your personality while remaining professional and respectful to the employer.

By following these best practices, you can effectively incorporate informal pronouns into your resume while still maintaining a professional image.

How to List Formal Pronouns on Resume

Best Practices for Including Pronouns in Your Resume

• Placement: Incorporate your pronouns early in the document, often within your name or contact information. This ensures they are easily visible without requiring a reader to search through your resume. For example:

  [Your Name] (He/Him/His) [Email Address] | [Phone Number]

• Consistency: Use the same pronouns consistently throughout your resume, regardless of whether they are included in your contact information or within a separate section. This helps to reinforce your gender identity and prevents confusion for potential employers.

• Separate Section (Optional): If you prefer to have a more traditional resume format, you can include a "Pronouns" section under the "Contact Information" or "Personal Information" sections. For example:

  Contact Information:

  • [Your Name] (He/Him/His)
  • [Email Address]
  • [Phone Number]
  • Pronouns: He/Him/His

• Awareness: Be mindful of the context and the nature of the job you are applying for when deciding whether or not to include pronouns on your resume. Some professions may be more accepting or receptive to this practice than others.

Example 1: Formal Pronouns on a 'pronouns' Resume

In a resume specifically focused on the topic of gender pronouns, you can effectively incorporate the use of pronouns in several ways. For instance:

[Your Name] (He/Him/His) [Email Address] | [Phone Number]

Summary: ...

Skills:

• Understanding and advocating for gender pronouns
• Effective communication of personal identity ...

Experience: [Job Title 1] at [Company Name]

• Responsibilities related to your job experience here

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Example 2: Formal Pronouns in a Traditional Resume Context

In a more conventional resume, you can still discreetly include your pronouns without sacrificing the overall flow or organization. Here's an example of how to incorporate your pronouns in a traditional resume format:

Contact Information:

• [Your Name]
• [Email Address] | [Phone Number]

Summary: ...

Experience: [Job Title 1] at [Company Name]

• Responsibilities related to your job experience here

Education: [Degree and University]

Pronouns: He/Him/His