7 Steps to Ensure Being LGBTQ+ Does Not Affect Your Job

July 10, 2021 (updated July 10, 2021) Published by Dennis Velco

Over the past decade or two LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion has come a long way. In the United State, it is now illegal to discriminate against candidates and employees based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, that does not immediately erase years of learned conscious and unconscious prejudices and biases. Discrimination still exists and can affect your job search and life at work. If you want to make sure that you are well-protected, you’ll need to take the four steps below.

If Seeking a Job

If you are looking for a new career opportunity be sure to check out these resources:

Know the Employer’s Policies & Benefits

Be sure to review the employer policies related to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer employees. If seeking a new job, sometimes this information can be found on their careers portal. If they are a fortune 1000 level company they may be listed on the HRC Corporate Equality Index. Employers of any size may have their policy, benefits, and other information on the OutBüro (https://outburo.com) platform. If you currently are working, your employer should have all policies and benefits information available to you on their internal human resources portal or at minimal on paper for review. If they are not yet on OutBüro, you may add the employer listing for free with limited features and provide a rating/review. Introduce the site to the HR Director or the person in charge of diversity and inclusion.

You should review the following and have them stored digitally or on hand for future reference:

Domestic Partner Benefits
Anti-Discrimination Policy that specifically states sexual orientation and gender identity
See if any of their health plans cover transgender healthcare
Do they have employee resource groups and is one for LGBTQ+ employees. If so, join it. If not, consider starting it.
Have they done any LGBTQ+ inclusive talent recruiting
Have they done any LGBTQ+ inclusive customer marketing
Be aware of all policies including disciplinary policies and procedures, sexual harassment, and others.

Know Your Contract

So often, people don’t read contracts. Be sure to read your employment or consulting contract if any. Also, be aware of the employment laws of your state or country. In the US, some states like Florida are “employment at will” which means an employer may let an employee go at any time for no reason at all. Take a look at the various rules and procedures of your company, including why you can be fired and/or disciplined. It’s also important to know your company’s policies for dealing with problems and what steps have to be taken before dismissal. Your goal should be to know exactly how you should be treated according to the law and your contract before you start working. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be much more confident in reporting problems and taking steps to keep your job secure.

Build a Rapport with Human Resources

Building a professional and casual relationship with persons in the human resources department is a great idea. Have an established rapport with these individuals gives you someone to talk to if things go wrong and gives you the opportunity to share any concerns you might have. If an incident happens that you feel discriminated against or feel harassed it is a lot easier to report problems when you already established a friendly relationship with HR staff.

Document

Document everything on your own personal device. You likely have a smartphone, use the camera to take pictures or video, voice notation app, and notes app. Who, when, what, where are the key. Be as detailed as possible.

Your Voice has the Power to Create Change

Work with a Compensation or Employement Lawyer

While you don’t necessarily need to keep a lawyer on retainer all the time, it’s a good idea to speak to an attorney any time you feel like your job might be in danger. They can tell you if there’s a chance that something wrong is being done and will let you know what moves to make next. Sometimes it’s just helpful to get a neutral third-party view of what’s happening at your office and how you should reasonably react. If your city, state, or country has an LGBTQ Bar Association, contact them for a referral. In the US and Canada, there is a service called LegalShield where you pay a relatively low monthly subscription fee and gain access to lawyers of all types. In addition to employment lawyers, they can review rental agreements, create wills, living trusts, and much more. So if you think you might desire lawyers pretty much on call, that might be worth considering. This is not sponsored or an endorsement, but if you’d like to explore it, I know a couple of people who are LGBTQ+ I can get you in touch with to learn more.

Speak Up

Finally, it’s up to you to speak up when something goes wrong. If you feel like you are being discriminated against, you need to talk to someone in HR. Make sure that you are clear about your feelings and why the issue at hand is important. If you don’t speak up, things will get swept under the rug and your performance will deteriorate. Then you run the risk of being let go for that. Even if you’ve never spoken to HR before, you absolutely must speak up to protect your rights and to keep your workplace comfortable for you and others. During your conversation with HR, ask what the next steps are. Stay in contact with HR. If the situation continues or worsens

Unfortunately, it will generally be up to you to ensure the safety of your job and income. Talk to HR and lawyers, know your rights, and speak up for yourself and the safety of others. Discrimination has no place in the workplace, and you deserve the protections afforded to you by the law.

A Few Current Job Opening as of June 6, 2021 on the OutBüro Career Center

June 15, 2021 (updated June 15, 2021) Published by Dennis Velco

Discover hundreds of exciting professional opportunities available on OutBüro Career Center

Multi-Discipline Building Inspector
Illinois
T.P.I. Building Code Consultants – View Job

Police Officer (certified)
Williamston, South Carolina
Williamston Police Department – View Job

Interventional Radiologist
Lowell, Massachusetts
Commonwealth Radiology Associates – View Job

Certified Police Officer
Hollywood, Florida
City of Hollywood – View Job

Non-Certified Police Officer
Hollywood, Florida
City of Hollywood – View Job

Family Medicine Physician in SW Florida – New Grads Welcome!
Fort Myers, Florida
Physicians’ Primary Care – View Job

REI Physician – SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE
Jacksonville, Florida
Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine – View Job

Endocrinologist
Illinois
NorthShore University HealthSystem – View Job

Associate Attorney
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Bobo Ciotoli White & Russell, P.A. – View Job

Now offering in-basket support for primary care providers!
Bellevue, Washington
Overlake Medical Center – View Job

Correctional Officer
Tallahassee, Florida
Leon County Sheriff’s Office – View Job

Clinical Research Coordinator II-III
SEATTLE, Washington
Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason – View Job

Family Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant
Peoria, Arizona
Trident Health Center – View Job

Academic Pediatric Radiologist with Abdominal Imaging experience
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
UPMC, Department of Radiology – View Job

School Crossing Guard
Florida
Orange County Sheriff’s Office – View Job

Nephrologist – Well-established practice
Kansas City, Missouri
Kidney Associates of Kansas City – View Job

Duke Primary Care – Join A Growing Network
Raleigh, North Carolina
Duke Primary CareView Job

MULTIPLE POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Little Rock, Arkansas
The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) – View Job

Physiotherapist
McLaren Vale, South Australia (SA
Physio Alive – View Job

Associate Attorney
Atlanta, Georgia
Carlock, Copeland & Stair, LLP – View Job

View All Jobs Remember to update your resume on OutBüro Career Center, so employers can contact you about new job opportunities.

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Start Your Job Search Today on OutBüro

June 4, 2021 (updated August 3, 2021) Published by Dennis Velco

My Account | Job Search | Manage Resumes

Are you an LGBTQ+ jobseeker? OutBüro is the professional platform for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, queer, and great allies. Unsure of when to begin a new job search? With OutBüro, you can start looking for your next job opportunity today. In a normal job market it can take up to six months to find an acceptable position, and the interviewing process can push out your start date even further. However, if job postings are unusually plentiful and competition is low, the chances of finding a job quickly improves. One of the best ways to ease job search anxiety is to set up Job Alerts on OutBüro. Use keywords and filters to start sending perfect opportunities right to your inbox!

13 Resume/CV Tips for the LGBTQ Job Seeker

March 25, 2021 (updated April 26, 2021) Published by Dennis Velco

You need a killer competition-crushing resume/CV to help you get that interview for whatever reason. It may be your first job out of school, just needing a career change, desiring to advance your career at your current employer, or wanting to make the big jump to a new employer. Wanting a change is good. Even if you aren’t really looking for a new job right now, you should update your resume at least once a year. We’ve written a few other articles already on this topic so where possible I’ll be brief here and link over to those more in-depth articles.

Be sure to also join the Out:Careers group here on OutBüro where all things career development is discussed, networking, sharing and engaging. Jump in there and ask questions. Post great stuff you find around the internet. Most importantly on OutBüro network with others. Friend/Connect, join several group and really start to engage. Be proactive. 80% of all jobs are filled through networks. Your activity, connections, and thoughtful engagement will make others notice you. Looking to apply at a particular company. You may find employees of that company right here and/or in our OutBüro on LinkedIn group.

OK, now to the meat of it.

Never Created a Resume or Haven’t Updated Mine in a Long Time

Ok. There may be a bit of work ahead of you, but hopefully, after reading over this and our other guides the feeling of panic and dread will be diminished and just viewed as a task to get accomplished.

Tip 1 – Add it to Your Calendar

As mentioned above until you retire your resume should be visited and likely updated at a minimum once a year. So, literally, right now pause reading this and open up your calendar of choice. 12 months from now, schedule at least one day devoted to updating your resume/CV.

Tip 2 – The No Stress Approach

Before starting to worry about resume design, layout, colors, and all that jazz, just start with a notepad, electronic notes on your phone or tablet, or even sticky notes to begin jotting important key information down that will allow you to organize your thoughts without the confines of that other stuff. Then when ready, all will be right in front of you and you’ll churn that fresh resume/CV out in no time at all.

Try this, I solve so many problems, have really super focused memory, and come up with innovative thoughts and solutions when I get away from my laptop and keyboard. I take long walks – usually an hour and a half a day. I do mindful meditation. But, it’s not just me sitting with my legs crossed with fingers in a certain posture while chanting some ancient hymn. I use both the walking and mindful meditation time interchangeably to go inside myself and think. To explore as many options as possible. To allow my thoughts full freedom. I always have my phone with a notes app handy and/or post-it notes or notepads handy. When great ideas strike me I pause and jot it down. Because in this state of thought freedom, 15-30 mintues later, unless I really lingered on the thought in depth, it will be gone. I won’t remember. Jotting it down allows me to know I captured the thought to revisit it without fear of lossing it. I then can, delve further into it or let it now go and move on to something else returning to it once I’m back at my desk or another day.

This is great for everything you do. TRY IT. Where your resume/CV is concerned if updating it after some time, it may be hard to follow the below advice with the pressure of the computer screen and keyboard taunting you. The restrictions of the interface, the pressure to get that resume done so you can find a new job all can stifle your creative conscience and unconscious that you’ll need to see your past career and goals in an abstract connected pattern. Using my approach will allow you to be focused yet free to ponder, associate, and be creative to when ready create the best resume/CV you can that will amaze recruiters and burn up that resume sifting AI engine.

Tip 3 – Keep it Fresh

When creating your resume/CV or updating it, you want to consider style trends looking for things like fonts, font sizes, hot industry skills popping up on job descriptions, be aware of AI (artificial intelligence) and its impact on choosing your resume for more attention by a human. We’ll have an article about this soon and when that is complete this will be updated with a link. But right now you can search the internet for articles on AI and Resume tips, biases, and more to be in the know.

Consider having your resume reviewed by a professional. I would highly recommend you do your best job on your own first. There are tons of resume templates available for free on the internet if you search “free resume template”. I state this because it’s much quicker and if paying, cheaper, to have your resume reviewed and improved than to have one created from scratch with is more time consuming thus if not free costs quite a bit more.

Tip 4 – Up Your Game

When you are looking at the jobs and skills that are in demand today. Are you finding that your skills, training, and certifications are relevant or maybe starting to become a bit dated? Hey, this can happen if someone works for the same employer in the same role for some time. It seems like stability. But if that employer isn’t keeping up with industry and technology trends and therefore not offering you the ability to be constantly learning, growing, and advancing your skills. In technology in particular. It is not uncommon to see moves every 18-24 months when a person is very focused on growth and their employer is not.

Tip 5 – Plan and Concour

So, take a hard honest assessment and if you need to bring your skills up to date to be competitive, or you have a career goal and need certain skills and certifications to qualify, make a plan. That plan should include what in-person or online courses you are going to take. What books you are going to read. What organizations and professional associations you are going to join. Decide if you’d like a mentor (more on that below). As you are gaining newly learned skills, if your current employer has no opportunity to put it into practice, consider how that new skill might be leveraged at local, regional, or national non-profits. Consider donating your time and skills to help the non-profit with your talents. In return, you get to put practical experience about that new skill/talent on your shiny new/updated resume/CV.

Tip 6 – Job Duties – No kidding

When crafting or updating your resume/CV remove everything that sounds like you are describing your general job function duties. It is a complete waste of space. If that sort of resume gets past the resume AI sorters, I can guarantee most recruiters will look at it and think to themselves, “No kidding”. Then toss it aside. Don’t do that. I talk with recruiters at all levels all the time. I’ve interviewed several for our episodes.

If you were an executive assistant, you don’t need to write that you answered the phone, made copies, wrote letters, created spreadsheets, and ordered delivery lunches. Serious DUH factor! Every executive assistant does that.

Check out the Say “Bye Bye Felicia” to Duties on Your Resume article for more details.

Tip 7 – WOW Factor

You know how much effort you now or use to put into looking good, standing out, to go out on a Friday or Saturday night? Bring it that level and more of WOW factor to your resume/CV.

I’m certainly not suggesting it be outlined in eyeliner and covered with glitter. But from Tip 2 above you need to put down all the amazing stuff. What did you do that was out of the ordinary? What did you improve? What is better now than when you took started the job? Was it your idea? Did you totally orchestrate that cool, fabulous new thing or improvement? Did you manage others in the process? Did it require sourcing, selecting, contracting, and managing vendors that may have been outside your normal job description? If you’ve never looked at your resume like this, the first time getting it to this format will take a bit of time. That’s why Tip 1 had you plan to keep it up to date at least once a year so that all that amazing stuff you accomplish in the previous year will be a bit fresher in your mind.

Tip 8 – ALL About Measurement

8 is good, but maybe I should have made this Tip 9. All joking aside, whe you are spelling out the 2-5 bullet points for the amazing Tip 7 improvement, enhancements, reductions. savings, gains, acquisitions, whatever those items are for you, provide NUMBERS. See the examples below:

Bad Example: “As a software license manager I managed all software vendors and associated contracts efficiently.

Great Example: “I initiated a software vendor assessment program that was never done before at this company. After my analysis I found overlaping solutions and was able to negiation consolidated licensing at a discount saving the compay $183,000 a year, reduced vendors from 3 to one simplifying relationship management and creating consistancy amoungst our users. After traning, this has improved the company Help Desks ability to support users in a timely manager reducing similar trouble tickes by 60%.”

The great example although a tad long has all the component. Job initiative, creative, take charge, wihout out saying it. Problem finder and more importantly a solution oriented, cost savings, support savings and quantified by numbers. This is someone I’d want to talk to. This is someone most recruiters would want to talk to. Your projects and results will differ, but you need to state:

What you achieved and accomplished?
What was your role – did you initiated it, your idea, or your boss’s idea but you led it?
What was improved, enhanced, saved, etc?
Show numbers even if it is an approximate guess. The numbers show impact and scale.

Tip 9 – Be Concise

Because employers may be receiving hundreds of resumes for one potential position, you need to catch their attention immediately. There is no effective way to list everything you have done. Choose what is most important, use phrases instead of full sentences, and implement bullet points to emphasize achievements. When you feel like you may be repeating yourself, check out use the thesaurus and think of new ways to phrase tasks and responsibilities.

Tip 10 – Lock that it Down – Clean it Up

Hey, we love social networking and hope you’re a member here at OutBüro. You better believe that potential employers are going to temporarily stalk you online as much as possible. They will try to find you on Facebook – ya know all those pics of you in your underwear hanging on other near-naked guys looking all glassy-eyed with a disco ball glimmering in the background. And pic after pic of similar images. Yep. You need to LOCK your accounts on ALL social media to “friends” only and be very very careful about adding any new friend requests for the foreseeable future. Employers will often have junior young cute guys and gals request friends/connections to potential candidates. In reality, they are just doing research scoping you out. They’ll take screenshots of all those party boy/gal images, you sporting the leather harness and jockstraps you gifted yourself this past X-mas, those jockstrap and thong images, you laying in bed with those two other people, that image of you laying in bed posing where you seemed like you confused Facebook for Grindr or Scruff (like so many of you do). They take all that, screenprint, electronically file, print, and stuff in a folder and report back their findings to the recruiter if not also the hiring manager. And guess what. If the example is the case, the likelihood of you being offered the new job is pretty slim.

So. I recommend LOCKING your accounts AND cleaning up your images and posts as much as possible. You be the judge on what stays and what’s removed, but really does anyone care what you posted 18 months ago? DELETE. Keep posts of you and your pets, what you ate for dinner, you hugging your grandmother. But DELETE any potential less than office safe images. DELETE old post where you went on a political rant. Absolutely DELETE any negative comments you made about past employers, hating to go go to work, hating your job, etc. For images and other posts that are similar but posted by others and you are TAGGED in. UNTAG yourself.

Basically, DELETE as much as possible keeping only OFFICE SAFE non-sexualized, non-political, non-super pro or anti-religious. Do you get what I’m saying here?

For more great related info, check out the LGBTQ Online Privacy and Safety – Take Control article.

Tip 11 – Should you be OUT on your Resume/CV

This is important and I’ve already written a full article exactly on this topic and got a former HR director of Disney’s thoughts. So check out the Should You be OUT as LGBTQ on Your Resume/CV article with interview video/podcast.

Tip 12 – Keep Your it Organized

Keep all of your past job information in a folder, hard copy, or electronic copy with a job description, notes of projects you initiated or contributed to. Measurement and pretty much all the information you’ll need to update your resume and to have for references should you ever need it. This might also have copies of all your pay stubs, employee guides, and any other documents related to your employment. Maybe that’s one file per employer with everything or structure it how you find useful. Along with employer files, be sure to maintain college, training, and certification records too.

Tip 13 – 60 MORE Awesome Resume/CV Tips

For even more resume/CV tips, check out the 60 Awesome Resume-CV Tips for the Queer Professional article. All the content there is still relevant.

To be out as lgbt or not on resume job searching gay lesbian bisexual trans professional online community OutBuro

Should You be OUT as LGBTQ on Your Resume/CV (2020)

July 13, 2020 (updated April 22, 2021) Published by Dennis Velco

When it’s time to update your resume/CV preparing for a job search, it can be tough to know if you should be out as LGBTQ on it. We don’t believe you will find anyone who would suggest putting “I’m queer – get used to it” in bold pink letter sprinkled with glitter on the top of your resume/CV.

So, should you come out on your resume?

No one can answer that question for you. It is your life, your career, your sexuality, your gender identity, and therefore your choice rests squarely on your shoulders. However, read on for insights to help you make an informed decision.

Many in the LGBTQ community disagree about what you should reveal on your resume/CV. Some say to be out being your full and authentic self, while others argue that you should remain in the closet, grit your teeth to land the job and then slowly come out to co-workers as you get to know them individually.

Many people have acquired significant volunteer and work experience from obviously LGTBQ-oriented organizations. Other people struggle with how transparent they should be on their resume or job application when asked about other interests. Knowing what to say, and how much to disclose to a complete stranger with the power to provide or decline a job offer can be cause for worry. It can often feel like living in the closet and being judged for who you are as a person.

How much experience is related?

Not much but it’s close to my heart

You are such a wonderful person for volunteering. If your past experience related to LGBTQ non-profits/NGOs is not really central to the job you are applying for, we’d recommend completely leaving it off your resume/CV. It’s not hiding your sexuality or gender identity, it is just not pertinent. This even includes leaving it out of your resume/CV hobbies/extra activities. If you get a sense during the interview process that the employer and interviewers are LGBTQ friendly you can always bring it up in the course of dialog as appropriate.

Just a bit but it’s important

If some of your experience was acquired from paid or volunteering for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer non-profits/NGOs no matter if you are LGBTQ a straight ally you might start to wonder if you should put that experience on your resume. This effectively would out you as LGBTQ whether you are LGBTQ or a community ally. Additionally, as you’ll learn below even just the perception of being LGBTQ real or perceived can potentially impact your ability to be hired, promoted and even the salary offered.

Major part of my career

If all your experience is from paid or volunteering at LGBTQ organizations, then it’s pretty clear you have no choice. You have to list the experiences. But you still need to be aware of the issues you may face and be prepared to research employers to find the right match and put your best foot forward with the best employers no matter the size or location of the employer.

If you have worked primarily for LGBTQ or other non-profits/NGOs it can also be difficult to break into the for-profit sector. I have heard of people attempting to do make this transition and being told, “Your qualifications are outstanding, however, you aren’t a right fit for this company we are about making money not helping people/the environment/animals.” – true story. So if your work experience has been 50%+ with a non-profit organization no matter the focus LGBTQ or not, be prepared to address this disqualifying mindset proactively in your cover letter and in the every interview conversation if you get that far.

LGBTQ workplace policies are good yet not a 100% guarantee

Reality is even if an employer boasts being a welcoming LGBTQ workplace with LGBT friendly policies and benefits, there are many people involved in the resume/cv review and interview process. Depending on the size of the employer, that may be a few people or in best case scenario it will be a review committee to reduce the chances of one person’s learned prejudices and ignorance to discriminate and disqualify you based on you being LGBT. In any case, it still can be risky. You want to list all your great experience and qualifications to land that new job yet you are also putting trust in the employer company/organization and the individuals in the hiring process.

At what point should I come “out” in the workplace?

It is important to know that you do NOT have to disclose your sexual orientation or gender identity at any point in the resume/cv submission, job application or interview process. This decision is entirely up to you and how comfortable you feel disclosing your sexual orientation, sex, or gender expression. If you do choose to disclose, there are generally three opportunities to “come out” to an employer?

On your resume
In an interview
After you start working for the organization

Many believe that no job is so great that it’s worth hiding who you are and selling yourself short by leaving out all the organizations you volunteered time with, just-just to hide your sexual identity. That volunteer work could have provided many skills and demonstrate your community involvement beyond the workplace showing a well-rounded individual with character.

Some feel that it is more important to get the job first, and then come out after people get to know you. “I’m here. I’m queer. I’m in the next cubicle” approach.

Others strive for a middle ground in where they list their LGBT activities on their resumes but don’t draw attention to it. They might list PFLG, HRC or NGLCC without going into additional details or spelling out the acronym. They might list the abbreviation of a student campus LGBT group and that they were the vice president such as Berkely LGSA Vice President instead of Berkely Lesbian & Gay Student Alliance Vice President. If asked about the entry it’s an opportunity for discussion to expand upon it in person versus potentially being tossed way by someone along the candidate review path who might hold prejudices. such as “vice president of gay campus group.” The rest, says Woog, is left to the interviewer. If she says, “The Rainbow Alliance –- tell me more about that,” it’s an opportunity to expand on it and judge her reaction.

Still, others hold firm that it is inappropriate to come out on one’s resume as it is to mark down one’s religious or political affiliations. We suggest talking with your both LGBT and straight close friends and family who also have a history of volunteer and community work.

As LGBTQ professionals we cannot live in a vacuum and our straight college have no problem listing their volunteer and community activities that might hint at their heterosexuality. It’s accepted.

At OutBüro we believe a resume should be honest and comprehensive. If a person has done work with GLAAD or Lambda Legal for example – and the reader even knows what these things are – certain presumptions can be made or not. We know many straight people who work at LGBTQ organizations too. Putting your volunteer work in the LGBTQ community on your resume is no different than others who may indicate they are a deacon in the church or a Hebrew school teacher on the weekends.

Why should you hide what you value and has contributed to your life, character, your local community and the community at large? It’s unfortunate that all companies do not have sexual orientation and gender identity non-discrimination policies. Luckily many companies and organizations do

Questions to ask

Is the company you are interested in an LGBTQ workplace friendly employer?
Do you feel comfortable disclosing that you are currently or have in your past held a paid positions or volunteered for an LGBT community organization?
Do you include previous work experiences (internships, etc.) that occurred at an LGBT advocacy organization(s)?
Is that current or past experience relevant to the job you are applying for?
How do you list your achievements from an LGBT organization on your resume?
Do you list it as for example an LGBT youth organization or simply a youth organization and if asked which one in the interview process disclose it if you feel comfortable doing so at that time?

Questions you can ask an employer in an interview if their employer website does not specifically state it:

Would you say that your company has a diverse employee base?
Do you offer domestic partner benefits and or other LGBT related benefits and policies? (if not clearly stated on their website)
Does your company/organization have an LGBTQ employee resource support or social group?

Additional considerations for transgender job seekers

Is it OK to use my chosen name on a resume and cover letters are not legal documents? You are not required to list your legal name on either document.

Let’s say your legal name is Stephanie Smith and your chosen name is Darrel Smith. You might consider listing your name as S. Darrel Smith on the resume and cover letter.

Will I have to use my legal name during the Job Search

Unless you have made legal arrangements to change your name, unfortunately, you will need to provide your legal name for the actual job application, background checks, social security documents, and insurance forms. However, most organizations will allow you to use your preferred name for company contact information, email, and phone directory. Human resource professionals are bound by confidentiality and can be a good source of information.

When it comes to dressing for an interview, it is important that you present yourself in a manner that is consistent with the position for which you are applying. Dress professionally for the gender for which you wish to be seen as. This can also help your employer understand which pronouns you wish to use.

The world has changed but not enough

A recent study conducted by the University of Surry demonstrates that discrimination in the hiring process still exists. In that study the presented the participants with headshot images with the backgrounds removed along with voice samples. The found that just based on those two bits of information that the participants indicated they were less likely to hire the person and if they did hire them the candidate would be offered less money for the same job with the same skills as someone they perceived as heterosexual. Additionally, the participants indicated if the candidate already worked for the employer, they would likely be passed over for promotion preferring to promote a heterosexual.

According to a 2013 Queer in STEM study (science, technology, engineering, and math) found that more than 40% of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer people are not out as LGBTQ in the workplace.

One-third of out American physicists have been told to stay in the closet to continue their career as found in the 2014 Factors Impacting The Academic Climate study. Half of the transgender or gender non-conforming physicists were harassed in academia (2015 American Physical Society survey).

In the United States laws to protect LGBTQ workers is still spotty today leaving LGBTQ citizens open to blatant discrimination and harassment. This leads to the findings that in the United States alone, nearly 72% of LGBTQ employees suffer mental stress from a workplace that is not LGBTQ friendly or welcoming.

Regardless of actual sexual orientation, another study found that men who do not conform to the stereotypical masculine norm they are penalized by being left out, not promoted and seen as weak. When women behave in ways that don’t fit their gender stereotype they are viewed as less likable and ultimately less hirable.

Studies find benefits to creating an LGBTQ inclusive workplace

All the while other studies have demonstrated that having LGBTQ in management positions benefits the company/organization. Further many studies have been done the clearly indicate that companies/organization that create an LGBTQ inclusive workplace benefit from increased productivity, increase employee happiness, increased customer satisfaction and increased revenue. It’s a win-win-win opportunity for employers who adopt LGBTQ inclusive policies, benefits, and business practices.

Know the LGBTQ legal protections where you live

No matter how you decide to proceed regarding your sexual orientation on your resume, you should do your homework on the employer’s LGBTQ workplace equality you before submitting your application.

Do research on the company’s website as well as other websites listing the company is important to know as much about them and their LGBTQ stance as possible. Know what legal protections are in place in your city, county, state, and country.

Network with other LGBT professionals of all levels

One of the best ways to get the inside scoop on an employer’s workplace LGBT friendliness is to connect with and communicate with an LGBT employee who currently or recently worked there. Don’t know anyone? No problem. Join the OutBüro on the LinkedIn LGBT professional networking group. It was the first and remains the largest LGBT+ professional networking group on LinkedIn with currently over 46,000 global members.

OutBuro on LinkedIn - LGBTQ Employees Rate Employer Ratings Reviews Company Employee Rating Branding OutBuro - Workplace Corporate Equality Diversity Inclusion

Like the OutBüro Facebook page and message others who like it. We’ll be considering starting an OutBüro on Facebook group shortly and then you’ll be right there ready to jump in.

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LGBTQ employer ratings/reviews

The main focus of OutBüro is to be a growing resource for LGBTQ job seekers to use the site to research LGBTQ inclusive and friendly potential employers.

Add LGBTQ Employer Listing Ratings Reviews OutBuro - GBLT Employees Rate Reviews Company Employee Branding - Corporate Workplace Equality Gay Lesbian Queer Diversity Inclusion

Any company/organization
Any size.
Any location in the world
Your voice matters

It needs people just like you to participate. It’s fairly new and we would appreciate you taking a few moments to add reviews/rating of your current and recent past employers. It’s at no cost to you as an employee and it’s anonymous. Your review/rating will help other LGBTQ job seekers in the future during their job hunt company/organization research.

Search to see if your current or recent past employer(s) are present already in the system. If not, you may add it with limited features and then review/rate them.

Check out the below article and user guides to get started:

In the United States

HRC

Human Rights Campaign - HRC - LGBT Employees Rate Employer Ratings Reveiws Company Employee Branding OutBuro - Corporate Workplace Equality Gay Lesbian Queer Diversity Inclusion

If interested in a job at a US Fortune 1000 level company one source is the HRC Corporate Equality Index. This organization and report have been instrumental in moving large companies forward in creating LGBTQ workplace equality. It is however as mentioned limited only to US Fortune 1000. It is also self-reported by those company HR departments with no employee input to our knowledge and definitely, no direct employee feedback on the actual workplace equality and general work culture.

Although not all, OutBüro has heard personally from many LGBT employees over the past few years that once their employer achieved the coveted 100% HRC Corporate Equality Index score that management backs off and the internal efforts dwindle to barely an acceptable level at best. It is awesome and we applaud HRC and all organizations who have achieved and maintain a 100% score. This report is but one view of the employer’s benefits, policies, business practices, and the potential of an LGBT friendly workplace environment. Don’t rely on it as your only.

If outside the United States

As of the updating of this LGBT employee resource article, OutBüro is only aware of one other corporate equality scoring report.

If you are aware of other studies and reports please contact us with a URL to the site so that we may include it within this article and other resource guides on the OutBüro site.

Rainbow Tick

The Rainbow Tick is a New Zealand national accreditation program for organizations that are committed to safe and inclusive practice, and service delivery for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) people. Organizations wishing to receive a Rainbow Tick are required to undergo accreditation against the Rainbow Tick Standards, owned and developed by Rainbow Health Victoria (formerly GLHV).

Stonewall UK Workplace Equality Index

Stonewall UK - LGBTQ Employees Rate Employer Ratings Reviews Company Employee Rating Branding OutBuro - Workplace Corporate Equality Diversity Inclusion

Participating employers demonstrate their work in 10 areas of employment policy and practice. Staff from across the organization also complete an anonymous survey about their experiences of diversity and inclusion at work.

Organizations then receive their scores, enabling them to understand what’s going well and where they need to focus their efforts, as well as see how they’ve performed in comparison with their sector and region. The 100 best-performing organizations are celebrated publicly.

Stonewall Diversity Champions benefit from in-depth, tailored feedback on their submission.

Free & Equal – United Nations

United Nations Free and Equal - LGBTQ Employees Rate Employer Ratings Reviews Company Employee Rating Branding OutBuro - Workplace Corporate Equality Diversity Inclusion

Violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people cannot be ended by governments alone. Businesses can foster diversity and promote a culture of respect and equality both in the workplace and in the communities where they and their business partners operate.

The United Nations is calling on companies all over the world – big and small, local and multinational – to help move the dial in the direction of greater equality for LGBTI people.

We know from experience that every time discrimination is diminished, everyone benefits.

Conclusion

It’s your life, your sexuality, your gender identity, and your career. Only you can make the choice on how out to be on your resume/CV in your new career job search and in the workplace. It’s your choice.

OutBüro Voices Interview Scott Vedder LGBT Entrpreneir Resume Career Advisor Human Resources Professional Military Veteran to Cilian Work Employment Consultant Business Owner Video Interview Podcast

LGBT Professionals: Job Hunt With a FABULOUS Resume (2020)

June 26, 2020 (updated May 2, 2021) Published by Dennis Velco

Scott Vedder is an LGBT entrepreneur focusing as a professional career coach helping to craft resumes that stand out effectively communicating the skills and past success that align with a candidate’s ideal target jobs. Job search tips for writing a great resume for all including military veterans transitioning to civilian careers, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) professionals seeking a career change and new job. Maximize your resume to improve your job search chances.

Other apps/sites to watch or listen

Suggest an Interview Guest

01:50 Introducing Scott Vedder
02:50 Most resumes are awful so he wrote a book to help
03:30 Special edition for US military veterans
07:20 US Veterans are some of the best job candidates in the workforce
08:15 Signs of a great resume to quantify what makes you a great fit for the job
10:30 Your LinkedIn profile should not be a literal copy of your resume. Think of it as a marketing brochure. Make it POP.
12:30 Tips to create an amazing resume that intrigues and WOW’s like a movie trailer.
14:00 Networking and relationship building should be ongoing
18:00 You will NEVER hear a recruiter say, “The candidate made it too easy to see why they are a great fit for this job”
18:30 The biggest mistake you can make on a resume is writing it like a job description.
20:45 Lose the jargon. Keep the language simple, concise and typically no acronyms unless super commonly known
28:45 Should you be OUT as LGBTQ on your resume?
33:00 Researching employers on their LGBTQ inclusiveness – it is darn difficult
37:00 Join HTTP://WWW.OUTBURO.COM add your professional profile, rate/review your current and recent past employers so that your ratings provide feedback to employers and are available for future candidates
42:00 Ways to further research a potential employer’s LGBTQA friendliness

Scott Vedder conducted over 5,000 interviews as a recruiter at a Fortune 100 company. He quickly discovered that a good résumé is truly hard to come by and that most applicants don’t have a clue what recruiters want to see. Scott’s book “Signs of a Great Résumé” is a #1 best-selling book on Amazon.com and has been endorsed as “Recommended Reading” by the Central Florida Employment Council (CFEC) and the Central Florida Jobs Initiative. Scott is often quoted as an expert resource and is a regular contributor to a number of international blogs, magazines, syndicated newspaper columns, and web sites. Scott has also been interviewed on dozens of live television and radio news programs. While on speaking engagement’s Scott was often asked by military veterans how to best translate their military experience to a civilian job market. This led to the adapted version of his best selling book to focus on military veterans. His focus on and strong involvement with veteran groups led him to be personally invited to the White House twice under two administrations to be recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management, Women Unlimited and the Metropolitan Business Association, LGBT Chamber of Commerce for his contributions and for helping job seekers around the world.

Scott Vedder on OutBüro > https://www.outburo.com/profile/scott_vedder/

Signs of a Great Resume – Book (Get it on Amazon at https://amzn.to/31V0NKg)
Signs of a Great Resume – Veterans Edition (Get it on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2DnLwra)

Signs of a Great Resume – Book

Scott Vedder Signs of a Great Resume LGBT Entrpreneir Resume Career Advisor Human Resources Professional Military Veteran to Cilian Work Employment Consultant

Scott’s #1 best-selling book, Signs of a Great Résumé, will teach you how to write a résumé that speaks for itself. This lighthearted book presents an effective approach to the serious business of writing résumés. Scott’s style is humorous, easy to understand and fun to read …if he does say so himself!

Scott has developed a simple way to make your résumé speak for itself, using !@#$%, the Signs of a Great Résumé. Each sign showcases your experience and skills and highlights your greatest achievements and contributions.

! Any part of your experience that was “amazing!”
@ Defining points, places, dates, and things in your career
# Numbers that quantify and prove your past successes
$ The dollar value of your contributions
% Figures that easily show growth and results

Whether you’re a recent grad or a CEO, a garbage collector or an astrophysicist, you can use Signs of a Great Résumé to make your experience shine… and recruiters love to see some nice, shiny experience on a résumé!

This lighthearted book presents an effective approach to the serious business of writing résumés. Scott’s style is humorous, easy to understand and fun to read …if he does say so himself! In this book you’ll learn how to customize your résumé for each job using !@#$%, how to write a great cover letter and more.

Signs of a Great Resume – Veterans Edition

Veterans, transitioning service members and military families can get great new jobs in the civilian sector with Signs of a Great Résumé: Veterans Edition. Tell civilian recruiters, “I am a P.A.T.R.I.O.T.” Learn to highlight the military values and characteristics that make you a great candidate for the civilian workplace. Taking the above principle and further applying the veteran-specific skills referenced as PATRIOT to stand out and land that new civilian job.

Scott Vedder LGBT Entrpreneir Resume Career Advisor Human Resources Professional Military Veteran to Cilian Work Employment Consultant at US White House

LGBTQ-Entrepreneur-LGBT-Startup-Professional-Franchise-Business-Owner-OutBuro-Gay-Lesbian-Queer-Online-Community

Be an LGBTQ Entrepreneur – Reduce Startup Struggles with a Franchise

April 14, 2020 (updated May 2, 2021) Published by Craig Derene

We’ve all been there—a tough day on the job that makes us eager for a new opportunity. Those periods at work can be frustrating, leading our minds to wander, longing for the American dream. Whether you’re stuck in a cycle of routinely sifting through job openings or you’ve just come to the conclusion that you need a fresh start, the idea of becoming your own boss is a refreshing thought. It’s common and OK to be dissatisfied with corporate America, feeling like you’re meant for so much more. You are reading this so YOU ARE MEANT FOR MORE. Own that, explore your options and take action toward making a change. A new opportunity might be on the horizon for you if you see it and seize it. So let’s explore the reality of opening a small business and how a Franchise Consultant can help guide you to a successful investment of your time and resources and if an established proven business model cutting your startup learning curve and increasing your chances of business startup sucess is right for you .

A great reason to start your own business is a recent study found that even being perceived as LGBTQ can impact your ability to get hired, get promoted and even if hired the salary the employer decides you are worth is typically less than what they’d offer a perceived heterosexual.

America has an estimated 1.4 million LGBT business owners as innovators, job creators, taxpayers, and providers of essential services that benefit our entire society. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender business owners are a vibrant, essential part of the small business engine that makes the U.S. economy run. That is why Franchise Connect Pro has partnered with OutBüro to help bring awareness and opportunities to the LGBTQ community.

Why owning a franchise may be the right choice for you

The truth about starting a small business

Many people looking to make a professional transition turn to starting their own business. Those who start a brand-new business offer unique products and services to the market, but the advantages of being an entrepreneur are usually exceeded by an overwhelming number of financial woes and time constraints.

While we definitely admire the drive and passion needed to start your own business, this might not be the most fruitful avenue for you, as shown in these facts of the reality of starting a small business:

Nearly 50% of new businesses close their doors after five years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Less than half of small businesses are profitable, according to Small Business Trends.
Entrepreneurs typically work odd hours, exceeding 40 hours per week, according to Business News Daily.

Starting a small business might not be a practical option for you to invest your time and resources into, but there is thankfully another way: franchise ownership.

Investing in a Franchise

With a successful model and established brand in place, aspiring business owners can find success by becoming franchisees. Not only is franchise ownership successful in terms of finances in many cases, but it is also beneficial for your overall happiness and satisfaction with your career, as shown in these stats as reported by Small Business Trends.

90% of franchise owners enjoy their business, and 85% positively support their franchisor.
Nearly 75% of franchisees would choose this path again if given the option.
Nearly 80% of franchise owners would recommend franchising with their brand to others.

If you’re a pizza lover, then you might think that owning a nationally recognized pizza chain will be the perfect opportunity for you, but that isn’t always the case. Your professional strengths and desires might be calling you to own a business in a different industry. Guidance in finding the perfect brand is where a Franchise Consultant can help.

Making the Right Choice: Working with a Franchise Consultant

Your next step should not be a guessing game. Owning a franchise will be an investment of your time and money. When working alongside a Franchise Consultant, you’ll get intuitive advice and insight on what option is best for you and your family, factoring in your ideal schedule, income, and industry. A Franchise Consultant will carefully contemplate and evaluate your drive and passion, taking into consideration factors such as when you want to work, where you want to work, and what line of business you want to be in.

Pairing you with a franchise that’s the best match for your personal and professional needs, a Franchise Consultant will work alongside you to make the most of your next career path. And, much like working with a realtor to shop for a new home, working with a Franchise Consultant is no cost to you!

Have Questions? Let’s Chat

Uncover Your Next Step with Franchise Connect Pro

It is our passion to link LGBTQ professionals to a franchise business opportunities perfect for them. As a Certified Franchise Consultants, we are passionate about helping people like you find their best match and increase your chances of business sucess through established business models and brand with recognition.

To explore your next step, give me a call at 770-366-0715 or send me a message here on OutBüro. Connect with me on LinkedIn and check out the Franchise Connect Pro website to stay up to date with the latest trends and more.

Resources for LGBTQ Employees

November 12, 2018 (updated April 22, 2021) Published by Dennis Velco

As a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and heteroflexible employee you can face discrimination, harassment, paid less, passed over for advancement, and other challenges in many forms at work. Studies have shown that facing such challenges can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems that need to be addressed so that you can live a full and productive life both at work and in your private time. Sometimes you suffer in silence and just look for another job. Other times if severe enough it can lead to even more complexities through an LGBT discrimination court case.

I know, you know and now a study shows that being LGBTQ through our life experiences and dedication make outstanding management potential. Also that no matter what role we play as an employee, a company that values you fully as an LGBTQ person has a lot to gain from you individually and collectively as a group of unique perspectives and value.

A Broken Bargain is a report examining the many hardships and barriers facing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) workers across the country, written in collaboration between the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), the Center for American Progress (CAP), and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

LGBTQ Resources on OutBüro

Be a Voice for Change

Naturally, we hope you’ve had great work experiences. Maybe it’s been indifferent. Maybe you’ve had some great work environments mixed in with some bad experiences. Your employer experiences can now be a voice for change. Best yet you may do so anonymously on OutBüro. You can review/rate your current and recent past (up to 5 years past) employers on OutBüro providing the companies valuable insight into the issues in their company affecting LGBTQ employees and what they need to change to create an inclusive and welcoming environment. Further, you’ll be providing insights into the workplace for potential future LGBTQ employees considering those companies as employers.

OutBuro where you belong lgbtq entrprenuers out gay business owers lesbian startups queer professionals employer ratings customer reviews bisexual transgender equality community 1

More Resources

Lambda Legal

Founded in 1973, Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, it does not charge its clients for legal representation or advocacy, and it receives no government funding. We depend on contributions from supporters around the country.

American Civil Liberties Union LGBT Project

The ACLU works to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people can live openly without discrimination and enjoy equal rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association.

The ACLU has a long history of defending the LGBT community. We brought our first LGBT rights case in 1936 and founded the LGBT Project in 1986. Today, the ACLU brings more LGBT cases and advocacy initiatives than any other national organization does. With our reach into the courts and legislatures of every state, there is no other organization that can match our record of making progress both in the courts of law and in the court of public opinion.

CenterLink

CenterLink was founded in 1994 as a member-based coalition to support the development of strong, sustainable LGBT community centers. The organization plays an important role in supporting the growth of LGBT centers and addressing the challenges they face, by helping them to improve their organizational and service delivery capacity and increase access to public resources. Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, CenterLink works with other national organizations to advance the rights of LGBT individuals and to provide LGBT community centers with information and analysis of key issues.

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)

Through strategic litigation, public policy advocacy, and education, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders works in New England and nationally to create a just society free of discrimination based on gender identity and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation.

Human Rights Campaign

HRC works to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

Legal Aid At Work

Legal Aid at Work -Employment Law Center’s Gender Equity & LGBT Rights Program is dedicated to promoting gender equity and advancing the rights of low-wage women and families, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, survivors of domestic and sexual violence, pregnant women, caregivers, military families and veterans, and other under-represented workers and students. Legal Aid at Work provides workshops, information resources, legal counsel, legal representation in class and individual cases and advocates policy change.

Out & Equal

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is the world’s premier nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer workplace equality.

We partner with Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies to provide executive leadership development, comprehensive training and consultation, and professional networking opportunities that build inclusive and welcoming work environments.

National Center for Lesbian Rights

(NCLR) was the first national LGBTQ legal organization founded by women and brings a fierce, longstanding commitment to racial and economic justice and our community’s most vulnerable.

Since 1977, NCLR has been at the forefront of advancing the civil and human rights of our full LGBTQ community and their families through impact litigation, public policy, and public education. Decades ago, NCLR led the way by establishing the first LGBTQ Immigration Project, Transgender Rights Project, Youth Project, Elder Law Project, and began working to end conversion therapy through what is now the Born Perfect campaign.

Advancements in State and Federal Law Regarding Transgender Employees

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force builds the grassroots power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s goal is to create an organization that could support LGBT business owners and showcases the diversity of talent in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities.

Grow Your Business

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) National Help Center

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) National Help Center, founded in 1996, is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that provides vital peer-support, community connections and resource information to people with questions regarding sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Utilizing a diverse group of LGBT volunteers, we operate three national hotlines, the LGBT National Hotline, the LGBT National Youth Talkline, and the LGBT National Senior Hotline as well as private, volunteer one-to-one online chat, that helps both youth and adults with coming-out issues, safer-sex information, school bullying, family concerns, relationship problems and a lot more.

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) National Hotline

Pride at Work

Pride At Work is a nonprofit organization that represents LGBTQ union members and their allies. We are an officially recognized constituency group of the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organizations) that organizes mutual support between the organized Labor Movement and the LGBTQ Community to further social and economic justice. From our national office in Washington, DC, we coordinate and support more than 20 Chapters across the country.

We seek full equality for LGBTQ Workers in our workplaces and unions. We work towards creating a Labor Movement that cherishes diversity, encourages openness, and ensures safety & dignity. We aim to educate the LGBTQ Community about the benefits of a union contract for LGBTQ working people, and to build support and solidarity for the union movement in the LGBTQ community.

Pride at Work 101: Labor Issues

EEO Commision

The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Are you aware of other great resources for LGBTQ employees? Contact us with a link to a URL to add to this listing so all may benefit.

Gay Professional Networking 101

November 7, 2018 (updated April 21, 2021) Published by Dennis Velco

Are you seeking ways to grow and make the most of either your online or face-to-face gay professional networking for your LGBTQ owned business as an entrepreneur or grow your professional career be it a dog walker, attorney, project manager or other? Making connections face to face is always the ideal since it provides an opportunity to casually and naturally discuss your business or career in the course of a natural conversation. However, in today’s times of social media and everything internet, you’d be remiss if you don’t also take advantage of the incredible resources available to grow your business or career locally, nationally and globally online.

With all the issues LGBT people face on the job and in the business community, LGBT professional networking is a must to advance your career and business. You don’t have to be exclusively LGBT focused but ignoring it is just plain missing out.

1. Before you get started

Be sure your profiles set up nicely before you jump in. See our full article for 37 LinkedIn profile tips for the queer professional networker and job seeker.

On Facebook, take a good look at your Facebook history. Does it need a bit of a scrubbing? In any case, I highly recommend you lock your Facebook account down so that only “friends” who are connected with you can see your postings and photos – especially if you like to post photos of nights out shirtless dancing or more.

Likewise for all other social media accounts. This is especially true if job hunting. The recruiters WILL check out your social media accounts even if not listed on your resume or LinkedIn profile. They’ll hunt it down to see what kind of postings you put out there. So lock them down, and/or keep them clean.

Wow, did you just get a “friend” invite from a smoking hot guy or gal? Be careful, that could be an account for the recruiter or prospective client to check you out behind your locked down account. Yes – it happens.

2. Define your realistic goals

What are you trying to achieve with your gay professional networking? Are you trying to land a new job, or gain new clients/customers? Networking takes time and energy. You cannot wait until you really need it to start. It has to be built over time. So many job seekers and small business owners don’t get this and set their expectations unrealistically. So when it doesn’t pay off right away they give up thinking there is no value in professional networking. Marketing 101 says it takes 12-18 or so impressions of your brand to make a memory. Social networking is similar. You must put in the efforts and follow the tips below to create a repeatable impression so that you stick in the minds and get those calls for that new job or call from potential clients/customers. Define your goals and be realistic. Magic and miracles happen because you take action and follow through with both a 3-6 month range goals and a longer term 6-12 month goals.

3. Identify your ideal contact types

You don’t target a company – you target a person. Go narrow and deep (versus wide and broad), and find out who works in your ideal department and who makes the decisions for what you are after. From online profiles to press releases. The resources to discover your ideal contacts are out there.

4. Identify your “strategic contacts”

With all the online information, there is almost no reason for a cold-call or cold-email anymore.

“Strategic Contacts” are contacts who can make important introductions to your target contacts.

5. Put yourself out there

There are a few ways to give your gay professional networking strategy a push in the more active direction, but one of the best is obviously to be face-to-face.

Sign up for conferences or events, which are typically jam-packed with valuable information. Plus, most events give you plenty of time to mingle to start to build professional relationships. Get their contact information and before you leave schedule a get-together for coffee.
Consider volunteering with local or national charities. It’s a great way to both give to your community as well as make new friends and contacts with similar interests.
Try a new organized hobby or sport. It’s a way to get out of your routine as well as also make new friends and contacts not to mention sports such as hiking or others is a great health benefit too.

6. Social media works

Social media has its limitations, but you can take advantage of what it has to offer following these tips.

6a. LinkedIn

See our article on setting up a great LinkedIn profile for queer professionals to get started.

I get amazed by how many people I chat with, like just this week, who are in a job search mode and when I ask if they are on LinkedIn they say NO. I hold my internal response to that and simply reply, “Well, it’s the largest online professional site and recruiters use it prolifically to find active and passive candidates. Get on it today, and once your LinkedIn profile is completed indicate that you are in the job market via its tools. It’s simple and just take a little bit of time to set up following our 37 tips for the queer professional profile on LinkedIn.

I further invite them to connect with me since I’ve been on LinkedIn for around 17 years with over 24,000 1^st degree connections globally. Consider all your LGBT owned small business marketing ideas with networking part of that mix.

There are thousands of groups all over LinkedIn that create industry-specific communities. In addition, there are some that are topically focused while still remaining professional such as the OutBüro on LinkedIn.

Making LinkedIn work for you

Follow companies and check out who works there.
You can leverage LinkedIn’s search for the job title or keyword and then filter it by a company. Nice!!
Scroll through the search results you discover potential new contacts, job titles, positions, and companies.
LinkedIn saves your recent searches for easy access again.
Be judicious – as a free LinkedIn member, there’s a limit to the number of search results monthly that LinkedIn serves up. If you find yourself repeatedly hitting that ceiling, consider a professional level account for a few months.
After your initial contact and introduction get the conversation OFF LinkedIn into a direct email, phone, or in person as soon as possible. You’ll quickly find that messages via LinkedIn get lost in all the connection notices you are making.

6b. OutBüro on LinkedIn

OutBüro provides two vehicles to gay professional networks. The first is our OutBüro on LinkedIn group which was the first, nearly 11 years old, moderated and still the largest LGBT professional networking group on LinkedIn with currently as of this writing 45,000 global members in all levels of career and in all industries.

6c. OutBüro site

OutBüro was launched with a goal to provide a unique space for LGBT professionals of all levels in career and entrepreneurs to:

Connect and network
Form industry or topically focused groups for further interaction
Find a or be a professional mentor
Gain exposure through posting articles and press releases add SEO love to your own website.
Gain exposure through company featured articles about your career, business or your employers
Provide the only LGBTQ anonymous employee rating system for their employers similar to Glassdoor.com
… and growing in content and features

6d. Facebook

In addition to connecting with real and desired “friends,” you should check out LGBT focused, industry-focused and topic-focused groups. Facebook is cluttered a bit much with images of cute kittens and what someone is having for dinner. It’s possible to professionally network yet quite a bit more work to do so.

OutBuro on Facebook - Gay Professional Networking LGBT Entrepreneur Community Business News Employee Company Employer Reviews GLBT Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Queer

6e. Other social media sites

You have to leverage the social media sites where your target connections and audience hang out be it Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter or others.

7 Don’t be shy

Don’t be afraid to reach out and make mutually beneficial connections online. You can find common ground with almost anyone, so using this can be an icebreaker. Make sure your language is not only professional but authentic when reaching out as well.

8. Customize your connection request

When connecting online, send a customized note about why you are reaching out to this person. Did you meet them somewhere? What do you have in common or why would they want to connect with you? Use their first name in the connection message. Keep it brief.

9. Provide and offer value

Focus on giving value to your new contacts, rather than only on what you want from others. Take this rule both in person and online. Like and make thoughtful pertinent comments on other people’s conversation and postings. In person, a good listener asks questions. As they see your genuine interest in them and what they do, they’ll provide the same opportunity for you to share as well.

10. Hash it out

When sharing your own content, re-posting content from a site or commenting, consider leveraging hash tags to gain more visibility. On LinkedIn, you may also follow hash tags to discover great content and people in the topics and industries you are interested in. Engaging and interacting with your non-contacts and contacts alike strengthens those connections and builds your credibility which can lead to opportunities.

11. Professional associations

Get involved in all professional associations that you can. It’s a great way to build your industry knowledge, gain certification as well as network for career opportunities. There are many LGBT focused professional associations to compliment your general ones too.

12. Chambers of Commerce

If you’re a business owner, participating in your local chamber of commerce is a great way to make connections with complimentary business and build a referral network. Many areas also have LGBT Chambers of Commerce too. They provide not only networking opportunities but also education and other resources valuable to the entrepreneur.

If job seeking, you might consider volunteering at the chamber to gain access to all those business owners. That networking could lead to a new job.

13. Nurture your relationships

According to Forbes, 23% of more than 2,200 CFOs agreed that failing to keep in touch or only reaching out when you need something is the greatest networking mistake that professionals make.

There are lots of ways to stay in contact and on their mind. After you’ve gotten to know them a little, you might provide them skill endorsements on LinkedIn. Maybe you might pass along another contact that would be mutually valuable. If you have the opportunity you might connect a great candidate for an open position they have that’s not a fit for you. You’ll comment thoughtfully on their postings. You’ll share their press releases. A little activity can go a long way and build in building a rapport.

14. Networking vs. cruising

Okay, some might think even writing this is just a step beyond. But because I’ve seen it happen to others as well as I’ve had it happen to me, it’s worth stating. When you are in the mode of professional networking, keep it focused on just that. Trying to mix your professional networking and using it as a pick up / hook up vehicle can mean you are too focused on that guy/gal and missing potential professional opportunities.

Can you meet someone via professional networking event that you are personally attracted too? ABSOLUTELY. But, in the space of networking, keep that conversation brief, exchange numbers, and schedule to meet after the event or another day. Remember why you are there.

Also if at a venue where alcohol is being served – have a drink or two, but your always safe with water. Go out and have your fun after the business event.

For a few more gay professional networking tips, check out our other article titled “Career Networking as an LGBT Professional – 7 Tips”.

Closing thoughts

Gay professional networking is not a “one-off activity”. If you follow the tips above, you can start building your network and leveraging those connections to help build your business or grow your career.

Studies show that the key to long-term career success is having a great network. Making yourself known and respected in the community, be it local or online will open up a variety of doors to opportunities.

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37 LinkedIn Profile Tips for Queer Networkers and Job Seekers

November 5, 2018 (updated April 21, 2021) Published by Dennis Velco

To discuss your LinkedIn profile as a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer professional, we first must cover some basics because as an LGBTQ professional we have a bit of a challenge in comparison to heterosexuals which can make networking and hunting for your next career move a bit daunting. Like 72% of LGBTQ professionals, you may have experienced discrimination and harassment on the job at your current or past employers. This can make you feel a bit of trepidation when hunting for a new job wondering, “should I stay and endure or should I go to a hopefully better more LGBTQ inclusive and welcoming work environment.”

All around the world, LGBTQ people still face legal discrimination including in nearly half the U.S. states that do not offer full protection for LGBTQ people on employment rights. You also have to consider how OUT you are comfortable with being on your resume and therefore also your LinkedIn profile. Studies have found that even being just perceived as LGBTQ can result in not being hired, not promoted and less pay compared to being perceived as heterosexual. But change happens because we take a stand.

Luckily, many companies have realized that being diversity open and welcoming toward LGBTQ employees by providing LGBTQ friendly and equal benefits and policies literally provide the company with huge benefits culturally and financially. Corporations and organizations can be the bridge to equality even during turbulent waters of an unfriendly political administration. If applying for a new job at a Fortune 1000 level company be sure to check out the latest HRC Corporate Equality Index for a listing of companies and their LGBTQ employee friendly HRC score. But, companies of all sizes all over the world are waking up to this and providing LGBTQ friendly benefits and policies. Some large companies today even have a diversity and inclusion HR recruiter dedicated to recruiting great LGBTQ talent. Be sure to check out our article on job seeking as an LGBTQ employee for additional tips.

Whether you are currently actively looking for a new job or passively open to being contacted by recruiters with potential opportunities, in addition to LinkedIn consider joining the growing site of OutBüro and add your resume to the searchable database. It is rapidly growing and adding new companies, diversity recruiters, information and features to better serve you and the global LGBTQ professional and entrepreneur community.

On OutBüro you can add your recent past and current employer of any size and any location in the world to the Company Rating area and provide a company review anonymously from your LGBTQ employee perspective.

Build your LinkedIn profile and network before you need it

Follow the guideline tips below to jump-start your gay professional networking and job search. When you’re not looking for a job, it can be all to easy to ignore your LinkedIn. In conversations, I’ve heard so many people say, “I’m not searching for a job right now so I never go onto LinkedIn.” MISTAKE. You don’t show up for a first date and before server asks for your drink order ask your date to marry you and move in – right? I hope not else your dating life is dismal. Professional networking is the same. You need to build the relationships and nurture them. That starts with having a fabulous profile.

Here, I’ve pulled together what you need to know about making your LinkedIn profile sparkle and dazzle.

LinkedIn profile tips for the queer professional

1. Don’t be stale

Before moving on to creating your awesome LinkedIn profile, take a day or so to review and update your resume.

2. Be verbally creative

The most overused buzzwords on resumes and profiles are responsible, creative, effective, analytical, strategic, patient, expert, organizational, driven, and innovative. Drop all the overly used common words and make your resume and profile stand out with fabulous action verbs that make you look like a superhero in your field. Also, consider using a grammar app like Grammarly.com. I love that tool.

3. Resistance is futile

Keep in mind that today large companies use artificial intelligence to search their database and the internet for resumes with key terms in complex formats. So you need to cover the skills simply, directly and in plain language.

4. Get past the first rung

Remembering that often the first actual person who sees your resume or assessing your LinkedIn profile will likely be a junior recruiter who likely has zero knowledge of the industry and your skills. They are looking to see if your resume has all boxes checked before moving it along to the next review step. Many junior recruiters are fresh out of college. Keep it simple and clear while still being complete.

5. Job Duties – ditch ‘em

As you review and update your resume be sure to say bye-bye Felicia to job duties on your resume. Showcase your achievements to demonstrate that you’re a high performer. This will translate to your LinkedIn Profile too where it will catch the attention of recruiters.

6. Snap that pic

Like a good queer in the digital age, you know your profile picture will be the first thing that grabs attention on a site or app. LinkedIn is really no different – except it’s professional only. If starting a new LinkedIn profile. It can be casual and even goofy but keep it corporate office friendly. If you are not a professional fitness coach, keep the shirt on. I love a hot torso shot like the next gay guy, but LinkedIn is not the place for that unless it directly relates to your work.

Have a little fun trying different shirts, poses, backgrounds and more. Just give a smile, be sure it’s clear, friendly and appropriate for your industry and level in your career. Even if you have to wear a suit and tie it can still be professional yet show some personality.

7. Don’t be a mystery

Complete your profile to it’s fullest. The more content the better chances a recruiter will come across it in their searches. Touch and add to every section of the profile, from title, summery, employment history, skills, get endorsements and so forth. LinkedIn actually automatically suggests profiles areas you have not completed. Take note and complete them if appropriate. Think of it this way, have you ever been on a “dating” app and you see a great profile pic then click through and there’s absolutely no profile info? Makes ya wonder. Don’t expect recruiters to think you’re so hot in your photo that they send you a message saying, “Hey, what’s up? What skills do you have and are you available now?” They won’t. They’ll just ignore you and move on.

8. Custom URL – no it’s not vanity

Having a custom URL makes sharing it so much easier. But don’t get cute with stuff like “AwesomeGuy” or “AmazingProgramer”. Keep it simple and professional. The best is www.linkedin.com/in/yourname See instructions from LinkedIn here.

9. Make your profile headline awesome

Your job title and company really shouldn’t be your profile headline. Think of this as your self-marketing tagline. Check out our list of fabulous action verbs to be on message while conveying action. What is it about you that sets you apart? Maybe highlight very briefly your biggest kick-butt thing you accomplished in your last role. Look at other profiles in your industry. Do you see a common theme? If so, don’t be a sheep following the masses. Make your’s stand out as unique showcasing your value proposition. This headline will be constantly visible as you participate in groups, like and share content as well as visible in recruiter search results and when potential contacts are making a quick decision to invite you to connect or accept your invitation to connect.

10 Craft it based on job descriptions

Review several job descriptions from companies you are targeting. Notice keywords and phrases that appear often in some or all and ensure those same words are scattered throughout your profile and summary. Not as duties as mentioned earlier, but within your accomplishments. You can bet that recruiters are using those same keywords when searching for their next candidate.

11. Leverage the summary space

Your profile summary should be just a short overview of your top skills and qualification and maybe include a list of the top few industries you’ve worked in that is also your target ideal job. Keep it short. Usually 3-4 few sentence paragraphs is idea and if you can work in a short bulleted list. This is meant to give the viewer enough information to want to know more.

12. Numbers are good

Include quantifiable numbers in your resume and LinkedIn profile. It can convey your value and credibility. For example, “Founded, built and moderate LinkedIn’s largest LGBT professional networking group with currently 45,000 global members” or “Reduce IT software annual maintenance agreements by 28% within 6 months in Fortune 1000 level financial service firm”.

13. Show personality

Your LinkedIn profile summary is your chance to shine and stand out. Be professional yet write in with a little personality too like you are having a conversation. It’s a brief opportunity for the viewer to get to know you and tell if you might be a good fit for their work culture.

14. Don’t be a queen

England’s queen can get away with talking in 3^rd person. No one is going to believe someone else other than yourself completed your profile. So use language as if you are directly speaking to someone, not like it’s a Forbes article a journalist wrote about you. So when appropriate use “I am passionate ____”. This is one area where your resume and LinkedIn profile differs.

15. Be current

Sure you have to list all the relative jobs with the amazing experience you’ve had in the past, but what if you are currently unemployed or reentering the job market? On your LinkedIn profile, you need to enter something with a “current” date. Why? Most recruiters almost always use your current title and description in their searches. They then look beyond that if it captures their attention. If needed create a dummy job listing and use this to list all related experience you have marketing toward your ideal job. Use the job title for that and if not currently employed consider adding “Seeking” as the company.

16. Contact info

Be sure you add at minimum your email address and phone number to your profile. Also add any other social media accounts you are comfortable with being found by and looked at.

17. Add a website

If you currently do not have a portfolio or about me website, strongly consider creating one. It can complement your resume and LinkedIn profile. If you aren’t technical there are many platforms available to get it up easily such as Wix and others. Also for under $10 you can obtain a URL from sites like Domain.com. On this personal branding website showcase all the work and projects that make you stand out. It’s a great way to move beyond the confines of a resume or LinkedIn profile to communicate your talents and value while presenting a little personality and flair. Naturally, for entrepreneurs, it will be your company website. When completed add the website to your LinkedIn profile.

18. Jazz up your summary with multimedia

On your summary, you are able to addWord documents, Excel files, PowerPoint presentations, pictures, screenshots, video, pdf’s and other electronic files. Maybe add your full resume do it’s accessible for recruiters to download. Perhaps it’s company brochures or branding images. You may want to consider hosting these files on Google Drive.

19. Add certifications

Adding certifications to your profile is a great way to showcase your knowledge and achievements.You may consider adding the text in your summary or job experience. However, adding the actual certification section, via Achievements to your profile will allow recruiters who are looking for a candidate with a certain certification to find you who leverage the specific fields meant for that content.

20. Add projects

You can leverage the projects feature to further build your profile allowing a greater range of skills, talents, and accomplishments to be featured making all the content search-able to find you.

21. Add volunteer experience

Have you gained some great experience volunteering? Add it to your profile in the Volunteer Experience section of your profile. Maybe you didn’t gain work-related skills serving food to disabled veterans or cleaning kennels at your local animal shelter, but adding it to your profile demonstrates that you are a well-rounded person who is involved in your community. It could make you stand out as just the right candidate.

22. Add languages

Do you speak French, German or Mandarin? Adding the languages you speak can be a great way to differentiate yourself on your resume and LinkedIn profile.

23. Get LinkedIn endorsements regularly

When you hear, “you did an amazing job”, ask the person to provide you an endorsement on LinkedIn. Don’t be bashful about specifying what you would like them to say. You might even consider drafting the endorsement based on what they said, naturally suggesting they edit it as they see fit before posting. In that provide a link to your LinkedIn profile. Both these actions will make it super easy increasing the odds that they will follow through with doing it.

24. Delete/hide a recommendation

It’s great that someone had the thought and took the time to provide you an endorsement, but every now and then you might receive one that is not aligned with the direction of your career. It could be in your best interest to delete/hide it from your profile.

25. Keep it clean

With all the options you have to add content to your profile on LinkedIn, I’ll also say, “Don’t feel you have to fill in every single thing.” Just because you can, does not mean you must or should. Keep your profile clean and as minimal as possible while conveying your professional experience and direction. I for example with my new direction in life removed absolutely all of my past technology project management entries. Why? Because it’s not where I’m going. If you worked at McDonald’s 8 years ago and it’s not relevant to where you are now and where you are going – don’t add it or remove it now.

Also, be brief with just enough nuggets of information to make your profile show up in the searches and WOW the recruiter or prospective client. The profile is not an essay. If you want to add more content check out the below tip of adding articles.

Profile all Set – get social

26. Update Your Status

LinkedIn is not the place to post what you ate for lunch. Keep yourself visible in the activity stream by updating your status. Just keep it professional and ideally focused on your industry. Share industry articles, news and company updates.

27. Be social

As you see content from others, like, share and make thoughtful comments on what others post.

28. Follow topics & use hashtags

LinkedIn recently implemented hashtags which now provides you the opportunity to follow them as topics as well as put them in your status updates/postings and comments to push your stuff into those same topics for others to discover beyond those you are connected directly to.

29. Follow companies and people’s

If you are just starting out on LinkedIn your news activity stream will be a ghost town. You need to jump into liking and commenting thoughtfully on what others post. This will be visible in your activity and can boost your exposure. So, judiciously follow industry leaders and companies that you are interested in. You can follow people that you are not directly connected to. From their profile choose the more “…” and then select “follow”. Visit company pages and select the “follow company” button. If you go a little gangbusters at first you can always unfollow them in the future. They won’t get notified if you unfollow – so no feelings hurt.

30. Write article content

Anyone can publish an article on LinkedIn.If you already have a blog it’s a great way to repost your content, building your personal brand and increasing the content associated with your profile thus improving your visibility in searches. Be sure to explore all the LinkedIn Article features. For examples check out articles I’ve posted via my own profile. Use hashtags in your article to increase its exposure. Ideally, you’ll add a featured image and call to action images in your article (search the internet for “free images” – never just download something you see on another website – not cool). Cover the topic and show a little personality while remaining professional.

31. Be a groovy groupie

LinkedIn Groups can be an indispensable resource. Just like your general site activity, the more active you are in a group the more exposure you will have and build a branded reputation as a thought leader, a nice person and an interesting conversationalist. There are thousands of groups on LinkedIn. Choose wisely. Search for your industry and topics of interest, such as OutBüro on LinkedIn which is the oldest, largest, most active and moderated LGBTQ professional networking group with, as of this writing, 45,000 global members.

Via your group settings, you can control the communications from the group as well as hide a group from your public profile. You may also directly message any other group member so that increases your reach on LinkedIn. You may find another group member works for a target company you seek to work at or do business with and have the group as a conversation opener. Keep your group posting and commenting activity focused on the group topic.

32. Connect with others

You may have come across other articles about LinkedIn that say to only invite people to directly connect with you that you actually know. Okay, that is the premise of LinkedIn. But would you attend a local in-person business networking event only to grab a few snacks, maybe have a beer and talk with ONLY the people you already know? If so, you just should have invited those friends over for a BBQ in your backyard. What was your point of attending the networking event if not to meet NEW people? Right?

LinkedIn should be no different. It is about expanding your reach and exposure.

I’ll admit, I’m a prolific connector. It has paid off and will continue to bring new opportunities in many ways.

If you are new to LinkedIn, I won’t put a number on how many connections you should have. But think of this. If seeking a new job or reaching out to new client potentials and your LinkedIn profile as next to no other connections, what will a recruiter or prospect think?

This person has been living under a rock.
This person obviously has no value to bring me since others don’t find value in connecting with them.
This person scared of social media and maybe technology as a whole.
This person is not dynamic enough.
This person will not fit into our work culture.

Do not be that person. You are welcome to invite me to connect to get your connecting on a strong path. I’ve been on LinkedIn for 17 years – way before it was much – and have over 24,000 1^st degree connections which will then be your 2nd-degree connections. My connections span the globe and industries.

33. Search privately

Via your LinkedIn privacy settings, you can choose the way your profile appears when you are checking out other profiles. You may not want every person to know you visited their profile. Not a problem. Set your privacy settings and jump in with no trails left behind.

34. Job hunting secretly

If you are seeking a new job yet currently employed, you may not want the current employer to be aware you are looking for greener pastures. No worries, in your LinkedIn privacy settings set your “Job seeking preference.”

35. Send a message

When you are asking to connect with someone on LinkedIn, don’t just click “connect”. You receive a much better acceptance rate if you choose the “send a message” feature. Take moment and check out their profile to see where you have commonalities and personalize the very short message. It might read, “Hi Bob, I see you’re the director of the Dallas LGBT center. My work focuses on providing information and resources to LGBQ professionals and entrepreneurs. I’d love to connect on here.”

36. Engage, ask and thank

After someone accepts your connection or you accept theirs, reach back out with a short “Appreciate the connection” message. If you think there’s a good reason to, ask for a short introduction phone call. Do NOT just start spamming the person with over received “offers” to improve their website and SEO. I get those several times a week. I just hit delete and then assess if I really want that person in my network

37. It’s not a dating site

Could there be a chance of meeting someone via LinkedIn for dating? Maybe. I’m guilty of receiving a connection request, checking out the profile and thinking, “Holy crap, he’s hot as f*(k !!” But that’s not the intent of the site. And personally, if not local, what’s the point of that train of thought? I’ve read about a woman using it as a dating site. Normally, most frown upon that approach on LinkedIn.

Do you have tips on what’s been successful for you in your use of LinkedIn? Use the comments below to share your ideas, tips, and tricks for us all to grow together.

Category: Job Search