Disclosing identity information on applications 

As a student, postdoc, or alumni, you may have current or past experiences that provided you with highly-relevant competencies and transferrable skills. However, you may be uncertain about how you can discuss these experiences, or whether or not you should include them on application materials, if they were developed as part of your experience in an affinity- or identity-based organization. You might have multiple reasons why you may decide to include information, or not, on your application materials or through your conversations.

Ultimately, you get to choose what and how you include your experiences and accomplishments on your resume or CV, and what you share in conversations. However, if you are concerned about conscious or unconscious bias in the hiring process, here are some considerations to minimize potential impact on your application:

1. Determine your comfort level with disclosure

Your ability to perform a specific task or job is not necessarily determined by personal characteristics. Sharing about your participation in some affinity/identity-based groups might reveal information about you that you may be uncertain about disclosing.

While many identities are protected under certain employment laws and regulations, this varies by state and country, so you may need to conduct additional research to help you decide when and how you might want to disclose identifying information. Consider the broader social, political, and economic climate on the local and national level, and how these factors might influence a company’s policies, hiring trends, and supports for identity/affinity groups.

2. Align your values

How important is it at the job that you obscure or hide an aspect about yourself? How important is it for you to be able to share this aspect of your identity at work? What professional persona do you want to bring to this workplace? These questions will have very individualized answers, and there is a wide spectrum of what might feel right for you — and that’s okay. Some people want to fully align their personal and professional personas at work, while others feel more comfortable having a professional identity while keeping some aspects of their life outside of work private.

This may become more or less important to you as factors outside of your control may affect your decision. Current events, the economy, political/organizational climates, and the job market might be some factors that may influence your choice.

While there is merit in helping to make change on the inside, working to support an organization that does not fully value you can be challenging. Find the degree that you feel comfortable with sharing aspects about you, keeping in mind that what may feel right for others may not feel right for you — and that’s also okay.

3. Make it relevant

What knowledge, skills, and abilities are important for this job? Your application, interview, and related discussions should focus primarily on how you are prepared to tackle the needs that the organization has identified through the job description. If you held a treasurer role in an organization, and your skills/accomplishments from that experience do not support the needs outlined in the job position, you may not need to include it. Focus on identifying the information that is necessary for them to know.  

Ultimately it is up to you as a candidate to determine what is best for you. If you need additional support on this topic, schedule an appointment with a career advisor, and we can discuss your unique experience in the job search.