Shining Bright: Career Tips for LGBTQIA+ Job Seekers
By: Neil Patrick G. Nepomuceno
This PRIDE month, we are celebrating the joy, beauty, and power of the most diverse and welcoming members of our society today. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance in your career, here are five career tips to empower LGBTQIA+ workers to navigate their professional journeys with confidence and resilience.
Let’s embrace our authentic selves and continue to push for inclusivity in every workplace.
Inclusivity: Choose a Job That Embraces Your True Self
When searching for a job, conduct your research and have a deep understanding of their organizational values. Read online reviews and talk to past and current employees. Make sure that the team or department that you will be joining are open to working with you and other members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
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For those who are already in a job for a company, you can expand your network beyond your team in order to gain new friends and #Allies of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Join PRIDE Communities within the company
On top of your research, try to look for PRIDE Communities within the organization and join them. Having a group of people that treats you like family and will support your career goals, well-being and aspirations can help you achieve more.
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You can be an advocate for change. Now, with the power of social media, and different messaging apps, it is possible to create an official LGBTQIA+ community within the organization. Be proactive and set meetings with your boss, and other units that can help you start this great initiative. You may also invite allies, and other members of the LGBTQIA+ to support you on this initiative.
Communicate and educate your coworkers
Everyone, regardless of gender deserves to be treated fairly and with respect. Whenever you encounter a co-worker that goes overboard with their actions, correct their actions by telling them to stop and change their behavior towards members of the LGBTQIA+
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If you feel unsafe at the workplace, create a dialogue with your employer regarding modifications and improvements to the current training that can be done. If no training takes place, suggestions can be made for the company to implement training.
Be Yourself and Shine Professionally
Members of the LGBTQIA+ are easily one, if not the most fun people to be around with. However, when it comes to some industry, companies or gatherings, always remember to follow dress codes, and other rules that may be implemented.
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Read books, watch tutorial videos on how to dress and behave appropriately in a formal event, and take bits and pieces from these resources and apply it to yourself. You don’t need to be 100% prim and proper, you can still be yourself to some degree.