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Searching for a job or internship is an important part of your career development. Jobs and internships, especially those you work while in college, will enable you to develop the professional skills and experience you need to make the transition from college to career upon graduation. There are many resources and techniques for searching for an internship and we recommend checking out your specific Career Cluster page for resources, however here are some additional specific resources for LGTBQ+ students.

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Evaluating and researching potential employers

First, make sure to identify what you are looking for in your own job search. You might want to ask yourself the following:

• What do you want to do for your career?
• What interests and skills can you contribute to a workplace?
• What interests or skills would you or do you want to develop?
• Who do you want around you?
• What kind of work environment is best for you?
• Where do you want to be in the world?
• How does your family or community impact the process?
• Not sure how to answer any of these questions? Visit our TypeFocus Work Environment Module.

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FAQs for LGBTQ+ Students during Job or Internship Search

Should I come out during a job or internship search?

The decision to come out is up to you and is based upon how comfortable you are disclosing that information. There is no requirement to do so during the job or internship search process. If you do decide to come out, you can do it in your resume, via your cover letter, during an interview, or after you start working for an organization. Make sure you discuss the status of your disclosure with your references so they will speak appropriately on your behalf if contacted by potential employers.

For more information, visit the Human Rights Campaign resource Coming Out at Work 

How can I find a LGBTQ+ friendly company or organization?

It’s important for all job seekers to do research to find companies and organizations that are a good fit for them based on their values and interests. For LGBTQ+ candidates, here are some things to look for.

• Is the company known for being inclusive and diverse?
• Does the company publicly support LGBTQ+ initiatives?
• Does the company show a commitment to diversity in its mission statement?
• Does the company offer benefits to same-sex partners or spouses?
• Is diversity or cultural awareness training offered to employees?
• Does the company conduct and promote inclusive groups and events for LGBTQ+ employees?
• Does the company have non-discrimination policies in place that cover gender identity and expression?
• Will I feel safe and included at this organization?
• Does the company’s healthcare provider provide coverage for trans employees, does the insurance cover gender-affirming surgery, and are trans-affirming providers available?
  • More more information, visit: Transgender-Inclusive Benefits for Employees and Dependents
• Is the company’s gender marker and name change policy available and can employees effectively navigate the process?
• Are there unisex/gender-neutral bathrooms? (Note: you can look out for this during an in-person interview or tour of the workplace).

Where can you find answers to those questions? 

• Visit the company website – Does the company have LGBTQ+ resources or programs featured? Does the company provide a non-discrimination policy or diversity statement? Policies are often listed in the Careers, Jobs, About Us, or diversity-specific sections of websites.
• Speak with your professional network – Talk to people that work in that industry to see if they are aware of the organization’s policies or reputation. Also, connect with people at the organization to learn more about LGBTQ+-related programs and policies.
• Ask questions during your interview – Direct questions to company employees related to workplace culture, and if you want to be specific, inquire about LGBTQ+ policies, resources, and groups.
• Consult the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index – This resource is a valuable tool that assesses companies on LGBTQ+ policies, practices, and benefits
• Read reviews on career-related websites – Do your research to see what people are saying about the company, including its LGBTQ+ presence, on websites such as Glassdoor.com, Indeed.com, and LinkedIn.com. You can also explore professionals that work at different companies and organizations through LinkedIn’s Alumni Finder tool (for more information, visit our Networking Module). 
• Ask recruiters from companies – How do recruiters and employees respond when asked about diversity, inclusion, and social justice? Can they give you an example of ways the organization promotes diversity and/or combats discrimination?

How should I dress for an interview?

For the interview, you should dress professionally and for the gender you wish to be seen as. It’s up to you to decide if you are comfortable disclosing information related to your LGBTQ+ status. Keep in mind that the focus of any interview should be on your skills, qualifications and value that you will bring to the job/organization rather than your sexual orientation or gender identity. For more information about interviewing, visit our Interviewing Module.

Do I need to use my legal name throughout the job search process?

You are not required to use your legal name on application documents such as your resume and cover letter. You can use your chosen name on these documents. Some people choose to use their first initial followed by their chosen name, and then last name. You can also list a “prior name” in materials, including job applications.

You can also use your chosen name in your social media and LinkedIn, which is a professional social media networking platform. Be purposeful in how you engage with social media, especially when it comes to your chosen name and how you prefer to present yourself. Many employers search for potential candidates on social media and what they find can influence their hiring decisions. When conducting a job search, try to be consistent with how you present yourself. 

You will need to use your legal name for applications that request your legal name and processes involving background checks, social security documents, and insurance forms. If you have taken steps to legally change your name, then you may use your new legal name for these purposes. Remember that Human Resources managers are required to maintain confidentiality, but there is always some risk of disclosure. You should consult with the HR department at the organization regarding their policies, as many allow employees to use their chosen name for company email addresses and company directories.

If you are submitting materials, such as a portfolio or publications that you created under another name, you can include a notation that the materials were created by you under a previous name.

For more information, review this helpful article: Navigating Gender Identity and Expression During a Job Search

How do I share my pronouns/make my pronouns known?

Introduce yourself with your name and pronouns instead of waiting for someone to ask you. You can also put your pronouns on your resume and/or cover letter.

What do I do if someone misgenders me/uses the incorrect name or pronoun/asks questions about my identity?

Make the person aware of their mistake and correct or inform them of your pronouns. Share what you are comfortable sharing about your identity. You may also tell them “I am not comfortable answering questions about my gender and/or sexuality.” For more information, visit: HRC: Talking About Pronouns in the Workplace

What if my references don’t know I’m trans? What if they don’t know I’ve changed my name/transitioned? Or, What if my references do know I’m trans, but I don’t want new employers to know right now?

You have three options. You may choose one of these strategies, or a combination, depending on your situation:

• Talk to your references. Explain that you’re applying for jobs and you’d like to continue to list them as a reference, but that it’s very important they refer to you by the name and pronoun you use now. This option can seem intimidating, especially if you’ve been out of touch for a while, but it’s often worth a try. If they respect you and your work, they may be willing to learn about your new situation and support you in your job search.
• Talk to potential employers. Explain that even though you go by a particular name and pronoun now, people from your past may not be aware of this and may refer to you by another name. Ask them to help maintain your privacy when they call your references, by using the name and pronoun with each reference that you provide to them.If you are concerned about your former supervisors or colleagues knowing about your transition, make sure to clarify to the hiring manager or the person who will be calling your references that you do not want other employees to hear about your new name and/or gender.
• Use new references. If coming out to references or employers is not an option for you, you may need to find new references. This option is particularly useful if you’re switching careers and/or it’s been a long time since you worked. Some ways to get new references are volunteering, working in unpaid internships, and taking classes where your teachers can serve as references. This does not mean you’re starting over. Your new supervisor may be able to speak to skills/experiences that you acquired in previous jobs, especially if you’re staying in the same field of work. No matter which option you choose, you can also have a friend call your references and pretend to be an employer to double check that your references will get it right.

LGBTQ+ Internship and Job Search Websites/Resources

• 55 LGBTQ+ Job Search & Career Resources: LGBTQ+ job search resources for different geographies/locations, recent grads, and specific industries.

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In addition to the resources on your Career Cluster Page, there are a variety of LGBTQ+ focused websites you can use to search to support your career development.

• Pink Jobs: LGBT, gay friendly jobs and candidates
• Campus Pride Jobs: Job Board for Campus Pride, which represents the leading national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBTQ students
• LGBT Connect: Connects employers with the LGBT community
• Out and Equal: Main focus is to help connect organizations that support and value diversity and inclusion within the workplace
• Out for Work: Supports LGBTQ students as they transition into the workplace
• Pro Gay Jobs: A site dedicated to helping LGBTQ candidates find positions with companies committed to diversity in the workplace
• Indeed.com and Idealist.org: Search jobs using keywords like “LGBTQ” or “gender” to find LGBTQ+ work and organizations

Your resume and cover letter should highlight the most important information relevant to the specific job to which you are applying, which is why every resume and cover letter you write will be different. You will want to showcase projects, classes, and internship experience. You can also include work you have done that is related to LGBTQ+ initiatives, social justice, diversity, and inclusion. We recommend taking a look at your specific Career Cluster page to view sample resumes from your major and for industry specific resume formatting advice. For your reference below, we have also included links to important resume and cover letter resources including professional development modules, quick tip sheets, and videos. Lastly, you can refer to a sample resume and cover letter that showcase how a student highlighted their experience in LGBTQ+ on and off campus.

Resumes Resources

• Cover letter

  Cover Letter Module

  Start Here

  Cover Letter Guide

  Quick Tip Sheet

  Cover Letter Sample

  Explore

  Cover Letter Video

  Watch

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FAQs for LGBTQ+ students related to resumes and cover letters

Should I come out in my resume or cover letter?

The decision to come out is up to you and is based upon how comfortable you are disclosing that information. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, and no requirement to do so during the job or internship search process. All application materials should be customized for the specific position to which you are applying. If you do decide to disclose your sexual orientation or gender identity in your resume or cover letter through your work and experience with LGTBQ+ organizations or initiatives, make sure you showcase the skills (leadership, problem solving, critical thinking, communication, etc.) you have developed and illustrate how they apply to the opportunity.

Conduct research on the organization to determine its company culture, as that can affect your decision. You never know who will review your resume and what biases they possess, so some candidates don’t disclose select information during the initial application process.  Remember, you can always ask questions about diversity, inclusion, and company culture during the interview. 

For more information, visit the Human Rights Campaign resource Coming Out at Work 

What name should I use on my resume?

You are not required to use your legal name on application documents such as your resume and cover letter. You can use your chosen name on these documents. Some people choose to use their first initial followed by their chosen name, and then their last name. Keep in mind that a resume is one of the first interactions you’ll have with a potential employer, so using a name that aligns with your identity will guide the employer to see you in that way.

You will need to use your legal name for processes involving background checks, social security documents, and insurance forms. You should consult with the HR department at the organization regarding their policies, as many allow employees to use their chosen name for company email addresses and company directories.

How can I word LGBTQ+ experience on my resume?

If you are open to sharing your (actual or perceived) sexual orientation or gender identity and connection with LGBTQ+ initiatives and experiences, you can provide specific examples that reflect your affiliations such as: Intern, URI Gender and Sexuality Center; or Coordinator, LGBTQ+ Pride Week. 

If you prefer not to disclose your (actual or perceived) sexual orientation or gender identity and connection with LGBTQ+ initiatives and experiences, you can still present the work you did on your resume. You can list organizations by an acronym or use a generic term to describe them, such as: Intern, Diversity Student Campus Group: or Coordinator, MSSC Campus Event. If you use acronyms, know that you may be asked to define/explain them in an interview. Another option is to omit LGBTQ-related experience on your resume.

Can  I include jobs and experience on my resume that I completed under a different name or before I transitioned?

Yes, you should include that information (as long as it is relevant for the job to which you are applying). The fact that you transitioned doesn’t mean you start over regarding your professional skills and experience. You can include content on your resume without granting permission to contact your former supervisor or employer. (Keep in mind that a potential employer may do an internet search, so you should be prepared to address what they might find regarding your identity.) If the potential employer is trans-friendly, you can tell them why you don’t want them to contact the former employer or you can provide the name and contact information for a former coworker that worked there and is aware of your transition.

Should I include my pronouns on my resume?

Adding your pronouns to your resume is a personal decision. Review the following resources to determine if you want to include your pronouns on your resume and how to do so. https://www.mypronouns.org/ and https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/pronouns-on-resume