Find hidden bias in your job ads

Why gendered words are important

Words impact us. Sometimes directly, like a question or command. Other times, without us being aware of how they change our behaviour.

And some words affect some people, but not others. Gendered words impact men and women differently. Often in subtle ways that we are unaware of.

In their paper, ‘Evidence That Gendered Wording in Job Adverts Exists and Sustains Gender Inequality’, researchers Gaucher, Friesen and Kay showed that:

• Fewer women apply when there are more masculine words in a job ad
• Ads for traditionally male jobs tend to have more masculine words
• Women are attracted to job ads with more feminine wording - but slightly fewer men will apply
• Gendered words in job ads can lead to unintended bias

Learn more about the study of gendered words in job ads.

Check your job ad for gendered words