According to the Human Rights Campaign, about 43% of LGBTQ+ employees nationwide state that they are closeted in the workplace. Many LGBTQ+ employees in Georgia and throughout the world don’t feel safe or comfortable coming out at work, particularly in rural areas. However, it can be difficult to find lasting career success when you aren’t comfortable. No matter how you present yourself professionally, you can improve your career and climb higher in your roles with a few strategies. Members of the LGBTQ+ community need to be able to utilize their skills and talent to break through any career barriers they may face.
Education
Many great trade schools, community colleges, and universities in Georgia are LGBT-friendly and offer many options for those who need to start or continue their professional education. From nursing to entrepreneurship, securing a formal education can work wonders in your career. Not only can you stay educated and current with your profession’s trends and skills, but formal education looks excellent on a resume. It can prove experience for any career licensing you may need. Georgia College and State University, Emory College, and the University of Georgia are solid options featuring LGBT-inclusive programs, communities, or events—but many more are out there. If you already have an education in your field of choice, consider getting additional accreditation or degrees to add to your skills and resume.
Licensing
Many careers require licensing to practice, such as physicians or lawyers. If you’re an LGBTQ+ community member working in these fields, you likely already have a license. However, if you’re just starting, obtaining that license is the first step to career success. Many careers in Georgia require a license, even real estate agents and construction workers. In Georgia, licensing requirements typically involve applying, fees, and passing an exam. With licensing exam prep classes, you can adequately prepare to obtain a professional license, such as a general contractor license in Georgia. These classes will help you study for any exams you may have to take to secure a professional license. Some career licensing is optional in Georgia, but you should consider obtaining a license anyway, as it can boost your career opportunities as an LGBTQ+ professional.
Networking
One of the most critical aspects of career growth in Georgia, especially as an LGBTQ+ professional, is through networking. Networking aims to establish more professional friendships and relationships to learn more about the Georgia career field of your choice. Networking also puts your name out into your career field’s social circles to increase the chances of obtaining a great opportunity. As a member of the LGBT+ community, networking can also help you find other gay or trans professionals in your field to give each other support, solidarity, and insight into LGBT-friendly workplaces. Networking is most often achieved through professional social media such as LinkedIn or X (Twitter). Send friend requests, be friendly, and engage with other professionals to establish a good relationship.
Knowing Your Rights
Securing employment in a positive workplace can be challenging without legal protections. Knowing your rights as an LGBTQ+ employee in Georgia is a great way to professionally keep yourself safe and satisfied. Unfortunately, Georgia’s anti-discrimination laws do not include any specific language regarding discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity (sex is included, but gender identity is somewhat of a legal gray area). However, sexual orientation and gender identity are both covered in Georgia’s hate crime laws. Knowing specific laws regarding your rights and safety is essential for safety and career growth.
Perfecting Your Resume
Sometimes, your resume is the only thing standing in the way between you and a great career opportunity. Even if your resume may seem perfect, it may need some upgrading to be compatible with modern digital hiring practices. Certain employers use automated filtering for field-related keywords; resumes without specific keywords can be automatically excluded from consideration. Consider sprinkling in industry-relevant ‘keywords’ in your resume. For example, if you work in marketing, include ‘social media marketing’ or ‘search engine optimization’ somewhere in your resume, depending on your skills. You can ensure your resume is included for human consideration in this way. Also, tailor each cover letter you write for the specific company and role you are applying for; this will allow you to appear dedicated and qualified.
Utilizing Job Search Skills
You can find a great LGBT-friendly career opportunity in Georgia by improving your job search skills. You can find more job opportunities online than in person, so utilize multiple online job platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and others to increase your range. Contact hiring managers personally if their public information is available on their website. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each role and company you apply to. Learn to identify scam job posts; if an opportunity seems suspicious or ‘too good to be true,’ it likely is.
LGBT-Friendly Employer Research
As an LGBTQ+ professional, you’re going to want a friendly work environment, even if you are closeted while working. You want your employer or place of work to care about your safety and desire to see you thrive regardless of who you are. Knowing you provide work for a company or business that supports people like you can also improve your mental health. Before applying to any role or company in Georgia, research their views regarding LGBTQ+ people. Their company’s website can provide information about this. Former employee reviews on websites like Glassdoor can also offer insight into harmful workplace experiences. Certain journalists and news sources may report on a company’s LGBTQ+ policies as well. You can increase the chances of career satisfaction with a bit of research.
Conclusion
While Georgia’s anti-discrimination laws in the workplace can be better, it’s good to know your rights, options, and strategies regarding career success as an LGBTQ+ professional. Know how to prime your resume and cover letters for better hiring chances. Consider continuing your education or getting a license to increase your skill set and experience. Apply to LGBT-friendly employers regardless of being closeted to improve your mental health.