Career Resources for LGBTQIA+ Students

This resource guide has been created in collaboration between the Career Development Center, Business Career Services, and Henderson Springs LGBTQ+ Resource Center. Through our discussions with center representatives and students, we outlined a variety of resources that can help students of the LGBTQ+ community navigate their career search during and after their undergraduate experience. For more information about the Hendson Springs LGBTQ+ Resource Center, visit their website.

Highlight your identity

Resume and cover letter tips

How to include pronouns on your resume

Whether to Include your pronouns on an application or on your resume is a personal decision to make as there is no right or wrong way to approach disclosing your gender identity or sexual orientation. However, there is still the threat of conscious or unconscious bias that can lead to hiring discrimination, so doing research beforehand can help you be strategic in the hiring process

When intentionally applying for positions
- Start by researching the company to learn about their inclusivity goals or programs and take steps from (link to eval of employer page) to see how inclusive the organization is
When posting a resume on Handshake or Linkedin
- Be cognizant of industry norms when deciding to include information like your pronouns as some industries are more judgemental than others
- Weigh the pros and cons of including information that may be outing to a wide audience
Ask yourself:
- Do you want to be able to show your authentic self in all spaces in your life?
- Are you comfortable restricting information about yourself to others in order to maintain status quo or progress your career?

Linkedin and Email

Linkedin now has the option to add your pronouns to your profile. This can be another way to highlight your identity and let employers know how you identify
Additionally, you can add your pronouns to your email signature to additionally let other know of your identity and pronouns

Interview tips

Professional dress info

Deciding what to wear during an interview can be difficult depending on your gender identity and sexual orientation. Many organizations are loosening or broadening their dress codes to be more inclusive but some still employ a gendered dress code, which can be limiting depending on your identity
Professional dress standards are regularly unfair and/or inequitable in practice. Navigating the process of obtaining clothes, fitting into a prescribed and rigid dress code, and dressing in a way that is not authentic to your identity is difficult. Being as informed as possible about the organization you are interviewing with will help when deciding how to approach dressing for an interview.
You have some choices in how you can approach these situations. You could dress in accordance to the gendered dress code, in a more gender neutral way, or in a way that allows you to show your authentic self.

What is allowed to be asked

In an interview, an employer cannot ask about ones sexual orientation or gender identity as that information could lead to violating Title VII regulations or state laws (depending on where you are interviewing)

The interview is your opportunity to learn more about the organization, get a sense of the culture, and gather as much information for you to make an informed decision as to whether or not it will be a good place for you, your values, and your goals.

Some examples of questions to ask:
- “Do you have an employee resource group for members of the LGBTQ+ community?”
- (If medical benefits are an options) “Do the company medical benefits cover transition costs?”
- “Has anyone come out or transitioned while working for you? How were they treated?”
- “What are you doing as an organization to ensure everyone is feeling included?”
- “What kind of equal opportunity training has my supervisor had?
  - These questions could be good to use during an informational interview with a current employee as well!
  - For more questions, read this article by Glassdoor!
Use your instincts
- Does the interviewer respect your pronouns or do they blow them off?
- Does the interviewer state their pronouns? If not, do they seem taken aback or confused when you introduce your pronouns?
  - Depending on the reactions to your questions or statements, you may start getting a good idea if the organization is going to be a good place for you to work and be your authentic self

For additional information

Identity Matters: The LGBTQ+ Job Search (video): Job searching is stressful for everyone. For LGBTQ+ folks, there is an increased level of anxiety and questions: How should I introduce myself on my cover letter? Do I put my pronouns on my resume? Is this employer really going to be supportive and equitable? Here from our experienced panelists as they explore these topics. We are joined by Clarinda Choice (she/they) Assistant Director for Campus Activities- Clubs & Organizations at Appalachian, Rebby Kern (they/them) Director of Education Policy at Equality NC, and Mike Schaefer (he/him) Manager, University Relations for E&J Gallo Winery

Evaluate the employer

Finding information as to whether an organization is supportive of LGBTQ+ identities is difficult to locate. Thankfully, the Human Rights Campaign and the Corporate Equality Index is a good place to start. While there are several lists of employers on the Corporate Equality Index, there is are broad list such as the Corporate Equality Index, as well as more specific lists focused on inclusive healthcare organizations such as the LBGTQ Healthcare Index and Transgender Inclusive Healthcare Index.

To explore more about organizations

Review company mission, values, and vision on the company website to see if they have a publicized stance on inclusiveness in the workplace. Here are some steps to take to research further and see if a company is authentic in their mission and is going to be a good fit for you:

Search for any policies or handbooks posted on their website, glassdoor, or in other public domains.
Look for any specific affinity group information, and/or programs specific to supporting LGBTQ+ identities.
Look for company on websites such as the Human Rights Campaign, Glassdoor, and Linkedin to learn about people’s experiences at organization.
Utilize the Linkedin Alumni Network for Appalachian State University and your college’s specific Linkedin account, tol research more about a company and add to your personal network.
Speaking with alumni who work or have worked at the companies you are interested in can illuminate more of the company culture not seen on the internet.
If you are working with a recruiter, you could also discuss the equal opportunity efforts seen in the company with them as well.

Ask questions during the application and interview process

Some examples of questions to ask:

“Do you have an employee resource group for members of the LGBTQ+ community?”
(If medical benefits are an options) “Do the company medical benefits cover transition costs?”
“Has anyone come out or transitioned while working for you? How were they treated?”
“What are you doing as an organization to ensure everyone is feeling included?”
“What kind of equal opportunity training has my supervisor had?”
These questions could be good to use during an informational interview with a current employee as well!
- For more questions, read this article by Glassdoor!

Use your instincts

Do the interviewers respect your pronouns or do they blow them off?
Do the interviewers state their pronouns? If not, do they seem taken aback or confused when you introduce your pronouns?
Depending on the reactions to your questions or statements, you may start getting a good idea if the organization is going to be a good place for you to work and be your authentic self.

Websites/Articles for further information

Americanprogress.org: LGBTQ workplace trends and current news.
Human Rights Campaign: This section of the HRC information is focused on professional resources for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
HRC: Coming Out: Living Authenitcally as Transgender or Non-binary
Glassdoor.com provides reviews from current or former employees about their experiences within the company and those reviews can be telling about company culture.
Justice Matters: Inclusivity in Internships: Internships are an important step on the way to a career. The wrong internship can leave you confused and lost, while the right internship can give you purpose and skills to move forward. We invite companies to the table who are doing the work to make internships more inclusive. From a corporate internship in computer science hoping to add diversity to the field to a nonprofit, justice-centered internship advocating for marginalized populations across NC–this video will help you explore why inclusivity matters to your internship choice and experience.

Make connections

Clubs and organizations

Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA): A campus organization that strives to create an inclusive and accepting environment for all gender identities, sexual orientations, and romantic identities. Intentions to bring education and awareness of social justice issues as well as foster a sense of community among LGBTQ+ students.
A-SPEC: A safe space for people who identify along the asexual or aromantic spectra or who are questioning to come together in community to discuss topics and issues that face the community, and advocate for increased visibility on App State’s campus while creating a peer network for it’s members.
InQueeries: Formerly known as Appalachian Allies, this group promotes an open, affirming, and inclusive environment on campus but creating a network of trained allies to support and provide information to the LGBTQ+ community. Currently, InQueeries is offering trainings on sex vs. gender and vocabulary, queer political and societal issues, and an introduction to trans language and issues.
Neers 4 Queers: This mentor program is for first year App students who identify as LGBTQIA+ and strives to assist new students in the process of being integrated into the Appalachian LGBTQIA+ community through social events, educational opportunities, and relationship building with their mentor.

Know your rights

It’s important to know who you are and the rights you have as an employee. Below are some resources about identity and laws and protections for LGBTQIA+ people.

DealAid Most LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies: List of unaffiliated organizations that have made significant contributions to support, raise awareness and endorse equal rights initiatives for the LGBTQ+ community.
Human Rights Campaign: Workplace and corporate attitudes and policies around sexual orientation.
Inside Higher Ed: Navigating Gender Identity and Expression During a Job Search: Article on navigating the different issues that may arise when our own sense of gender identity and expression doesn’t match the perceptions of others during a job search.
Lambda Legal: Legal organization working for the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. Also provides summary of states, which prohibit discrimination, based on sexual orientation.
National Center For Transgender Equality: Social justice organization dedicated to advancing the equality of transgender people.

Explore your resources

Resources on campus and in Boone

Henderson Springs LGBT+ Resource Center: International Hallway, PSU, 263 Locust Street, Boone, NC 28608 A campus community resource to empower, educate, and affirm LGBTQ+ people, allies, and advocates.
TransAction: A campus organization dedicated to being is a safe space for transgender and non-binary people and their advocates. Focused on proper treatment and education and awareness of issues affecting trans and nonbinary students and community members.
Inclusivity Matters: Find Your Fit (video): Finding a work environment and culture that is aligned with your identity and values is really important. Hear from our panelists about lessons learned from their own professional experiences and how they have affected change in their workplace.
College Guide for LGBTQ Students: Resources for LGBTQ students, guides on evaluating colleges, and resources for parents along with challenges and laws LGBTQ students should be aware of.
Scholarship Guide for LGBTQ Students: List of scholarships, guide on applying for them, some LGBTQ-friendly colleges, and policies/laws that protect LGBTQ individuals.
Zippia LGBTQ+ Scholarships for College Students: List of available scholarships dedicated to supporting individuals within the LGBTQ community.
Out Professionals: The nation’s leading LGBTQ networking organization where you will find webinars, networking opportunities, and job opportunities.

Job search resources

Identity Matters: The LGBTQ+ Job Search: Job searching is stressful for everyone. For LGBTQ+ folks, there is an increased level of anxiety and questions: How should I introduce myself on my cover letter? Do I put my pronouns on my resume? Is this employer really going to be supportive and equitable? Here from our experienced panelists as they explore these topics. We are joined by Clarinda Choice (she/they) Assistant Director for Campus Activities- Clubs & Organizations at Appalachian, Rebby Kern (they/them) Director of Education Policy at Equality NC, and Mike Schaefer (he/him) Manager, University Relations for E&J Gallo Winery.
Justice Matters: Inclusivity in Internships: Internships are an important step on the way to a career. The wrong internship can leave you confused and lost, while the right internship can give you purpose and skills to move forward. We invite companies to the table who are doing the work to make internships more inclusive. From a corporate internship in computer science hoping to add diversity to the field to a nonprofit, justice-centered internship advocating for marginalized populations across NC–this video will help you explore why inclusivity matters to your internship choice and experience.
Out Professional Network: A part of the larger Professional Diversity Network, the Out Professional Network provides a comprehensive job board focused on employers who have a positive track record with and are supportive of the LGBTQ+ Community.
Center on Halsted: Chicago-based job/internship listings of LGBTQ-friendly organizations and comprehensive LGBT community center.
National Consortium of Directors of LGBT Resources in Higher Education: Job listings for college and university positions.
National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals: Organization that advocates equal employment opportunity, professional networking, role modeling, science education, and scientific freedom/responsibility. They practice science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with PRIDE.
Out For Work: Career resources, internship and job posting site dedicated to LGBTQA college students.
Out and Equal: Dedicated to creating safe and equitable workplaces for the LGBT community.
Pride At Work: Labor/union resource/LGBT constituency group of the AFL-CIO.
Zippia LGBTQ Workplace Resource Guide: Resource guide to help members of the LGBTQ+ community navigate the corporate landscape.