What happens if you use they/them pronouns in your resume?

In a study conducted in March 2023, it has come to light that job applicants who include 'they/them' pronouns on their resumes are more likely to experience rejection from potential employers. This finding suggests that the use of gender-neutral pronouns may be perceived as futile and unnecessary, leading to resumes being overlooked.

The study aimed to explore the challenges faced by nonbinary individuals during their job search. Researchers surveyed 400 nonbinary participants, seeking insights into their experiences and the perceived prejudices related to their gender identities. Interestingly, the majority of participants expressed a preference for using 'they/them' pronouns on their resumes.

To further investigate the impact of pronoun usage, the researchers conducted an experiment. They sent out two identical resumes to 180 job postings, all of which were seeking entry-level candidates. The sole difference between the resumes was the inclusion of gender-neutral pronouns ('they/them') in one version, while the other version had no pronouns at all.

The study's results revealed that the resume with 'they/them' pronouns received 8 per cent less interest compared to the version without pronouns. What was particularly striking was the feedback received from prospective employers across various industries and age groups, who expressed negative opinions regarding the inclusion of gender-neutral pronouns. Many deemed them unnecessary and inappropriate in a professional context.

The study's findings shed light on a concerning reality—despite claims of being Equal Opportunity Employers, over 64 per cent of the companies that received these resumes identified themselves as such. Furthermore, a significant number of these companies were located in liberal areas.

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