Advertising your vacancy
Highlight equal opportunity
Being bold and upfront about your commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion in the job posting can have a really big impact on potential applications. Mention any diversity initiatives or employee resource groups within your organisation.
Make sure adverts use inclusive images and language.
Consider providing some guidance on how to complete an application, how we will review applications and important things for them to consider including.
Accessible formats
Ensure the job posting is available in multiple formats, including plain text, PDF, and HTML. Use an accessible website or applicant tracking system (ATS) that complies with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) wherever possible.
If you are advertising on social media, make sure that hashtags are #CamelCase, avoid use of all capitals and make sure your alt-tags are useful and relevant.
Some handy tips:
- Add meaningful ALT text when using imagery in social/online adverts
- State pay in £ not codes / grades (this makes it feel like it’s an internal recruitment)
- Include place and pattern of work (in the office/hybrid/remote) and the specific hours (and if they are flexible)
- Highlight if your organisation is part of the Disability Confident Scheme and what that means for the recruitment process
- Offer apprenticeships
- Offer secondments
- State when a job is ‘open to applicants who propose a job share’
- State if the job could be done part-time
- Remove age related language such as ‘junior officer’ or phrases like ‘we are a young and vibrant team’ as that might discourage people who don’t consider themselves young.
Alternative methods
Offer alternative methods of applying, such as email applications or a phone hotline. Ensure that all application methods are accessible to candidates with disabilities.
Where to advertise
Think about where you are advertising and whether those channels are used by and visible to a diverse range of potential candidates. If we always advertise in the same places, we may be limiting the audience for our vacancies.
Collaborate with diverse networks
Partner with staff networks, organisations, associations, or platforms that focus on diverse talent. Attend job fairs and events targeting underrepresented groups.
Flexible work options
Highlight any flexible work arrangements, remote work options, or accommodations available. Emphasize the organization’s commitment to work-life balance.