Maybe It’s Time to Let the Old Ways Die

When it comes to certain content in job descriptions, as Bradly Cooper sang in a Star is Born, it’s time to let the old ways die. Let’s rid our job descriptions of language that excludes, and requirements that are not necessary. Words shape worlds so we need to write job descriptions that reflect the diverse talent we wish to see populate our organizations.  The request for “excellent written and verbal communications skills” seems innocuous, but it must look like a huge impediment to those of us with dyslexia, autism, stuttering and hearing loss.  We tend to forget that communication involves a giver and a receiver, and the best communicators modify their communication to ensure it lands well.   Sheri Byrne-Haber of VMware, suggests replacing “excellent written…” with the more inclusive, “effective and flexible communication skills.” Only 60.4% of US residents with disabilities drive a car compared to 91.7% of people without disabilities.  If driving is not necessary to the job, eliminate the requirement from the job description. Another requirement that often appears in job descriptions is the sometimes strangely unnecessary demand to “sit, stand or lift specific amounts of weight.”  It’s always funny to see a substantial weightlifting requirement included in an executive assistant role.  Perhaps some executives need their couches moved on occasion?  Joking aside, it places limits where they are not necessary. Macho language is another way that without realizing it, we can be demonstrating gender bias.  I remember interviewing for a job ten years ago, and the male interviewer referred to his teammate who had referred me as a “rockstar.”  He was being effusively complimentary, but for many of us, “rockstar” might call to mind male rock performers, and when we compare people to a gender other than their own, we might be offending them.  Keep it gender neutral when preparing job descriptions. Do your best. Before you convict someone of a language crime keep their intention in mind, and if you offend, apologize.

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