(Archive) ABN AMRO werft inclusief

Vacancies are written too ‘masculine’, and attracts fewer women than they could

Close your eyes and think about the words ‘results-driven’, ‘expert’ and ‘manager’. What image pops into your head? Is it a man, by any chance? You’re not alone. In addition to their literal meaning, words often carry a tone that readers perceive as masculine or feminine. And vacancies for top positions are often filled with ‘masculine’ terms, whereby fewer women apply.

Looking through a different lens

It’s important to read a vacancy that only attracts men through a different lens. Which words in the text give the impression – albeit perhaps subtly – that you’re looking for a male candidate? And how can you articulate your message in a way that eliminates this ‘distinction’? Practical application shows that companies that switch to gender-neutral vacancy language sometimes attract as much as 50% more women than before.

ABN AMRO must take more steps

There’s also progress to be made at ABN AMRO. More men than women work at the bank, and the ratio becomes more and more skewed the higher you go in the organisation. In order to prevent the bank’s Recruitment team from unknowingly targeting men, it has created a guide to gender-neutral and inclusive job postings. It’s just one step ABN AMRO is taking towards appealing to a wider target audience: men, women, and everyone in between.