The McCafferty Career Center is a safe space committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ students, welcoming intersecting identities and respecting pronouns while also having conversations about how that might impact your future work or professional development. Learn more about our LGBTQIA+ resources and allies below!
- LGBT Connect – Experienced job-board for corporate recruiters who are seeking experienced diverse candidates
- NovoResume – A guide to provide the LGBTQ+ community with job search resources and tips to identify companies that promote inclusion
- TransWork – employment opportunities for the transgender community
- PinkJobs – LGBTQ-friendly job board
- Human Rights Campaign – Board to find jobs, internships & fellowships
- MA LGBTCC – Mass LGBT Chamber of Commerce job board
- National LGBT Chamber of Commerce: Promoting LGBT community in business
- Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: Dedicated to educating and fostering leadership for LGBTQ communities in STEM
- Reaching Out MBA: Education, inspiring and connecting students and alumni MBA and graduate communities
- The Association of LGBTQ Journalists: Journalists, media professionals, educators and students working from within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBTQ issues
- Mass Equality: Support in the total educational experience of LGBT students, primarily in the development, evaluation, initiation and implementation of career plans and opportunities
- Out for Undergrad: Fully funded conferences to explore career options, encounter opportunities, and build a network of friends and supporters. Includes a job board & other resources
- Out Professionals: The nation’s leading LGBT non-profit network
- Out & Equal – LGBTQ Careerlink offers tools and resources focused on LGBTQ inclusion in the workplace
- College Choice – College Resources for LGBT Students, the Ultimate Guide
- College Guide for LGBTQ Students – list of scholarships, on-campus organizations, and other national resources
- Coming Out at Work – HRC Article on advice for individuals who want to come out in their workplace
- Workplace Gender Identity and Transition Guidelines
- Guide to Handling LGBTA+ Discrimination in the Workplace
- Windo – Check out employer profiles to learn more about employer DEI, health & wellness and environment
- HRC – Human Rights Campaign (Know your rights)
- Career Resources for LGBTQIA+ Job Seekers
Frequently Asked Questions
What name should I use on my resume? Use your preferred name so employers know how to address you. You can write your name in a few ways such as: Emma “Halo” Saint | E. “Halo” Saint |Halo Saint. In addition, under you name, you can add your pronouns which are typically italicized like so: She, Her, Hers | He, Him, His | They, Their, Theirs
My official name change has not yet gone through, when do I need to use my legal name? Legal names are needed for background checks, I9’s and health insurance forms. (For your health insurance, speak with your doctor on how to complete the gender section). Once your name change is official, you may need to provide new copies of your license/social security card/passport to HR. HR is required to maintain confidentiality. You can ask that your preferred name is used for your company email and phone directory.
Should I list jobs I had before my transition? Yes! You have great skills from your previous experiences. Having a previous job on your resume does not give permission to your new employer to call them, however they may ask if they can call to do an employment check. You can give them the name and number of a previous coworker or supervisor you trust. Or, you can confide in your new HR manager on why you do not want that employer called.
How should I handle giving references? Use references you trust. They can be coworkers, managers or peers. References cannot be friends or family members. If you have transitioned after leaving a job and would like to use a reference from there, reach out to the reference to talk about your new name and pronouns. Another option would be to let the HR manager know to speak to your reference using your previous name and pronouns. Make sure to clarify which name/pronouns to use with each reference.
Should I talk about my transition in the application or during the interview? That is a personal decision. Based on the employer and the type of job you are going for may determine your level of comfort in talking about your transition.
What if the interviewer asks me an uncomfortable question? Some questions are illegal to ask an applicant including sex, sexual orientation and gender identity. Here is a more in-depth look at legal vs illegal questions. Your Career Advisor can conduct a mock interview so you know how to handle an uncomfortable question.
How can I find accepting employers? Check out the Human Rights Campaign for a list of companies dedicated to inclusivity. In addition, you can check out a company’s mission and vision, their anti-discrimination policies (which should include gender identity, sexual orientation, genderless bathrooms and commitment to diversity). Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index
I’m currently in a job and am starting my transition. Disclose as you feel comfortable doing so. There is no one right or wrong way to take this on. Ideally, you will find support and inclusion at your current place of work. Here are some resources just in case: Transgender Law Center, GLAD Workplace Laws – Massachusetts, Trans Work
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s important to assess whether a potential employer fosters an inclusive and supportive environment. Asking thoughtful questions at the end of your interview can help you gauge the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Here are some questions you might consider asking Employers:
- Can you describe the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, specifically regarding LGBTQIA+ employees?
- Are there any employee resource groups or support networks for LGBTQIA+ staff within the organization?
- Can you describe the diversity of your team and how different perspectives are valued within the company?
- How does the team celebrate and recognize LGBTQIA+ events or milestones, such as Pride Month?
Here are some questions you might consider asking HR:
- What policies does the company have in place to protect against discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity?
- Are there benefits that extend to same-sex partners or cover gender-affirming healthcare?
- What training or resources does the company offer to educate employees about LGBTQIA+ issues and allyship?
- Can you provide examples of how the company has fostered an inclusive culture for LGBTQIA+ individuals?
- How does the organization support career advancement and professional development for LGBTQIA+ employees?
Asking these questions not only demonstrates your awareness and commitment to diversity and inclusion but also helps you determine if the company aligns with your values and needs as an LGBTQIA+ professional.
Feel free to tailor these questions based on what’s most important to you and the specific context of the interview.
Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: 617-975-9104 | cdi@mahoneybemmanuel-edu
OUTspoken: Emmanuel College OUTspoken is a club dedicated to providing a safe and open space for LGBTQ+ members and allies of the Emmanuel Community through the thoughtful discussion of LGBTQ+ topics and current events, planning and managing LGBTQ+ themed events on campus, and by fostering a place for any LGBTQ+ student to be themselves without fear of judgment. Emmanuel College OUTspoken shall strive to uphold the values of Emmanuel College while striving to better the college for those who identify within the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
